Our Services

Contraception

The Pill

Oral Contraceptives are a very common form of contraception for women. It comes in two main forms; the combined pill and what’s knows as the POP (progesterone only pill) or mini-pill.

The combined pill contains two hormones, oestrogen and progesterone, which prevent as egg from being released by a woman’s ovary each month.

Prescribed by your Doctor, the combined pill is taken at the same time once daily for 21 consecutive days. To complete the 28 day cycle, no pills or ‘sugar pills’ (without any hormones) are taken for the remaining 7 days, during which time you would be having your period.

The Progesterone Only Pill (POP) or Mini Pill, unlike the combined pill it contains only one hormone.

It is good for women who are breast feeding, older women, smokers and those obviously who can’t use the combined pill. It has to be taken at the same time each day or at least within three hours of that time. It is not reliable if taken over three hours late or if you have been suffering any vomiting or diarrhoea, in which case extra precautions will be required.

Both types of Pill have been known to assist with pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) and painful periods.

In short there are many different types of pill, so if one does not suit you then another one might and any of our Female Doctors here at Healthy Women Medical Centre would happily discuss which one may be best for you.

Intrauterine Device (IUD)

Commonly called either Multiload® or Mirena, they are a small device fitted into the uterus by a doctor and are effective contraception for up to five years.

The IUD works by preventing the sperm from meeting the egg, or by preventing an egg settling in the uterus. IUD’s can be used as an emergency method of contraception within five days of unprotected intercourse. However IUD’s offer no protection against sexually transmitted infections or HIV/AIDS.

Mirena

A Mirena is a contraceptive option more broadly referred to as an Intrauterine System (IUS). It is a small plastic ‘T’ shaped device with a cylinder around its stem that releases a hormone to prevent pregnancy.

It is referred to as a ‘system’ to distinguish it from the copper -bearing IUD’s which do bit release hormones.

The Mirena is also placed inside the uterus by a doctor and can stay in place for up to five years, however can also be easily removed at anytime.

Mirena is useful for women with heavy, painful periods as it may make periods lighter, shorter and less painful. It is also a particularly suitable contraceptive for women approaching or undergoing menopause as it can be used as the progesterone component of hormone replacement therapy.

Many of our Female Doctors here at Healthy Women Medical Centre are fully compliant and trained for insertion and removal of Mirena and would be happy to discuss your suitability during your consultation.

Implanon®

Implanon® is a contraceptive implant containing the hormone progesterone. It is inserted under the skin in the arm by a doctor under local anaesthetic.

Implants are a good method for women who want a long term contraceptive, as each implant lasts for three years. It is easily removed and quickly reversible.

Some considerations are that your period can become irregular or stop altogether, and again they don’t offer any protection against sexually transmitted infections or HIV/AIDS.

Any of our Female Doctors here at Healthy Women Medical Centre would be happy to discuss your options and answer any questions you may have regarding this type of contraception.

NuvaRing®

NuvaRing® is a soft, flexible, non-absorbent plastic ring is slightly larger than a fifty cent piece and is easily inserted by the woman herself. It is left in place for three weeks and taken out for a week. Once inserted it slowly releases low doses of two hormones, oestrogen and progesterone, similar to the pill.

The Rings design ensures that it conforms to your internal contours and stays comfortably in place. On insertion, the ring expands to fit the wider, upper part of your vagina. The muscles of the narrower, lower part then hold it safely and comfortably in place.

When the ring is in place you shouldn’t be able to feel it. The upper vagina - where you place the ring - is relatively insensitive to touch. Most couples who use the ring don’t even notice it during intercourse.

For more information on whether the NuvaRing® is suitable for you any one of our lovely Female Doctors at Healthy Women Medical Centre would be happy to discuss this with you during your consultation.

At Healthy Women Medical Centre, all our Doctors are Female with a special interest or training in Women’s Health, so it’s refreshing that you will be able to speak with someone who completely understands.

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