What Contraception Is Right for Me?
Words by Mauri Ora—Student Health
I want a contraceptive that will make my periods go away, get lighter, or become less painful.
Your best options are an intrauterine system (IUS—known as Mirena or Jaydess), the combined contraceptive pill, or possibly a progesterone-only or “mini” pill.
I want a contraception that can last for months or years.
Your best options are an intrauterine device (either a Copper IUD, or an IUS such as Mirena or Jaydess), an implant (known as Jaydelle), or the depo injection.
I want a pill I can take daily.
Your options include a combined contraceptive pill or a progesterone-only pill (also known as the “mini” pill).
I want a contraceptive method that doesn’t contain hormones.
Your options are condoms or the copper IUD.
I have a strong family history of blood clots, strokes, or breast cancer (at an early age).
You may not be able to safely use a combined contraceptive pill.
Acne is an issue for me.
Certain types of pill can be helpful for this, in addition to acting as a contraceptive.
I am prone to migraines that affect my vision, speech, sensation. or co-ordination.
If yes, you may not be able to safely use a combined contraceptive pill
I want a permanent contraceptive.
If you definitely don’t ever want to become pregnant, your best option is sterilisation. This is available for anyone, but for younger people your doctor will likely want you to try other options before deciding that this is the right option for you.
I want a contraceptive that can be used in an emergency (i.e. I have had sex and am not on regular contraception).
Your choices are the emergency pill (also known as the “morning after pill”) or the copper IUD.
I want protection against STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections).
The ONLY contraceptive that offers reliable protection against a range of STIs (though sadly not all STIs) is the condom! We would encourage condom use alongside a reliable contraceptive—one prevents infection and one prevents pregnancy.
How much do contraceptives cost?
At Mauri Ora, visits for domestic enrolled students are free; international students may be charged (see our website for more details on fees).
If you want to discuss your contraceptive choices, book an appointment with one of our team—any of our doctors or nurses can talk to you about the different options and help you figure out which one may suit you best. Alternatively you can visit Family Planning—see their website for information on services and fees www.familyplanning.org.nz.
If you want to have a copper IUD, a Mirena, or a Jaydess, there is no charge for this if it is carried out at our clinic. Injections and implants are also free.
If you opt for condoms, you can get up to 144 prescribed by one of our team—this will cost a $5 prescription charge only.
Most types of pill (combined and progesterone-only/”mini”) cost $5 for 3–6 months supply, but there are one or two options that are more expensive (e.g. Yasmin and Cerazette).
Good resources (if you don’t want to reinvent the wheel) are:
www.brook.org.uk/topics/contraception
www.familyplanning.org.nz/advice/contraception
www.justthefacts.co.nz (for great info on STIs, condoms, and sexual health)