Contraception types

Long-acting reversible contraception (LARCs) are contraception that you don’t have to take every day or every time you have sex. Some people call them “fit and forget” contraception. LARCs are the most effective type of contraception – they’re more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.  

There are two types of LARC: 

1. The intra uterine device (IUD) – which lasts for three or five years
2. The implant – which lasts for five years

LARCs are called “reversible” because you can get pregnant as soon as you have an IUD or implant removed.

Some people also call the Depo Provera injection a LARC. But it’s a bit different. Depo Provera is an injection that lasts for 13 weeks. Your period and fertility can take about 6-12 months to return after your last injection – but there’s not always a delay.  

Hormonal contraceptives include the pill and the Depo Provera injection. These contraceptives use hormones to prevent pregnancy.

There are two types of pill: 

1. The combined oral contraceptive pill
2. The progestogen-only contraceptive pill

You take one pill every day. If you take the pill correctly, it is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. 

The Depo Provera injection is an injection you get every 13 weeks. If you get your injections on time, Depo Provera is more than 99% effective.

Barrier methods stop cum and infections from entering the vagina, anus, or mouth. There are two types of barrier methods: 

1. Condoms — which go over a penis, sex toy, or strap
2. Internal condoms — which are put inside the vagina

If used correctly, condoms are 98% effective. As well as preventing pregnancy, condoms are the most effective protection against sexually transmissible infections (STIs). It's best to use condoms with lube.
 
When using condoms, it’s a good idea to use other contraception as well.  

There are two options for emergency contraception:

1. The emergency contraceptive pill (ECP)
2. The copper IUD

It’s best to use the ECP in the three days after unprotected sex — but four days is okay for most people. Unprotected sex is when you have penis in vagina sex without a condom or oral dam.
 
If you weigh more than 70kg, one ECP might not be enough. Don’t worry! Most people weigh more than 70kg. We can give you two ECPs — or you might be able to get the copper IUD. Both methods are good emergency contraception. 
 
The copper IUD can be put into your uterus for up to five days after you’ve had unprotected sex. The copper IUD is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. The copper IUD is a type of LARC — it can be left in and used for long term contraception. 
 
It's best not to use the ECP as your regular method of contraception. A LARC, or a hormonal contraception type, is much more effective.  

Some people avoid pregnancy by using fertility awareness. These people only have sex at times when they are not fertile.  
 
In theory, this is a pretty effective method of contraception. In reality, one in four people who try to use fertility awareness for contraception end up becoming hapū. 
 
You should talk with an experienced fertility teacher before using fertility awareness as a type of contraception. You can learn more about fertility awareness from Natural Fertility NZ.  

Permanent contraception prevents all future pregnancies — it’s very difficult, or impossible, to reverse. It’s sometimes called sterilisation.   
 
Permanent contraception is normally either a vasectomy or a tubal ligation.  

Our medical professionals know pretty much everything there is to know about contraception. We can definitely help you work out what contraception type is best for you.  

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