Current Students
Further information
If you are going to have sex it is important to protect yourself and your partner from sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancy by using contraception every time you have sex.
A range of contraceptive choices is available in Australia. Many of these protect against pregnancy only and do not prevent STI transmission.
Condoms, when used correctly (and particularly in combination with the pill), and abstinence are the only effective contraceptive methods for preventing transmission of STIs and pregnancy.
Methods of contraception
- Male and female condoms
- Combined contraceptive pill
- Progesterone-only pill ('mini-pill')
- Vaginal ring
- Injectable hormonal contraceptive (Depo)
- Contraceptive implants (Implanon)
- Emergency contraception
- Intra-uterine device (IUD)
- Diaphragms, cervical caps and spermicides
- Natural methods of contraception
Unreliable safe sex methods
There are some contraception methods people may use which are not reliable at preventing pregnancy and transmission of STIs. These include:
- Withdrawal/pulling out: This is when the man removes his penis from the woman's vagina before he ejaculates ('comes'). Even if the man 'comes' outside the vagina, there can also be sperm in the pre-ejaculation fluids from the penis. The risk of pregnancy using this method is very high.
- Standing up while having sex.
- Putting things into the vagina after having sex (for example, rinsing with water or coke).
- Taking a hot bath.
- Using plastic film (filmwrap) instead of a condom.
University information
CRICOS Code: 00126G
