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ContraceptionWomen's Health Information PackageDefinitionContraception is the prevention of pregnancy. It may be achieved by: - Barrier/device methods - Hormonal methods - Natural family planning - Traditional methods - Sterilisation
 About the information resourcesThe resources on contraception contained in this information package were updated following a literature review of in Women's Health Victoria's (WHV) Clearinghouse. The resources contain current information on women's options in contraception, why women in some situations might favour a particular type of contraception, and the experiences of women using contraceptives in certain circumstances. Some of the web sites recommended provide answers to commonly asked questions, eg. What to do if you've missed taking the pill or had a condom break. Included are details of relevant books, journals, articles and web sites that have been independently reviewed by a health professional. The emphasis is on the Australian situation and a social model of health and feminist approach provide the framework within which information is provided. All of these resources and a range of others (not listed here) covering many topics from both medical and alternative therapy perspectives are available from the WHV Clearinghouse Resource Centre. A description of how Women's Health Information packages are developed and resources chosen is available here.
General information1. Fact sheets by FPA Health (Family Planning Australia ) Full text available from FPA web site here. The fact sheets on the FPA site are user-friendly, understandable for consumers, and include diagrams.
 2. Contraception fact sheets by Family Planning Victoria (FPV) Full text available here. The resources on the FPV website provide a concise and accurate overview of the different methods of contraception available to women in Australia. There is also information on how consumers can obtain contraceptives from FPV.
3. Contraception Full text available here. This site provides links to information on all kinds of contraceptives, as well as frequently asked questions.
4. Clinical practice guidelines 2003 Written for health professionals, this set of guidelines is concise, current and evidence-based. The text is organised by contraceptive type and also includes information on gynaecology and sexually transmitted diseases. Each topic has a comprehensive resource list.
5. New contraceptive choices across reproductive life Full text available here. This excellent article examines the reasons why particular contraceptives may be the best choices for women, according to life stage and circumstances. Contraceptives available in Australia are reviewed, and their benefits and limitations concisely listed.
Specific populations and situations6. Disability and sexual issues Full text available here. This web site discusses issues of sexuality including body image, sexual function, sexual sensation and reproductive rights for people with disabilities. Contraception is discussed, particularly issues to consider when making contraceptive choices.
7. Should a woman who has never been sexually active receive a pap smear before starting birth control? Full text available here. This article clarifies the need for cervical screening of young women requesting contraception prior to sexual activity. It discusses the psychosocial factors involved, and comments that there is nothing to be gained in a Pap smear for a woman who has not had sexual intercourse, and may deter young women from seeking contraceptives.
8. The sexual and reproductive health of young Victorians Full text available here. This outstanding report discusses the sexual and reproductive health needs of young people in Victoria, including contraception, pregnancy and birth rates, abortion, and sexually transmissible infections. The chapter on service delivery is invaluable for clinicians and other health service providers in addressing effective communication and other skills specific to young people.
9. Contraception not a recipe for teenage promiscuity Full text available here. A very sensible article about how clinicians can best provide contraceptive access to adolescents without judgment. Parents are also encouraged to be open in discussing safe sexual practices with their daughters and sons.
10. Secondary students & sexual health Summary of findings available here. A recent study has indicated that by trying to trying to avoid pregnancy, young people are likely to engage in sexual activities other than penile-vaginal sex, without proper knowledge of STI risks.
11. Preventing sexual risk behaviors among gay, lesbian, and bisexual adolescents: the benefits of gay-sensitive HIV instruction in schools This article discusses the contraceptive and sexual health needs of young people who do not identify as heterosexual. For young people struggling with their emerging sexual identity, engaging in heterosexual activity can be a way to try and prove to themselves and others that they are "normal". The risk-taking that often accompanies this behaviour can result in unwanted pregnancy and denial.
12. How to treat: post-partum care Full text available here. This article tackles a number of concerns common to women in the months following birth. Contraceptive choices related to breastfeeding, intention to have more children, and personal preference, are discussed.
13. Implanon and breastfeeding Full text available here. This fact sheet discusses the effects of Implanon on the breastfeeding woman and her baby. Factors such as milk production, quality and the health of the woman and the baby are considered.
14. In and out Full text available here. This article discusses the importance of following up women who have had Implanon rods inserted, especially as their three-year expiry approaches. The risks of unwanted pregnancy are addressed, as are the potential challenges in removing deeply implanted rods.
15. Sexuality and contraception when approaching menopause Full text available here. This fact sheet provides a comprehensive discussion of the various methods of contraception and the specific issues needing consideration around the menopause.
16. Disturbingly low levels of contraception among women living with hepatitis C This resource discusses the rate and methods of contraception used by Australian women living with Hepatitis C. The article raises the need for clinicians to address contraception with Hep-C positive women in ways appropriate to their needs.
17. Contraception for women and couples living with HIV Full text available here. This resource is a self-directed learning tool for clinicians and health educators wishing to extend their knowledge on the contraceptive needs of people living with HIV. The format is easy to follow, and there is a self-administered test to gauge gaps in learning. There are also links to fact sheets for consumers.
Web sitesThese web sites have up-to-date information on all contraceptive methods: 1. Family Planning Victoria (FPV) Information on contraception choices along with many other health issues. Some services available in VictoriaFamily Planning Victoria: Provides clinical services and education (03) 9257 0100 or Freecall1800 013 952
Melbourne Sexual Health Centre: Provides comprehensive sexual health services. Freecall 1800 032 017 or (03) 9347 0244
Languages other than EnglishIf you are looking for information on a variety of health topics in languages other than English try searching: Free Internet access locationsLocations of free internet access terminals across Victoria are available through this web site: http://www.internet-access.vic.gov.au
Resources reviewed December 2005 For details on how to locate any of this information or to confidentially discuss any of this information, contact your local Women’s Health Service or the RWH Women's Health Information Centre phone line, Monday to Friday 9am-5pm on (03) 9344 2007; Country Callers: 1800 442 007; or email. Health professionals and other service providers wishing to access the services of the WHV Clearinghouse contact us by phone: (03) 9662 3755, fax: (03) 9663 7955; or email. Other resource information on various health topics can be accessed via the Clearinghouse Resource Collection database. Online access is available here. For easy printing of this document open the PDF version
YOUR FEEDBACK IS IMPORTANT TO US We would encourage you to take a moment to e-mail our Health Information Officer, at clearinghouse@whv.org.au and let us know:
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