it takes two
it takes two

It takes two… to have a conversation about contraception

Before heading in to your GP’s office to have a chat about your contraceptive options be sure to do your homework so you can have an effective conversation.
Even if you’re already using contraception, it’s a good idea to review if it’s working for you, or if there’s an option better suited to your needs.

FILL IN THE FOLLOWING AND PRINT RESULTS TO TAKE WITH YOU TO THE GP:

Things to know about me:

WHAT KIND OF SEX I’M HAVING:
SAME-SEX
SEX WITH ONLY ONE PERSON (Heterosexual)
SEX WITH MULTIPLE PARTNERS
MY PERIODS ARE
LITERALLY THE WORST
(Painful, heavy, other symptoms (e.g. mood changes/acne))
NOT THE BEST
NOT A PROBLEM
IF I HAD TO CHOOSE A HORMONE:
I HATE THE IDEA OF THEM
THEY SCARE ME A BIT, I NEED TO KNOW MORE
THEY’VE WORKED SO FAR, BUT I DON’T LIKE THE IDEA OF MORE
I DON’T MIND THEM AT ALL
MY THOUGHTS ON HORMONES:
I LIKE THE IDEA THAT IT’S IDENTICAL TO MY OWN NATURAL HORMONES
I DON’T MIND IT BEING MADE SYNTHETICALLY IN A LAB

Additional things your doctor will need to know or might ask about:

  • Any contraceptives you’ve used in the past (if you know the brand name brilliant)
  • How they worked for you – including side effects like weight gain, mood changes and how you
    went remembering to use/take them
  • Any other medications you are on – including vitamins, minerals or other supplements
  • Any pre-existing medical conditions, or history of certain medical conditions in your family

Having a two-way conversation

Your doctor’s number one concern is your health. The operative word there is ‘your’. It’s your body and you need to be
comfortable with the method chosen to control your own fertility. So don’t be afraid to bring up the subject and have
an open discussion with them – all the information on this site aims to help you have just such a chat.

Finding a needle in a haystack

Digging out credible information on the internet may sound difficult, but when it comes to contraception it’s very doable. Check out the following sites for factual information on your contraceptive options:

  • MARIE STOPES AUSTRALIA: https://www.mariestopes.org.au/
    A national, independently accredited provider of safe abortion, vasectomy and contraception helping women and men take full control of their reproductive lives.
  • JEAN HAILES FOR WOMEN’S HEALTH: https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/
    A national not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving women’s health across Australia through every life stage.
  • FAMILY PLANNING ALLIANCE AUSTRALIA: https://www.familyplanningallianceaustralia.org.au/fpaa/
    Australia’s peak body in reproductive and sexual health. Contains links to local State/Territory services as well as resources.