There are a wide range of ārai hapū contraception options available. Find the right option for you.
Contraception can work really well if used perfectly and correctly every time, but real life is not always perfect. Here’s how well different methods work based on real life.
Contraception that works really well
99%+
Two small, flexible plastic rods that are placed just under the skin in the upper arm. The implant releases the hormone progestogen to control fertility.
A Hormonal IUD is a small, T-shaped plastic device, which contains the hormone progestogen to control your fertility. The device is placed in the uterus.
A non-hormonal (Copper) IUD is a small, T-shaped plastic device which contains copper. It is placed in the uterus. A Copper IUD does not contain hormones. The copper IUD can also be used as an Emergency Contraception.
Sterilisation is a permanent form of contraception which involves an operation to stop the sperm and egg meeting.
Sterilisation is a permanent form of contraception which involves an operation to stop the sperm and egg meeting.
Contraception that works well when used correctly all the time
The injection contains the hormone progestogen. The injection is up to 99% effective if you have injections on time.
There are two types of 'pill’, the combined pill contains two hormones similar to those produced naturally by the body; progestogen and oestrogen. The Progestogen-Only Pill contains only progestogen.
The patch is a small beige 5cm by 5cm patch that is applied to the skin like a plaster. It releases two hormones, oestrogen and progestogen (one of the forms of progesterone) into the bloodstream.
If you’ve had unprotected sex you may be able to prevent pregnancy by using Emergency Contraceptive Pill (ECP). See also Copper IUD.
LAM is for wāhine/women+ that are fully breastfeeding: feeding baby on demand without food supplements. It can only be relied upon in the first six months after delivery and only if there is no return of menstruation in that time.
Least effective contraception options (72% – 88%)
Diaphragms are dome-shaped devices (of either latex or silicone) that fit into the vagina and over the cervix. It stops sperm from getting through to join an egg and should always be used with spermicide.
There are two types of condom: female and male. The female condom lines the vagina (internally). The male condom is placed over the penis. Condoms prevent pregnancy by keeping sperm from entering the vagina and protect against STIs.
Fertility awareness works by observing and recording your body’s different natural signs each day of your monthly cycle to work out when you are most fertile. Can be used to plan pregnancy as well as avoid pregnancy.
The technical term for this method is coitus interruptus. The male recognises when they are about to come (ejaculate) and withdraws the penis so that the sperm does not enter the vagina. The success of the method varies greatly and pre-ejaculate (fluid before the orgasm) may contain sperm.
This great video from Family Planning provides an explanation of the common types of contraception so you can be more informed and choose the one that is right for you.
Across Aotearoa New Zealand there are a range of healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, midwives, and pharmacists) and service providers (general practice, school, Family Planning, Sexual Health Clinic, community clinic, kaupapa Māori and Pacific, hospital) that deliver sexual and reproductive services.
Note: Wāhine/women+ includes consideration of whānau and social context and is intended to be inclusive of gender diverse people who share some of the health needs of women but do not identify as women. (RANZCOG, 2022)
The development of this website was supported with an educational grant from Bayer.
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A non-hormonal (Copper) IUD is a small, T-shaped plastic device which contains copper. It is put into the uterus (womb). A Copper IUD does not contain hormones. The copper IUD can also be used as an Emergency Contraception.
LASTS FROM 5 TO 10 YEARS | PLACED IN THE UTERUS | EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY | EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION – UP TO 5 DAYS AFTER SEX
A Hormonal IUD is a small, T-shaped plastic device, which contains the hormone progestogen to control your fertility. The device is put into the uterus (womb).
HORMONES | LASTS FROM 3 TO 5 YEARS | PLACED IN THE UTERUS | EFFECTIVE IN 7 DAYS
Two small, flexible plastic rods that are placed just under the skin in the upper arm. The implant releases the hormone progestogen to control fertility.
HORMONES | LASTS UP TO 5 YEARS | PLACED IN THE ARM | EFFECTIVE IN 7 DAYS
