FAQs.

Find out the most common and frequently asked questions (FAQs) about
Protected&Proud and the contraception services across Aotearoa New Zealand.

This is the one question that lots of people, especially young people, worry about the most.

  • The law in New Zealand says that you can buy condoms at any age.
  • The law also says you have the right to have access to contraceptives at any age. This includes access to Fit & Forget contraceptives plus other contraceptives you may have read about on this website.
  • Your nurse or doctor will want to make sure that you are not at risk and that you understand what you’re doing. If they are concerned that someone could harm you, you could harm someone else, or you could harm yourself – they may need to tell someone else in order to help you better, but they should always try to inform you first.
  • When you use a health or disability service in New Zealand, you have the protection of a Code of Rights. Visit The Health & Disability Commissioner for more information. 

There are many methods of contraception available that once given can work for a number of weeks or even years! These methods are often referred to as long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) or Fit & Forget.

Depending upon the type of method used, this will determine how often it will need to be renewed.

  • Implant (Jadelle) – lasts up to five years
  • Hormonal IUD (Mirena / Jaydess) – lasts from 3-5 years depending on the type
  • Non-Hormonal IUD (Copper) – lasts up to ten years depending on the type.

False. Healthcare professionals are legally allowed to provide contraceptive advice and treatment to young people under the age of 16 without parental consent. This includes Fit & Forget methods (e.g. Implant, IUDs) as well as all other contraceptives.

Mostly all contraception can be highly effective at preventing pregnancy with “perfect use” – when it is used correctly absolutely all the time, every time. However, what typically happens is that real life can get in the way of effectiveness. For example, you may forget to take your pill one day, or be a few days late for an injection, or the condom may split, etc. This is what we call “typical use”. The most effective forms of contraception are Fit & Forget methods because it takes away the need to do something every time you have sex, or every day, or every few months.

However, many contraceptive methods do not protect again STIs so use condoms as well!

Across Aotearoa New Zealand some service providers are funded to deliver free or subsidised contraception services*.

Protected&Proud is here to help kiwis find contraception services that are free or subsidised in your local area and help people understand if they are able to access services at no cost or a reduced cost.

Free or subsidised contraception services may include:

  • Contraception Consultation with a trained healthcare professional to discuss all contraception options for you to choose the best option for you.
  • Fit & Forget Appointment time to insert and/or remove either an Implant or IUD device (if preferred contraception).
  • No costs for either the Implant or IUD device (if preferred contraception)

 

*Services and fees may vary at the discretion of the provider. Please ensure to ask your provider.

To be eligible** for free or subsidised contraception services in Aotearoa New Zealand, you may have to meet any one from this criteria:

  • Under 26 years old
  • Live in a quintile 5 area
  • Hold a Community
    Services Card (CSC)
  • High risk of unplanned pregnancy and poor health and social outcomes
  • Māori or Pacific

 

**Eligibility has been defined by Te Whatu Ora – Health NZ. Eligibility and fees will be determined by the provider and may vary at the discretion of the provider. Please ensure to ask your provider prior to your appointment.

Non-Hormonal IUD – Copper

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

Hormonal IUD - Mirena | Jaydess

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

Implant – Jadelle

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