Contraception is not a one-type fits all solution – women who've had children often have different needs to those approaching menopause.
After childbirth women begin to look for different things in their contraception. They want fuss-free, long-term contraception that needs little thought. The aim of contraception is still to avoid unplanned pregnancies but as the body changes through childbirth and later, towards menopause, there are different things to consider.
After childbirth women begin to look for different things in their contraception. They want fuss-free, long-term contraception that needs little thought. The aim of contraception is still to avoid unplanned pregnancies but as the body changes through childbirth and later, towards menopause, there are different things to consider.
1. Contraception while breastfeeding
It is possible to use breastfeeding as contraception. The Lactational Amenorrheoea Method can be 98 per cent effective if understood correctly. It's an option if your baby is less than six months of age, feeding on demand six times every 24 hours and you have not yet had a period. If this doesn't describe the way you feed you may need to add another method.
Most breastfeeding mothers want to avoid hormones entering their breast milk. Intrauterine devices (IUD) are made of copper and stop sperm reaching the female egg without the use of hormones. They also last five years and can be easily inserted and removed by a doctor. Called Multiload in Australia, the IUD costs around $2 per month over five years.
2. Long term contraception solutions
These options are suited to women who aren't looking to fall pregnant in the next five years or so, but aren't ready to put a permanent end to fertility. They want something that's low maintenance and long lasting. Implanon is a thin plastic rod that is inserted into your upper arm and slowly releases the hormone progesterone, which inhibits ovulation. It lasts for three years and will cost around 50 cents per month. Another longer term method is the IUS or Inter Uterine System. It is similar to an IUD except that it releases progesterone into the uterus. As it is released locally there may be fewer side effects for women sensitive to hormones. It lasts for five years and also costs around 50 cents per month over that time.
3. Contraception options after 40 years of age
After the age of 40 a woman's fertility levels drop by around 50 per cent and they may experience changes in menstruation as perimenopause (the time before menopause) nears. Periods can become more frequent, heavy and painful.
The contraceptive pill might be useful as its added benefits include regulation of periods and it can also reduce the hot flushes and vaginal dryness that are often associated with perimenopause. The pill can cost from $10 to $30 per month. It is generally advised that women going through menopause should continue using contraception for two years after their last period.
The contraceptive pill might be useful as its added benefits include regulation of periods and it can also reduce the hot flushes and vaginal dryness that are often associated with perimenopause. The pill can cost from $10 to $30 per month. It is generally advised that women going through menopause should continue using contraception for two years after their last period.
4. Permanent contraception methods
When looking for a permanent method of contraception there are two directions you can take.
1. Sterilisation of the male partner
The vasectomy is a simple procedure that involves the blocking of the vas deferens tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the penis. It requires a local anesthetic and can be performed in a day surgery. The penis functions as usual but simply delivers fluid without sperm in it. The cost is partly covered by Medicare but may cost up to $400 which means about $3 per month over 10 years. If necessary it can be reversed.
2. Sterilisation of the female partner
Tubal ligation involves the laparoscopic blocking of the fallopian tubes while under general anaesthetic. There is no effect on sex-drive or menstruation and in most instances it is reversible with surgery. Another method known as Essure involves inserting a "micro-insert" into the fallopian tube and allowing scar tissue to form around it to block the tube. This method only requires a local anaesthetic but is totally irreversible. There is no charge for female sterilisation in public hospitals, though there may be a waiting list.
All prices are approximate and may be lower when Health Insurance or Health Care cards are used. You will also have to pay GP costs for prescriptions and referrals and you may need specialist appointments or day surgery.
An important thing to remember with contraception is that, unless you use a physical block such as a condom, you are not protected against sexually transmitted diseases and you should protect yourself in all situations that are not mutually monogamous.
Contraceptive needs change after children but they do not have to be stressful. Choose one that gives you peace of mind and if you experience unpleasant side effects, try something new until you find the contraceptive method that works for your body.
All prices are approximate and may be lower when Health Insurance or Health Care cards are used. You will also have to pay GP costs for prescriptions and referrals and you may need specialist appointments or day surgery.
An important thing to remember with contraception is that, unless you use a physical block such as a condom, you are not protected against sexually transmitted diseases and you should protect yourself in all situations that are not mutually monogamous.
Contraceptive needs change after children but they do not have to be stressful. Choose one that gives you peace of mind and if you experience unpleasant side effects, try something new until you find the contraceptive method that works for your body.
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