There are many different contraceptive options to choose from and your doctor can help you choose a method to suit you and your partner.
Questions you might ask your doctor
- What are the options available currently and which ones does the doctor provide? If your doctor doesn't provide all the options, you can ask for a recommendation for another doctor who does.
- Is your stage in life or your partner’s a consideration – have you recently become a parent, are you planning to become pregnant in the near future, have you completed your family?
- How effective are the different types of contraception and how easy are they to use?
- How do different methods prevent STI transmission?
- How often do you need to see your doctor with the method you have chosen?
- What are the side effects of the method chosen?
- If cost concerns you, ask your doctor to consider cost when prescribing the method/ brand of contraception.
Visiting your doctor – what to expect
Your doctor might want to discuss the following with you.
- Any medical conditions (or history of them) that might influence what options are available to you.
- Special considerations such as your age, whether you are a smoker as some contraceptives should not be used if you are a smoker.
- How any medication you might be taking could interfere with the effectiveness of your contraception.
- If you are thinking about starting a family in the near future, have just had a baby or have completed your family.
- Whether you have a regular partner or are likely to be having more than one sexual partner.
- At your visit, the doctor should also be able to provide you with information (written and verbal) on the method of contraception you have chosen.
Remember, choosing a method you are comfortable with means you will be more likely to use it consistently and able to relax and enjoy your sex life without the worry of an unplanned pregnancy.
For more information, download the What you need to know about contraception guide here
How to find a GP or health service
