Was this information useful? Click here to tell us. Vasectomy procedure information pack A Information sheet B Risk information sheet C Discharge instructions D Aftercare D Client rights and responsibilities E Client feedback statement F Client confidentiality statement H Contraception chart A. Information sheet Interpreter services Please let us know if you need a telephone interpreter to help you understand any of this information. You may be charged a small fee for this service. Read this information sheet carefully and keep it to look at later on. Ask us if you have any questions after reading it. What is vasectomy? Vasectomy is the common name for male sterilisation – a permanent method of contraception. It is a simple surgical procedure which closes off the sperm-carrying tubes (vas deferens) in the scrotum to stop sperm from getting into the seminal fluid you ejaculate. After the procedure, sperm produced in the testicles can no longer travel through these tubes to mix with semen, and so the seminal fluid gradually becomes free of sperm. It usually does not require a general anaesthetic and a highly trained doctor can perform the procedure in less than 30 minutes. Please allow longer for recovery time if you are undergoing conscious IV sedation. How is the procedure carried out? A local anaesthetic injection numbs the area and a very small incision is made in the front of the scrotum. Through this opening, each vas deferens (tube) is cut and sealed off (see diagram). Once this heals you will have a very small scar on the scrotum which will become invisible over time. Sometimes the doctor will make two incisions. In this case you will have sutures (stitches). How effective is vasectomy? Vasectomy is probably the most effective method of contraception that exists. The failure rate is much less than 1%. Sometimes the sperm-carrying tubes can re-join, however this risk decreases rapidly as healing proceeds. Eighty percent of potential failures occur within three months of the procedure, so it’s important you have a semen test then. If sperm are present, we will repeat the vasectomy at no cost. Does it hurt? Each person is different and we cannot guarantee you will feel no discomfort. Generally speaking, the injection of local anaesthetic might mean a short, sharp pain, but it starts working straight away and will make the area feel numb. You may then have some sensation of the procedure, but this should not be painful. You may feel some slight discomfort afterwards but ordinary painkillers and a cold pack will help and any soreness shouldn’t last very long. 2 Do I need my partner’s consent to have a vasectomy? Only you can decide whether or not to have a vasectomy – our service is completely confidential. If you are in a relationship however, we would always advise that you discuss such an important decision with your partner. Is my medical history important? Any man can have a vasectomy, but we do need to know about any previous surgery on your testicles or about any procedures for hernia repair. Scar tissue from these procedures can make a vasectomy a little more complicated. Please also tell us of any other significant conditions such as chest or heart problems or other serious illness. It shouldn’t affect your procedure, but it’s important for your safety that we are aware of such conditions. Are there any alternatives to vasectomy? NOTE: Queensland clients DO NOT consume anything including lollies, gum or even water for 6 hours before your appointment. There are still very few methods of contraception for men – either vasectomy or condoms. However there is a permanent procedure for women – female sterilisation. If you do not follow these fasting guidelines we may need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. There are also other very effective long-term (but not permanent) alternatives your partner could use. These include intrauterine devices (IUDs), contraceptive implants or injections. If you choose this option you may have a light breakfast of tea/coffee, toast or cereal. If you have doubts about whether or not you will want to have children in the future, you should consider choosing one of these, or short-term methods such as the pill or condoms. We will be able to advise you and your partner on alternative contraceptive methods to suit your circumstances. For more information on the contraceptive options available to you and your partner please refer to section H of this booklet, or speak to your doctor. Is vasectomy reversible? You should consider vasectomy as a permanent method of contraception. Only men who are absolutely certain they do not want to have any more children, or any children at all, should have the procedure. If you think you might change your mind, you and your partner should consider an alternative method of contraception and wait until you are definite about your decision, as there is no guarantee a vasectomy can be reversed. How do I prepare for my procedure? In order to prepare for your vasectomy, please follow these important instructions: • o not take painkillers such as ibuprofen d (Nurofen®), 24 hours before your procedure. You may take Paracetamol based painkillers (such as Panadol®, Panadeine®). • If you are taking aspirin this must be STOPPED 1 week before your procedure after consultation with your doctor. • o not drink alcohol 24 hours before your d procedure. • do not shave the operative area. • ou must shower the evening before, and again y on the day of your procedure. • ear firm fitting underwear on the day of your w procedure. (ie: do not wear boxer shorts). 2. Local anaesthetic If you are unsure or need further clarification, please contact our national support centre on 1800 003 707. What can I expect from a typical appointment? All men have a pre-operative consultation with a nurse/doctor to discuss the decision and to talk about the procedure. This is a chance for you to ask any questions or raise any concerns. Your partner is very welcome to attend this session with you. Following the procedure, we provide an aftercare service and advice free of charge when required. We will provide you with an information pack which explains exactly what to do if you are concerned about anything following your vasectomy. Does the vasectomy work straight away? No, you won’t be sterile right away. There will be some sperm left in the upper part of the vas deferens, beyond the blockage at the vasectomy site. These sperm are gradually cleared after ejaculation over some weeks. You will need to use another method of contraception for a few months until your doctor informs you that your semen is free of sperm. Around three months after the vasectomy, we will ask you to supply a semen sample which is checked under a microscope to see if there are sperm. This test is very important. It can take a number of ejaculations to clear the tubes of sperm completely, so we may have to ask for more samples. When you have given a semen sample which has no sperm present, we’ll write and inform you that your vasectomy has been a success. Note that frequent ejaculations help to clear the sperm from your tubes faster. It is important to note that even once you’ve been given clearance, there is still a small chance of late failure. This will be explained during your preoperative consult. 1. Conscious IV sedation You must not eat anything (including lollies or gum) for 6 hours before your appointment. You may drink small amounts of water only, but no other fluid, up to 2 hours before your appointment. 3 How much time will I need to take off? Why choose Dr Marie? You will only actually be at the centre for about an hour, but it’s a good idea to take things easy for a day or two. You might want to take a couple of days off work, especially if your work is very physical. Since 2002, our team of highly trained and experienced doctors have performed more than 11,000 vasectomies throughout our Australian centres. There are many benefits of having your vasectomy at Dr Marie. These include: We are happy to give advice about your particular situation and can organise a medical certificate if you need one. You can drive home after your procedure if you have had a local anaesthetic. If you have conscious IV sedation you should arrange for someone to collect you as you cannot drive until the next day. How will vasectomy affect my body? Your testicles will continue to produce sperm but, because the sperm can’t get through the tubes any more, they simply get reabsorbed into the body. Vasectomy does not affect your male hormones, nor does it affect ejaculation. The only difference when you ejaculate is that there will be no sperm in the fluid. Will having a vasectomy affect my sex life? With no change to your hormones, ejaculation or orgasm, there’s no reason why having a vasectomy should have a negative impact on your sex life. In fact, many couples find vasectomy improves their sex life, enjoying greater sexual freedom once they no longer have to worry about an unplanned pregnancy. After your vasectomy you can resume usual sexual activity whenever you feel comfortable. Does vasectomy increase the risk of cancer? There is no conclusive evidence linking vasectomy to cancer of the prostate or testicles. However we advise all men, whether or not they have had a vasectomy, to have regular health screenings. It’s also important to get into the habit of regularly checking your own testicles for lumps. Will vasectomy protect me from STIs? No. Vasectomy cannot protect you against HIV or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Condoms are the best protection against STIs if you are sexually active. When can I play sport again? You can do gentle exercise such as swimming after the dressing is removed, but you should avoid physical strenuous sports, particularly contact sports, for at least two weeks or until you feel comfortable to do so. Please ask if you are unsure about any particular activity. 4 • onvenient locations and c appointment times • same-day consultation and procedure • choice of anaesthetic at most centres • non-scalpel and scalpel techniques • competitive pricing • 24 hour aftercare • ot-for-profit. Surplus proceeds from your n procedure will help provide vital family planning services in developing countries. Our centres We provide vasectomy at most of our Dr Marie centres across Queensland, New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Victoria and Western Australia. To find a location convenient to you visit www.drmarie.org.au. Our centres are accredited by either the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards or with ISO certification. Experienced doctors Our dedicated team of doctors and nurses deliver the highest quality standards of care. We have an independent national medical advisory committee made up of medical specialists in relevant fields. They assesses our clinical processes, protocols and procedures against best practice. They also train and support our doctors and review their performance. B. Procedure risk information sheet Understanding the risks 1.you have read and understood ‘section A, information sheet and section B, risk information sheet’ of this pack. 2. you have had an opportunity to ask questions which were discussed and explained to you in terms you understood, and you have received satisfactory answers to your questions. 3.you have raised with our doctor any particular medical conditions that affect you. 4. you are signing of your own free will. Surgical risks Every surgical procedure and anaesthesia has some associated risks. Please note that the risks mentioned in the list below are not exhaustive or all inclusive of possible complications, but these are the main complications associated with the procedure. Vasectomy is a very low risk procedure but there is a risk of complications. Some of the possible complications associated with vasectomy include: Swelling and/or bruising: You may experience some swelling and bruising after the vasectomy which may last for a few days. You can relieve this by taking painkillers and applying an ice pack. Wound infection: Superficial skin infections are uncommon. Deeper soft tissue infection (a risk of less than 1%) may occur between five to seven days after the procedure, presenting a painful enlarging lump above the testicle and around the site where the sperm-carrying tubes (vas deferens) were cut. If you have symptoms of severe pain, swelling and redness of the scrotum (usually only on one side) after the procedure, it’s important you call our centre to help avoid any serious infection. You may need antibiotics. Bleeding: Bleeding is uncommon (a risk of less than 1%). A few men may experience a small amount of bleeding from the area where the tiny incision was made. You can stop this by pinching the skin edges of the wound together very firmly with your finger and thumb, and holding it very tightly for 5 minutes. In rare cases blood may collect deep inside the scrotum over the next few days after the procedure, causing swelling and pain. This is known as a haematoma and may be the result of vascular damage during the operation or strenuous exercise. It may settle spontaneously or you may need more treatment, such as draining under anaesthesia. Sperm granuloma: Less than 1% of men may develop a hard, sometimes painful lump about the size of a pea as a result of sperm leaking from the cut vas deferens. The lump is not serious and is almost always absorbed by the body in time. Usually simple analgesia is all that is required, but if it troubles you we can remove it surgically. Post vasectomy pain syndrome: Less than 1% of men may develop a longstanding testicular pain. Discomfort or pain may be felt in the scrotum, back and/or lower abdomen. This usually responds to anti-inflammatory medication and heals spontaneously. Very occasionally additional surgery is required. Congestion: A sense of pressure caused by sperm in the testes and epididymis may cause some discomfort for two to twelve weeks after your vasectomy. This also heals itself in time. Failure: Vasectomy is not guaranteed to be 100% effective. Despite cutting the vas deferens (sperm carrying tubes) and sealing both ends, the ends may grow back together making the man fertile once again. This usually occurs in the first few months and would be detectable on a sperm count at this time. In rarer cases, the vas deferens may rejoin at a later date. Reversal: Vasectomy should be considered a permanent form of contraception. Successful reversal of a vasectomy may be possible in 50-80% of cases. Reversal is also generally very expensive (over $6000), particularly if you don’t have private health insurance cover. Anaesthetic risks Allergic reaction: This is rare (a risk of 1 in 10,000). Please report previous allergic reactions to the doctor. (Local anaesthetic or conscious IV sedation). If you are having conscious IV sedation, these risks also apply: Airway spasm: Air passages can contract, making it difficult to move air in and out. Tell the doctor if you are a smoker, have asthma or have recently had a cold or chest infection. Aspiration: Stomach juices or food can be inhaled into the lungs when you are asleep, potentially causing pneumonia. An empty stomach reduces this risk, so it’s very important that you eat nothing for 6 hours and have only small sips of water, but no other fluid, up to 2 hours before your appointment. 5 C. Discharge instructions For clients having conscious IV sedation. 1. I acknowledge receipt of discharge instructions and advice from my treating doctor and Dr Marie centre. I have read all of the information I have been provided with and understand the advice I have been given. I intend to comply with the discharge instructions and advice. 2. In particular, I have been advised that: a.I should be accompanied by a responsible adult when travelling home from the centre following the procedure today, and if possible, should travel by car and preferably not by bus or train b.A responsible adult should stay overnight with me following the procedure and be capable of making decisions in relation to my welfare on my behalf c.I must remain within one hour of appropriate medical attention until at least the morning after discharge d.I must have ready access to a telephone at all times following the procedure until at least the morning after discharge e.I should not drive, travel on public transport alone, operate machinery or make important/legally binding decisions until (Insert date) I AGREE to comply with the above discharge instructions and advice and absolve Dr Marie centre, Marie Stopes International and my treating doctor(s) of all responsibility should I choose to disregard the discharge instructions and/or advice given to me. 6 D. Vasectomy aftercare To ensure a speedy recovery following your vasectomy, please take the time to read this important information. • when you leave our centre, go straight home and relax with your feet up • a void long periods of standing or walking during the week after your vasectomy • wear tight cotton briefs (ie: not boxer shorts) to apply pressure and to support the scrotum for at least the first week after the procedure • remove the dressing after 3 to 4 days (Note: The incision will appear very small with no stitches) • if you remove the dressing after 3 to 4 days and the wound still appears moist, keep it clean and dry with a bandaid or small dressing until it has completely healed. Do not use any toiletries on the area, such as talcum powder or bath oils, until it has completely healed • you may have a short shower with the dressing on, but do not have a bath until the dressing has been removed • y ou should be able to return to work the day after the procedure, unless you have a physically demanding job, in which case you may wish to take a few days off. In general, avoid activities that cause discomfort (such as heavy lifting or strenuous exercise), for at least 1 week • y ou can do gentle exercise such as swimming after the dressing is removed, but you should avoid strenuous sports, particularly contact sports, for at least 2 weeks or until you feel comfortable to do them. Please ask if you are unsure about any particular activity • you can resume having sex as soon as you feel comfortable, but it is better to wait a few days. • d o not use any erection enhancing medication (e.g. Viagra®) for 2 weeks after the procedure, as this causes increased blood supply to the area which may result in haematoma, swelling and bruising • it is essential that you or your partner use a reliable form of contraception until after your semen sample analysis and we have confirmed in writing to you that there is no more sperm in your seminal fluid. If you are unsure or have more questions, please call us on 1800 003 707 Possible symptoms post-procedure Your doctor will have explained to you all the possible risks associated with the procedure, as outlined in ‘section B, risk information sheet’ of this pack. The most common side effects after a vasectomy are: Local pain The local anaesthetic will wear off three to four hours after the procedure, sometimes longer. If you feel uncomfortable after this time, take a mild, over the counter painkiller. Infection It’s possible to develop an infection after any kind of surgery. Symptoms such as pain, inflammation or feeling unwell or feverish may occur within a few days if you have an infection. If you suspect you have an infection, please contact us on 1800 888 022 for advice. Swelling and bruising Most men will experience some bruising and a little swelling around the testicles. You can relieve this by applying an ice pack (a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel is ideal). A small lump may develop at the procedure site. Bleeding A few men may experience a small amount of bleeding from the area where the incision was made. You can stop the blood flow by pinching the skin edges of the wound together very firmly with your finger and thumb, and holding it very tightly for five minutes. If the bleeding does not stop after this time, call us on 1800 888 022. In rare cases, a blood clot may form deep inside the scrotum a few days after the procedure, causing swelling and discomfort. This is known as a haematoma and may be the result of strenuous activity or direct injury. It usually settles spontaneously but can be treated if necessary. Warning signs We suggest you contact us if you have any of these signs: • inflammation and redness of the wound • continuous bleeding • excessive swelling, tenderness or pain • feeling unwell or feverish • a growing lump or • any other concerns If your problem is urgent please call us on 1800 888 022. 7 Semen samples and analysis What do I need to do about semen collection and testing? • a round 3 months after the vasectomy, you will need to supply a semen sample. This is to ensure the vasectomy has been effective and that the semen is completely free of sperm. Note that frequent ejaculations help clear the sperm from your tubes faster (we recommend at least 20 ejaculations). • w hen collecting your semen samples, you should avoid any sexual activity that results in ejaculation for 3-7 days before the semen analysis. You should also avoid drinking alcohol 24 hours before providing your sample. This will help to ensure the sperm count will be at its highest and improve the quality of the test. Morning collection is preferable. • m ake sure you collect the entire sample by masturbating directly into the specimen jar provided to you by our doctor. Other methods of collecting the sample, such as interrupted intercourse, are not effective as the first part of the sample may be lost. • wash hands thoroughly and label the container with your: • Last name • First name • Date of birth • Date and time of collection • p lease do not use lubricants or talcum powder when collecting the sample as these can interfere with the test. Do not use a condom to collect the semen. • d eliver the semen sample to your most convenient pathology centre within one hour of collection (maximum delay is 2 hours). We will provide you with a list of collection centres. • 8 if possible, keep the semen sample at body temperature by placing it inside your jacket or jumper, or at room temperature if this is not possible. Do not expose the sample to any extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, refrigeration, or near air-conditioners or heaters. • o nce pathology has received and examined your semen sample(s), they will forward the results to us. We will then review your results and forward them to you by post within 7–10 working days. The results will say whether your semen is free of sperm (meaning you no longer need to use another form of contraception), or if you need to repeat the semen sample analysis. • please notify us of any change of address. Remember Although vasectomy is a very reliable form of contraception (over a 99% success rate), there is a rare chance of failure. If your test results indicate the vasectomy has failed, we will repeat the procedure at no cost. It is your responsibility to provide the semen specimen. If you do not provide your semen specimen for our analysis you and your partner risk having an unplanned pregnancy. For aftercare call 1800 888 022 (open 24 hours) or visit www.drmarie.org.au E. Client rights and responsibilities We have provided this information to inform you about what you can reasonably expect while in our care (your rights) and what our team members can reasonably expect from you (your responsibilities). Please take the time to read this information carefully. As a valued client, you have the right to: Your responsibilities to us include: • exceptional quality of healthcare in a safe and comfortable environment, delivered to you with the highest clinical standards • • help and support in a non-judgmental, personalised and confidential manner • stay well informed about your condition and procedure. It is up to you to ask questions if you are unsure or do not understand something • be treated with respect, dignity and consideration for your personal and physical privacy provide relevant information about your health and circumstances that may influence your procedure and/or recovery • accept responsibility for the decisions you have made about the services you have asked for • culturally sensitive services, with access to an interpretation service if needed • comply with the instructions we have given you about your care • receive up-to-date, relevant and clear information about your procedure and its associated risks, side effects and any alternatives, allowing you to make a fully informed decision • contribute to a safe and comfortable environment and behave appropriately in relation to noise, alcohol, smoking and illicit drugs • withdraw your consent to any procedure or investigation at any time • discuss any questions you may have about your procedure or care • get a second opinion about your procedure or care • know the identity and professional status of individuals providing services to you • tell one of our team members if you have a criticism of our service so we can quickly address it • keep your follow-up appointments or, if this is not possible, let us know • give us accurate and correct details of your Medicare and private health insurance • pay the full cost of the services we have provided to you • be informed in detail of the costs involved in any procedures or alternatives • have the details of your condition and procedural care kept strictly confidential • access your personal health records • have us deal quickly and professionally with complaints about individual team members or services 9 F. Client feedback statement We aim to provide the best possible service and care to our clients. We accept however, that there may be occasions where we do not meet your expectations. We greatly value your feedback, because it helps us improve, and ensures we can continue to provide professional, efficient and effective sexual and reproductive healthcare services to all our clients. If you have comments to make about any aspect of the quality of service or care you receive, you can tell us by: • ompleting our client feedback form which our c centre manager will review. Please note, we will not reply to your comment unless you ask us to • honing the relevant centre during business p hours, and asking to speak with the centre manager. Depending on what your complaint is about and to help us investigate it, we may ask you to write to us • writing a formal letter or emailing the centre manager • aking a complaint to the Health Complaints m Commission in your state Please address your phone call, letter or email to the attention of the centre manager. They will investigate your concerns and respond to you. If we cannot resolve your complaint straight away, we will contact you (either by phone or in writing) within a reasonable timeframe, once we have investigated it. If you are not satisfied with our initial response, you may raise your concerns with the state manager. If this is unresolved, then to the operations director, who will review all case notes and will respond to you as soon as possible. If this response does not satisfy you, you can raise your concerns to our CEO Australia, and if not satisfied, to the Department of Health in your state. G. Client confidentiality statement We are committed to keeping your personal details confidential. We collect your personal information so we can provide you with the best possible healthcare service. We will collect your information either verbally or in writing from you personally or through our team member. We will only use your personal information to: 1.provide healthcare information, and for other purposes directly related to, or reasonably necessary for providing this service to you 2.disclose to certain third parties in the course of providing healthcare information and/or services to you, or as may be required or permitted by law, including disclosure: • to your doctor • to specialists and/or consultants who may provide services to you • to community support providers • to your insurers, lawyers, the Department of Health, Medicare, pathology service providers • in certain emergencies where there is a serious threat to life • other purposes only if you agree Your personal details are safeguarded by state and federal privacy law. We recognise the sensitivity of this information and are committed to keeping your personal details confidential. It’s important to note, there is some information you must give us for us to be able to provide you with certain services and with the best possible care. We will not use or disclose your details for any purpose other than those stated above. To protect your confidentiality, we cannot and will not enter into discussions or correspond with a third party without your written permission or your password. If you wish us to talk or write to a third party, such as your GP, you will need to give us your written consent, or provide the third party with your password. You may want to access your personal information, which we hold in accordance with the relevant state and federal privacy laws. To do this, please contact the centre you visited, or contact our National Support Centre in writing to: GPO Box 1635 Melbourne Victoria 3001. For more details about your information you can ask for a copy of our privacy policy at our centres, or view it on our website at www.drmarie.org.au. 10 Questions? If you have any questions you would like the doctor to clarify, please list them below: Doctors response to the above questions: Notes 11 H. Contraception chart Hormonal methods Contraceptive How it works Advantages Considerations Reliability STI and HIV protection Availability Bar Combined Pill Progestogen only Pill Contraception Implant Contraception Injection Combined Vaginal Ring Male Condom 1 pill consisting of 2 hormones (oestrogen and progestogen) taken same time daily. Prevents egg being released. 1 pill consisting of 1 hormone (progestogen) taken same time daily. Prevents sperm reaching egg. A small rod containing the hormone progestogen which is inserted under the skin in the arm by a doctor. Prevents egg being released and prevents sperm reaching egg. Progestogen injection. Prevents egg being released/prevents sperm reaching egg. Vaginal ring containing both oestrogen and progestogen released from the ring and absorbed through the wall of the vagina. Prevents egg being released. Rubber, non-latex or latex sheath traps sperm during sexual intercourse. Can regulate menstrual cycle, reduce PMS and period pain. For those who can’t take oestrogen due to medical conditions or side effects; for those breast feeding. Lasts for 3 years, but easily reversible. Cost effective over time. Lasts for 12 weeks. No periods may be an advantage for some. Similar advantages to the Pill but with a lower dose of hormone and once a month use (inserted for 3 weeks, remove for 1 week). Readily available. Only use during sexual activity. Can be used as a back-up for other methods. Not suitable for some medical conditions. If pill is taken more than 24 hours late extra precautions required. Unpredictable bleeding pattern. If pill is taken more than 3 hours late, extra precautions required. Unpredictable bleeding pattern. Unpredictable bleeding pattern initially: delayed return to fertility; possible weight gain; possible decrease in bone density. Not suitable for some medical conditions. May be considered expensive. Inform your doctor of your current medications first. Can reduce spontaneity. 99% if taken correctly. 92% with typical use. 98% if taken correctly. 92% with typical use. 99.9% effective. 99% effective. 99% effective if used correctly. 98% effective if used correctly. 85% with typical use. No protection against STIs or HIV/AIDS. No protection against STIs or HIV/AIDS. No protection against STIs or HIV/AIDS. No protection against STIs or HIV/AIDS. No protection against STIs or HIV/AIDS. Helps protect against STIs and HIV/AIDS. Dr Marie™ centre, GP, local family planning clinics. Dr Marie™ centre, GP, local family planning clinics. Dr Marie™ centre, GP, local family planning clinics. Dr Marie™ centre, GP, local family planning clinics. Dr Marie™ centre, GP, local family planning clinics. Dr Marie™ centre, chemists, supermarkets, local family planning clinics. Choosing the right contraception You only have to look at the above contraception chart to see how many contraceptive options are available today. From taking the pill every day to inserting an IUD that can last up to 10 years, you should be able to find the right one for you. What you choose will depend on your personal circumstances: your age, your way of life, whether or not you have children, whether you have multiple partners, your health and the need to avoid an unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). While most contraceptives, if used correctly, offer between 95 to 99.9 per cent effectiveness, no one method of contraception is 100 per cent reliable. Your choice should also take into account that only condoms offer protection against both STIs and unplanned pregnancies. 12 rrier methods Intrauterine methods Permanent methods Emergency methods Female Condom Diaphragm – Cap Copper Intra-Uterine Device (IUD) Hormone Intra-Uterine System (IUS) Female Sterilisation Vasectomy Copper Emergency Contraceptive IUD Pill Thin plastic sheath placed in vagina to trap sperm. Dome of rubber placed over cervix to prevent sperm entering uterus. Spermicides required. Plastic and copper device fitted in uterus. Prevents egg and sperm meeting. Small plastic device with progestogen fitted in uterus. Prevents egg and sperm meeting. Fallopian tubes closed – which prevents egg and sperm meeting. Closes off the sperm-carrying tubes. A single dose pill containing progestogen hormone. Mainly works by stopping or delaying the release of an egg. May also prevent egg and sperm meeting. Only use during sexual activity. Only use during sexual activity. Stays in place for up to 5 or 10 years depending on type. Cost effective over time. Stays in place for up to 5 years. Cost effective over time. For those who want a permanent method of contraception. For those who want a permanent method of contraception. Best taken within Fitted up 72 hours (3 days) to 5 days of sex, but may be after sex. effective up to 96 hours (4 days). Can reduce spontaneity. Stays in place for May make periods 6 hours after sex. heavy and/or may increase period pains. Spotting and irregular bleeding common initially, though periods usually become lighter and shorter. Small medical risk during procedure. Must use alternative method of contraception until sperm count is clear (usually 3 months). Lapsed time increases failure rate. May make periods heavy and/ or may increase period pains. 95% effective if used correctly. 80% with typical use. 95% effective if used correctly. 85% with typical use. 99% effective. 99.9% effective. Over 99% effective. Over 99% effective. 95% effective if taken up to 24 hours after sex. 85% up to 72 hours. 98%-99% effective. Helps protect against STIs and HIV/AIDS. No protection against STIs or HIV/AIDS. No protection against STIs or HIV/AIDS. No protection against STIs or HIV/AIDS. No protection against STIs or HIV/AIDS. No protection against STIs or HIV/AIDS. No protection against STIs or HIV/AIDS. No protection against STIs or HIV/AIDS. Local family planning clinics. Local family planning clinics and some GPs Dr Marie™ centre, GP, local family planning clinics. Dr Marie™ centre, GP, local family planning clinics. Requires referral to specialist. Usually done in hospital. Dr Marie™ centre (no referral needed) or GP referral to specialist. From pharmacies without prescription, or from GP. Dr Marie™ centre, GP, local family planning clinics. Fitted to prevent egg and sperm meeting. Remember No method of contraception is 100% reliable. Only condoms offer dual protection against both STIs and unplanned pregnancies. For language assistance, contact TIS (Translating & Interpreting Service) on 131 450. 13 Notes 14 Saving lives in developing countries Each year 47,000 women in developing countries die from unsafe abortion. As a not-for-profit organisation, we are proud to be part of the Marie Stopes International global partnership. We donate all surplus profits from our Dr Marie centres to help provide contraception and safe abortion education and services to millions of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people. Find out more at mariestopes.org.au One of our midwives, Fernanda educates women about family planning in Timor-Leste. 15 Was this information useful? Click here to tell us. National support centre call 1800 003 707 Aftercare call 1800 888 022 www.drmarie.org.au NMAC0014 VAS V6 MARCH 2014 Dr Marie is a trademark of Marie Stopes International Australia
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