At a glance
- Contraception means preventing pregnancy. You might also hear people use the words birth control or protection.
- You should think about protection before you have sex.
- No protection works 100% of the time.
- There are lots of safe contraceptives like condoms, the pill, and intrauterine devices (IUDs).
- Condoms are the only contraceptives that protect against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- Emergency contraception is a tablet to prevent pregnancy. People who might get pregnant can take it if they have had sex without protection. You can buy emergency contraception at pharmacies without a prescription or your parents’ permission.
- There are many places to get contraception advice, even if you are under 18. You don’t need consent from a parent or guardian.
What is contraception?
The word ‘contraception’ means preventing pregnancy. You might also hear people call it birth control or protection. Contraceptives are the things you use to prevent pregnancy, like condoms.
Your contraception options
There are lots of safe contraceptives. The best ones for you depend on your body and lifestyle.
Most contraceptives either:
- block sperm from going into the vagina
- make it harder for sperm to get through the cervix to an egg (the cervix connects the vagina to the uterus)
- stop the body from releasing an egg, so there is nothing for sperm to ‘fertilise’ (leading to pregnancy).
You should think about protection before you start having sex – no matter your gender, sexuality, or the types of sexual activity you might have. Planning gives you time to learn about your options, make informed choices, and avoid stress or risk in the
moment.
No protection works 100% of the time. If you have penetrative sex, there is always a risk of pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Types of contraception
Most common contraceptives for young people
1. Barrier contraceptives
Barrier contraceptives physically block sperm from getting to the egg. Condoms are the most common barrier contraceptives. There are two main types of condoms: external and internal.
- External condoms: Latex or soft plastic cover worn over the penis during sex. It stops sperm from going into the vagina.
- Internal condoms: Loose-fitting synthetic rubber pouch with flexible rings on either side. One ring goes inside the vagina; the other sits on the outside. It works by lining the internal walls to block sperm from getting to an egg.
Both internal and external condoms help stop the spread of STIs. This is because they limit touching between intimate body parts. All types of sex can pass on STIs – not just penetrative sex.
Condoms are cheap, easy to use, and sold in lots of places. Anyone can buy them – you don’t need to be a certain age. A condom-safe lubricant (lube) can reduce the small chance of a condom breaking.
2. Hormonal contraceptives
Hormonal contraceptives use hormones like what the body already makes to prevent pregnancy. They can do this in a few ways, such as:
- stopping the body from releasing an egg (ovulation). Without an egg for sperm to fertilise, the body can’t get pregnant.
- thickening the gel-like discharge (cervical mucus) from the cervix to block sperm from getting into the uterus and reaching an egg.
- thinning the uterus lining so a fertilised egg is less likely to develop into a pregnancy.
Some people start hormonal contraceptives for other health reasons, like irregular, heavy or painful periods. You need a doctor’s prescription to get hormonal contraceptives.
It’s best to talk to your local doctor (general practitioner or ‘GP’) about the pros and cons of each hormonal option before you choose any.
The three most common types are:
The pill (oral contraceptive pill)
- Most common hormonal method prescribed for young people.
- Daily tablet with hormones to prevent pregnancy.
- Two main types of oral contraceptive pills: a 'combined pill' with two hormones (oestrogen and progestogen) and a pill with one hormone (progestogen).
Vaginal ring
- Soft and flexible ring that releases hormones to prevent pregnancy.
- Inserted into the vagina like a tampon.
- Stays in the vagina for three weeks; removing it triggers a period.
- Has two hormones (progestogen and oestrogen).
Injection
- Injection with a hormone that prevents pregnancy.
- Given by a health worker.
- Helps prevent pregnancy for three months.
- Has one hormone (progestogen).
Hormonal contraceptives will help protect you from pregnancy, but they won’t stop you from getting STIs. So, you should still use condoms during sex if you are on hormonal contraceptives.
3. Long-acting reversible contraceptives
Long-acting reversible contraceptives prevent pregnancy for longer. They are a ‘set and forget’ option. Once a health worker puts in a long-acting reversible contraceptive, you don’t need to do anything until it runs out. You can get it taken out at any
time if you change your mind.
Just like hormonal options, it’s a good idea to talk to your GP about the pros and cons of each long-acting reversible contraceptive.
The two main types are:
Implant
- Small, thin and flexible plastic rod – about the size of a matchstick – that releases a hormone to prevent pregnancy.
- Sits under the skin of the upper arm.
- Helps prevent pregnancy for up to three years.
- Has one hormone (a form of progestogen).
Intrauterine devices (IUDs)
- Small and flexible T-shaped device that prevents pregnancy.
- Sits in the uterus.
- Helps prevent pregnancy for eight to 10 years, depending on the type.
- Two types of IUDs: hormonal (a form of progestogen) and non-hormonal (made of copper).
Figure one: Two types of IUDs; left-hand side is a hormonal IUD and right-hand side is non-hormonal (copper) IUD.
Just like hormonal contraceptives, long-acting reversible contraceptives prevent pregnancy but won’t stop you from getting STIs. You should still use barrier protection during sex if you have a long-acting reversible contraceptive to reduce your risk
of STIs.
Emergency contraceptive pill (morning-after pill)
The emergency contraceptive pill is a tablet you can get from a pharmacy to prevent pregnancy. You don't need to get your parents' permission, be a certain age or have a doctor's prescription to get the emergency contraceptive pill.
The emergency contraceptive pill doesn’t stop STIs.
You might take the emergency contraceptive pill if you had unprotected sex or a condom broke, and you are worried you could get pregnant. For the pill to work, you must take it within 72 hours (three days) of unprotected sex. But the sooner you take it,
the better.
When buying the emergency contraceptive pill, the pharmacist might ask some questions to make sure the medicine is safe for you to use. These questions could be about your periods, how you usually protect yourself during sex, your reasons for needing
emergency contraception or how long it has been since you last had unprotected sex. Asking health questions is a normal part of a pharmacist’s job. They will keep your answers private.
Is it safe to track menstrual cycles or use the ‘pull-out’ method to avoid getting pregnant?
You might have heard about other ways to prevent pregnancy while having sex. Some examples are the 'pull-out' (withdrawal) method or tracking menstrual cycles to avoid sex on fertile days. These methods are not reliable. You can still get pregnant doing either or both of these things.
- In the pull-out method, the penis comes out of the vagina before finishing (ejaculation). It’s easy to get wrong, let alone if you are under pressure. But even if you do this properly, the fluid (called pre-ejaculate or ‘precum’) that comes out of
the penis before ejaculation can still have sperm in it. If that sperm gets to an egg, you could get pregnant.
- The fertility tracking method is when you monitor your cycle each month and record changes like body temperature. Then, you avoid sex when you have signs of ovulation. Unfortunately, it’s easy to misread cycle changes – especially as a teen, when
it’s common to have irregular cycles.
How good are contraceptives at preventing pregnancy?
Not all protection is as good at preventing pregnancy as others.
A contraceptive's 'effectiveness' is how well it works. It's usually a percentage based on 'typical use' – this is how good it is in real life, where people might forget to take a pill or make mistakes. Contraceptives usually get better at preventing
pregnancy when you use them properly.
Here’s a breakdown of common contraceptives and how well they work:
Most effective (more than 99%)
Long-acting reversible contraceptives
Implant
- More than 99% effective at preventing pregnancies.
- Lasts up to three years.
- About one in 100 users will get pregnant in a year.
Intrauterine devices (IUDs)
- More than 99% effective at preventing pregnancies.
- Hormonal IUD lasts up to eight years.
- Copper IUD lasts up to 10 years.
- About one in 100 users will get pregnant in a year.
Very effective (91 to 99%)
Hormonal contraceptives
The pill (combined pill and progestogen-only pill)
- Around 91 to 99% effective at preventing pregnancies.
- About nine in 100 users will get pregnant in a year.
Injection
- Around 94% effective at preventing pregnancies.
- About six in 100 users will get pregnant in a year.
- Needs to be repeated every 12 weeks to be effective.
Vaginal ring
- Around 91% effective at preventing pregnancies.
- About nine in 100 users will get pregnant in a year.
- Needs to be replaced every month to be effective.
Effective (79 to 85%)
Barrier contraceptives
External condoms
- Around 85% effective at preventing pregnancies.
- About 15 in 100 users will get pregnant in a year.
Internal condoms
- Around 79% effective at preventing pregnancies.
- About 21 in 100 users will get pregnant in a year.
Least effective
Other methods
Withdrawal
- Around 78% effective at preventing pregnancies.
- About 22 in 100 users will get pregnant in a year.
Fertility tracking
- Around 76 to 88% effective at preventing pregnancies, but requires proper tracking.
- Between 12 and 24 users will get pregnant in a year.
- Not reliable for teens with irregular periods.
Where can I get advice on contraception?
There are lots of places to get advice about protection. You don’t have to be 18 years old or need your parents’ permission.
- Doctors: Your GP can talk you through your options, give advice and write you a prescription for contraceptives if needed.
- Sexual health clinics (also called family planning clinics): In Australia, sexual health clinics can give you expert advice and offer STI testing and treatment.
- School nurse: Many school nurses will chat to you about sexual health.
- Youth health services: There are clinics or programs for young people aged 12 to 25 years that offer free or low-cost advice on lots of health topics, including contraception.
Things you might be wondering
Do I still need to use condoms if I am on the pill?
Even though the pill is very good at preventing pregnancy when you take it properly, it won't stop you from getting STIs. Condoms are the only contraceptives that protect against pregnancy and STIs. So, it’s best to keep using condoms if
you are on the pill.
How old do you have to be to buy condoms?
There are no age restrictions for buying condoms in Australia. You can get them from supermarkets, pharmacies, convenience stores and sexual health clinics. No one can legally stop you from buying condoms, and you don’t need to show ID. If you
are nervous, you can buy them using a self-serve checkout or order them online.
Do condoms expire?
Condoms do expire. Most will last for about three to five years, but every product is different. Expired condoms have a higher risk of breaking. Always check the expiry date printed on the packaging before use. Keep condoms away from heat and
direct sunlight, and don’t leave them in your wallet for too long. If the condom package looks damaged, or the condom is dry or smells strange, it might not be safe to use.
How does the emergency contraceptive pill work?
The emergency contraceptive pill works by stopping or delaying the body from releasing an egg. This means there is nothing for sperm to fertilise. If the sperm has already fertilised the egg, pregnancy has started, and the pill won’t work. The
emergency contraceptive pill is not an abortion.
Do I need to use protection during sex if there is no risk of pregnancy?
To prevent STIs, it’s best to use condoms or other barrier protection during any sexual activity. This includes sex with someone of the same sex. You can still get STIs from oral sex.
I want to start taking the pill. Do I need my parents’ consent?
You have a right to private and confidential health care as a teen. Depending on your age, this privacy means you might
not need your parents' consent to start the pill. However, it’s usually best to tell your parents.
If you are over 16, you can consent to medical treatment, including contraceptives, without parental consent. If you are 14 or older, you can consent to contraceptives if your GP decides you are a ‘mature minor.’ This means they believe you understand
how to use the pill and can make informed decisions about your health.
Is it safe to use hormonal contraceptives like the pill as a teen?
Hormonal contraceptives like the pill are safe for teens. They don’t cause period blood 'build up' or make it harder for you to have babies later in life if you choose to (they won’t affect your fertility). Remember that pregnant people don’t
usually get a period for nine months.
If you are thinking about starting the pill and want to learn more, speak with your GP or another health worker. They will take you through your options and help you decide which is best for your body and lifestyle.
My partner doesn’t want to use condoms. What should I do?
A caring partner will respect your choices. If your partner doesn’t want to use condoms and you do, it’s not okay for them to pressure you. No matter how long you have known someone or whether you are in a long-term relationship, you always have
the right to say no to sex.
You and your partner need to agree on what you both feel comfortable with. Have an open discussion about your boundaries. If they still refuse to use condoms, this is a sign of disrespect or even controlling behaviour. It’s a good idea to speak
about your situation with someone you trust, such as a parent, school counsellor, or your GP. You can also contact a support service like Kids Helpline or 1800RESPECT.
Helpful links
Developed by The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH); medical review by the Adolescent Medicine department, with input from the Gynaecology department. Created with advice from the RCH Health Literacy Youth Advisory Committee.
Reviewed August 2025.
Speak with a doctor for up-to-date and personalised medical advice.