Contraception
Contraception (also called birth control or family planning) helps prevent unwanted pregnancies. Several options are available, covering different methods and levels of effectiveness.
New accessibility to emergency hormonal contraception
Emergency hormonal contraceptives Ulipristal (EllaOne) and levonorgestrel (Postella-1) is available for purchase through our online store and app.
To complete your purchase, follow the steps below (this is not required if you have a doctor's prescription):
- Visit our online store and proceed through the checkout process
- Contact your selected pharmacy as soon as possible after checkout to confirm if the product is appropriate. Your order will be cancelled if not confirmed within 48 hours — Find your selected store's contact details HERE
- Once the pharmacist confirms your eligibility, the order can be processed
Learn more about emergency hormonal contraception HERE.
Explore contraception topics below
Types of contraception and their effectiveness
No form of contraception is 100% effective, but some are more effective than others. For your chosen method to be as effective as possible, it's important to use it correctly.
Before choosing the right option for you, it's important to consider:
- The effectiveness of each method
- Your risk of getting a sexually transmissible infection (STI)
- Cost
- How easy it is to use
- Your general health
- Potential for side-effects
- Whether you will need to see a healthcare provider
- And other considerations
Is emergency contraception right for you?
Emergency contraception or ‘the morning after pill’ is more effective the earlier you take it. Within 24 hours is ideal; however, depending on the type of emergency contraception the window can range from 24-72 hours.10
Emergency contraception can be used if you:
- didn’t use any contraception
- forgot to take the pill
- have unprotected sex
- had sex with a condom and it broke
- were sexually assaulted
Emergency hormonal contraceptives are now available for patients to purchase on our online store.
Oral contraceptive pill (OCP) resupply consultation
Eligible women can now visit a participating TerryWhite Chemmart pharmacy to get a consultation for a resupply of their oral contraceptive pill.
Patients can access a 12-month re-supply of certain low-risk oral contraceptive pills for contraception purposes only. Eligibility applies.
Emergency contraception?
Emergency contraception or ‘the morning after pill’ can be used if you:
- didn’t use any contraception
- forgot to take the pill
- have unprotected sex
- had sex with a condom and it broke
- were sexually assaulted
Emergency contraception is more effective the earlier you take it. Within 24 hours is ideal; however, depending on the type of emergency contraception the window can range from 24-72 hours.10
Choosing the right contraception
It’s important to choose the right contraception for you. Things to consider include:
- how easy it is to use?
- how effective it is?
- how easy it is to access?
- how much it costs?
- potential side-effects?
- is it reversible?
- whether it offers protection from STIs
Not all contraceptives are suitable for everyone. For example, some types of hormonal contraception are not recommended for people with blood clots, heart problems or migraines.11
Choosing the right contraception
It’s important to choose the right contraception for you. Things to consider include:
- how easy it is to use?
- how effective it is?
- how easy it is to access?
- how much it costs?
- potential side-effects?
- is it reversible?
- whether it offers protection from STIs
Not all contraceptives are suitable for everyone. For example, some types of hormonal contraception are not recommended for people with blood clots, heart problems or migraines.11
Where can you get contraception?
Contraception, such as LARCs, vaginal rings and the pill is only available with a prescription, so you’ll need to see your doctor to access these forms of birth control.
The emergency contraception pill is available from a doctor or pharmacist without a prescription.
You can also buy condoms and diaphragms without a prescription from your TerryWhite Chemmart pharmacy. However, if you choose a diaphragm, it’s recommended you see a doctor or nurse to make sure it fits properly.
Potential side-effects
Some forms of contraception can have side effects. Some common side effects from using hormonal contraception include:11
- irregular vaginal bleeding (spotting)
- mood changes
- headaches
- skin changes
- sore breasts
- nausea
If you have a latex allergy, it’s important to use latex-free condoms. Talk to your doctor about potential side effects you may need to be aware of.
When to see your doctor
If you’re not sure which contraception to use, see your doctor or a family planning clinic. You may also need to have regular reviews with your doctor for some forms of contraception.
How TerryWhite Chemmart can help
Your qualified TerryWhite Chemmart Pharmacist* can provide care for a broader range of everyday health conditions, including hormonal contraception.
Your local TerryWhite Chemmart pharmacist is available to help you manage your health. We can provide expert advice, dispense your prescription contraceptive pill and provide emergency contraception.
We can also recommend different types of contraception, explain how to use them effectively and discuss any potential side effects that may occur.
Disclaimer
General advice only – this information should not replace the information provided to you by your healthcare professional. If symptoms are severe or persist, please speak to your healthcare professional. Information current as of date of publishing.
*Pharmacists must undertake specific post-graduate clinical and prescribing training and be authorised by Queensland Health. Eligibility applies.