The Private Clinic :: Contraception and information about IUDs

Contraceptive advice at the Private Clinic. All patients attending for an abortion will receive counselling which will include a discussion about your current contraception. If you would like to change what you are currently using, we can provide advice and a prescription for most types of contraception at the clinic.

For some of the more common oral contraceptive pills, when supplies are available, we will provide you with a supply for the first month, along with a prescription for subsequent months.

If you are considering a longer acting, intraurerine contraceptine implant (IUD) at the time of having a termination, you should read the informarion about IUD's on our website and see your GP to discus and to perform the preliminary screening tests before your appointment.

What do I do if I miss an oral contraceptive pill?

Instructions to follow if you miss a pill

Emergency contraception is also called "the morning after pill" and is available over-the-counter at most pharmacies without a doctor's prescription. Your pharmacist will need to discuss your medical history to ensure that it is safe for you to take this medication.

The morning-after-pill is most effective when taken as early as possible after unprotected intercourse. It is 95% effective when taken within 24 hours, 85% when taken within 24 to 48 hours, and 58% if taken between 48 and 72 hours. Even after 72 hours, it can still be effective.

You may experience spotting or vaginal bleeding earlier than expected. If you do not get your period within three weeks of taking the pills, you should either visit your local GP or the Private Clinic as you may be pregnant.

IUD's (Intrauterine devices)

An IUD is a small T-shaped contraceptive device which is inserted into your uterus, usually in a day-surgery under sedation. Two nylon strings are attached to the IUD to allow for easy removal and they also allow you to occasionally check that the IUD is still in place in your uterus and hasn't been dislodged or expelled.

There are a couple of different types of IUD's available at the Private Clinic. They both provide long-term contraceptive protection for up to 5 years.

You will need to see your doctor to discuss whether an IUD is suitable for you and which type of IUD is appropriate.

IUD's are typically only suited for women who;

Have at least one child
Are in a mutually monogamous relationship

IUD's do not offer any protection from sexually transmitted infections (STI), so a barrier method eg. condoms, should be used if there is any risk of acquiring an infection.

IUD in palm of hand

The contraceptive protection provided by an IUD is reversible upon removal. Studies show that your chances of getting pregnant after an IUD is removed are similar to women who had not been using any form of birth control.

Call the Private Clinic for more details about the insertion cost.

Instructions for patients who are considering an IUD.

Discuss with your GP. If you intend to have an IUD fitted, make an appointment with your GP to discuss this option with you and to perform the neccessary tests.

If you are coming to the Private Clinic for a pregnancy termination, we can usually insert the IUD at the time of the termination, but only if you have had the necessary tests performed beforehand (see below) and we hve received the results beforehand. Please inform us that you intend to have an IUD inserted when you make your appointment. You will usually need to allow a few days to arrange for your test results to be completed by the lab and sent to us.

Alternatively, we can talk to you about this option during your counseling and perform the neccessary preliminary tests for insertion during your next period.

Vaginal Swabs. We require that your GP take some vaginal swabs (similar to a PAP smear) before you have an IUD inserted. These tests are now considered "best practice" and are necessary to make sure that you don't have any infection that you may be unaware of which could be introduced into your uterus on the IUD. A uterine infection, if undetected and not treated, could affect your future fertility.

The doctors abbreviations for the required tests are;

i. HVS – MC&S

(high vaginal swab - microscopy, culture and sensitivity)

ii. Endo Cx swab – MC&S

(endocervical swab - microscopy, culture and sensitivity)

iii. Endo Cx swab – Chlamydia

(endocervical swab - Chlamydia)

Ask your GP to request that the pathology lab forward a copy of the test results to The Private Clinic. FAX 9690-2505

When the results are available, usually after a few days, call the Private Clinic to make sure that we have received a copy of the results and that everything is OK to proceed with the IUD insertion.

Timing of insertion. The insertion of the IUD must take place during the first seven days of your period, ideally between days 3 and 5. Call the Private Clinic when your period has started in order to schedule an appointment for it's insertion.
Your appointment. On the day of your appointment at the Private Clinic;
1. You will need to fast for 6 hours prior to your appointment time. (no food or water. Including lollies and gum)
2. Bring a spare pair of underpants, a sanitary pad, a pair of warm socks and your Medicare card.
3. Owing to the anaesthetic, you can not drive a car for the rest of the day after the procedure.
4. We can arrange to supply you with the IUD, or if your GP gave you a prescription for an IUD, please arrange to have the prescription filled and bring it with you.
5. The fee is payable on the day of the insertion.

Internal links
Contact us to make an appointment

120 Devonshire Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010.
200m from Central
Ph. 9690-0000

Open Monday - Saturday

The Private Clinic Foyer The Private Clinic Recovery The Private Clinic Reception The Private Clinic discreet entrance The Private Clinic Waiting room