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 can offer most types of contraception at the clinic, including most oral contraceptives, the Mirena IUD and Multiload (copper) IUD.

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

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 it's brand name is Postinor-2. This is now 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.

Detailed instructions for emergency contraception

About IUD's (Intrauterine devices)

An IUD is a small contraceptive device which is inserted into your uterus, usually in a day-surgery under sedation. IUD's provide long-term contraceptive protection for up to 5 years.There are currently two different types of IUD available in Australia. The Mirena IUD and the Multiload IUD.

IUD's are only suited for women who;

Have at least one child
Are in a mutually monogamous relationship

Instructions for patients who are considering an IUD.

If you are considering having an IUD fitted, you should read the information outlined below, then make an appointment with your GP to discuss this option with you. If you are coming to the Private Clinic for a pregnancy termination, we can talk to you about this option during your counseling and perform the neccessary preliminary tests.

Read the information about the two different types of IUD at the bottom of this page.
Your GP will need to take some vaginal swabs (similar to a PAP smear). These tests 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 when the IUD is inserted. A uterine infection, if undetected and not treated, could affect your future fertility.

The doctors abbreviations for the required pathology 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 you 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 1 week, your GP may want to see you again to discuss the results. Alternatively, 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

The insertion of the IUD must take place during the first seven days of your period, ideally on day 5. Call the Private Clinic when your period has started in order to schedule an appointment for it's insertion.
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 a Mirena, please arrange to have the prescription filled and bring the Mirena with you.
5. The fee is payable on the day of the insertion.

The Mirena IUD is a plastic, T-shaped device which is inserted through your cervix into your uterus. Two nylon strings are attached to the IUD which are impregnated with a hormone similar to that used in some oral contraceptives. This hormone is released slowly, in small quantities, much less than an oral contraceptive pill, over 5 years. Clinical trials have shown that it's efficiency is 0.16 pregnancies per 100 woman years.

Mirena IUD in uterus Mirena IUD in palm of hand

Mirena provides contraceptive protection by;

Controlling the monthly development of the womb lining so that it is not thick enough for you to become pregnant.
Making the normal mucus in the cervical canal (opening to the womb) thicker, so that the sperm cannot get through to fertilise the egg.
Preventing ovulation (the release of eggs) in some women.
There are also local effects on the lining of the womb caused by the presence of the T-shaped frame (since MIRENA is also an intrauterine contraceptive device).
Affecting the movement of sperm inside the womb, preventing fertilisation.

Mirena also works in the treatment of excessive monthly bleeding. Side effects may include missed menstrual periods, and irregular bleeding or spotting for the first 3-6 months. Most women will experience lighter, shorter periods.

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

The cost of the Mirena is subsidised under the PBS, so if you hold a Medicare card, you can expect to pay just over $30. Call the clinic for details about the insertion cost.

Product information for Mirena

The Multiload IUD This IUD is a plastic, T-shaped device which has copper wire wound around the body of the IUD. It is inserted through your cervix into your uterus. Two nylon strings are attached to the IUD. This IUD also lasts for up to 5 years. It is thought to provide contraceptive protection by reducing the chances of the male and female reproductive cells uniting.

The Multiload IUD is not subsidised under the PBS so the typical cost is around $100. Call the clinic for details about the insertion cost.

Product information for the Multiload IUD

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

Open Monday - Saturday

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