Your Comprehensive Guide to Contraception Options at 1 Health

Choosing contraception is a personal decision, and having detailed information helps you make the best choice for your body and lifestyle. Below is an in-depth resource on the contraceptive methods offered at 1 Health drawing from up-to-date clinical guidance, Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa, and trusted health sources.

Short-Acting Hormonal Contraceptives

Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill ("The Pill")

• What it is: Daily pill containing oestrogen and progestogen.
• How it works: Prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg.
• Effectiveness: Typical use—92% (8% failure in the first year if not taken perfectly); perfect use—over 99% (0.1% failure rate).
• Advantages:
• Can reduce bleeding and period pain.
• Some pills are fully subsidised (small pharmacy fee).
• Easily reversible
• Disadvantages:
• Daily commitment—missed pills raise pregnancy risk.
• Effectiveness may drop with vomiting, diarrhoea, or certain medicines.
• Side effects can include breast tenderness, nausea.
• Not suitable for those with specific health issues (Migarines, history of clots)
• .

Progestogen-Only Pill ("Mini Pill")

• What it is: Daily pill with a small amount of progestogen—no oestrogen
• How it works: Thickens cervical mucus and may inhibit ovulation.
• Effectiveness: Typical use—92% (8% failure); perfect use—over 99% (0.5% failure).
• Advantages:
• Fewer health exclusions than the combined pill.
• Ideal for those who can’t take oestrogen.
• Affordable—most options are subsidised.
• Disadvantages:
• Must be taken at the same time each day.
• Possible irregular bleeding or absence of periods.
• Effectiveness can be affected by gastrointestinal upset or medicines.
• 
  

Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARC)

Copper Intrauterine Device (IUD)

• What it is: Small copper and plastic device inserted into the uterus.
• How it works: Prevents sperm from reaching the egg; may stop implantation.
• Effectiveness: 99%+ (0.1–1% failure in the first year).
• Advantages:
• Stays effective for 5–10 years.
• Immediate return to fertility after removal.
• Fully subsidised, though procedure costs for insertion/removal may apply.
• Disadvantages:
• Periods might become heavier or more painful (manageable with NSAIDs).
• About 1% risk of infection near insertion, and 3–5% risk of expulsion.

Hormonal IUDs (Mirena & Jaydess)

• What they are: Devices that slowly release progestogen in the uterus.
• How they work: Prevents pregnancy by thickening cervical mucus and thinning the uterine lining.
• Effectiveness: Mirena—99.8% (0.2% first-year failure); Jaydess—99.6% (0.4% first-year failure).
• Advantages:
• Mirena: Lasts up to 5 years, makes periods lighter/less painful (20% may have no periods).
• Jaydess: Smaller size, lasts 3 years, may be less uncomfortable during insertion.
• Both: Immediate return to fertility on removal, subsidised product and procedure.

• Disadvantages:
• Light irregular bleeding/spotting is common at first.
• Possible mild hormonal side effects (1%).
• 1% risk of infection at insertion, 3–5% chance of expulsion.

Contraceptive Implant

• What it is: Two small rods placed under the skin of the upper arm, releasing progestogen.
• How it works: Stops ovulation and thickens cervical mucus.
• Effectiveness: 99.9% (0.1% failure in the first year).
• Advantages:
• Lasts 5 years.
• Most women experience changed bleeding patterns (20% have no bleeding).
• Immediate return to fertility after removal.
• Fully subsidised, with insertion/removal costs often covered.
• Disadvantages:
• Irregular bleeding may occur (can be bothersome for 20% of users).
• Minor hormonal side effects possible.
• Requires a small procedure for placement and removal.

Depo Provera Injection

• What it is: An injection of progestogen every 12 weeks.
• How it works: Prevents ovulation.
• Effectiveness: About 94–99.7% (0.3% first-year failure for perfect use).
• Advantages:
• Can significantly reduce or stop periods after several cycles (75% have little/no bleeding with ongoing use).
• Suited for those seeking a “set and forget” approach for 3 months at a time.
• The injection itself is free.
• Disadvantages:
• Repeat appointments every 12 weeks.
• May cause delayed return to fertility (up to 1 year).
• Possible side effects: weight change, acne, mild reversible bone thinning, irregular bleeding.

Additional Information

• Condoms are available at pharmacies and supermarkets, are essential for STI protection, and can be used in addition to any of the above methods.
• Costs and funding: Most medications/devices are subsidised in New Zealand. There may be procedure charges for insertion and removal—ask about available subsidies or speak with your GP for guidance.
• Your choice: The right contraceptive depends on your health, pregnancy plans, and preferences around period management, side effects, and ease of use. 1 Health clinicians are experienced in helping you decide.



Contact 1 Health to discuss your options or book a contraception appointment.