Your Comprehensive Guide to Contraception Options at 1 Health

Choosing the right contraception is a personal decision — and having clear, trustworthy information makes it far easier. At 1 Health in Wigram, our clinicians help patients across Christchurch explore safe, effective contraception options based on their health, lifestyle, and future plans.

This guide outlines the contraception methods we offer at 1 Health, using up-to-date clinical guidelines, Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa resources, and trusted medical evidence.

If you’re thinking about starting contraception, changing methods, or simply want to understand your options, this is a good place to begin.

Short-acting hormonal contraception

Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill (the “Pill”)

What it is: A daily pill containing oestrogen and progestogen.

How it works: Prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg.

Effectiveness:

• Typical use: ~92%
  
• Perfect use: 99%+
  
  

Advantages:

• Can reduce bleeding and period pain
  
• Some pills are fully subsidised (small pharmacy fee only)
  
• Easily reversible

Disadvantages:

• Needs to be taken daily — missed pills increase pregnancy risk
  
• Less effective with vomiting, diarrhoea, or some medications
  
• Possible side effects: nausea, breast tenderness
  
• Not suitable for some people (e.g., migraines with aura, clotting history)

Progestogen-Only Pill (the “Mini Pill”)

What it is: A daily pill containing progestogen only.

How it works: Thickens cervical mucus and may prevent ovulation.

Effectiveness:

• Typical use: ~92%
  
• Perfect use: 99%+
  
  

Advantages:

• Suitable for those who can’t take oestrogen
  
• Often fully subsidised
  
• Fewer medical exclusions
  
  

Disadvantages:

• Must be taken at the same time daily
  
• Irregular bleeding is common
  
• Effectiveness can drop with stomach upset or interacting medicines

Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC)

LARC methods are the most effective contraception options available and are popular with patients wanting reliable, low-maintenance protection.

Copper IUD

What it is: A small copper and plastic device placed inside the uterus.

How it works: Stops sperm reaching the egg and may prevent implantation.

Effectiveness: Over 99%.

Advantages:

• Lasts 5–10 years
  
• No hormones
  
• Immediate return to fertility after removal
  
• Device cost is fully subsidised (insertion/removal fees may apply)
  
  

Disadvantages:

• Periods may become heavier or more painful
  
• Small risks of infection (~1%) or expulsion (3–5%)
  

Hormonal IUDs (Mirena & Jaydess)

What they are: IUDs that slowly release progestogen.

How they work: Thicken cervical mucus and thin the uterine lining.

Effectiveness:

• Mirena: 99.8%
  
• Jaydess: 99.6%
  
  

Advantages:

• Mirena: Lighter periods; around 20% have no periods
  
• Jaydess: Smaller, may be more comfortable at insertion
  
• Lasts 3–5 years depending on the type
  
• Immediate return to fertility
  
• Device and procedure usually subsidised
  
  

Disadvantages:

• Irregular spotting is common initially
  
• Mild hormonal side effects in a small number of users
  
• Same small risks of infection or expulsion as other IUDs
  

Contraceptive Implant

What it is: Two small rods inserted under the skin of the upper arm.

How it works: Releases progestogen to stop ovulation and thicken cervical mucus.

Effectiveness: 99.9% — one of the most reliable contraception methods.

Advantages:

• Works for 5 years
  
• Many people experience lighter or no bleeding
  
• Immediate return to fertility once removed
  
• Fully subsidised (insertion/removal fees may be covered)
  
  

Disadvantages:

• Irregular bleeding can occur
  
• Some may experience hormonal side effects
  
• Requires a minor procedure for placement and removal