Looking for contraception options in Coolangatta and the wider Gold Coast & Tweed Valley? Our women’s health GPs offer IUDs, implants, the pill and ring, and emergency contraception. Female GPs are available—please ask when booking. We have on‑site pathology and trusted referral links with local imaging and gynaecology services.
Why many women choose LARC (IUD or implant)
- Highest effectiveness with typical use
- Set‑and‑forget convenience (no daily pill)
- Cost‑effective over time with rapid return to fertility when stopped
- Suitable for most ages, including adolescents and postpartum (timing tailored)
Contraception options we provide or arrange
| Method | How it works / duration | Notes |
| Hormonal IUD (Mirena, Kyleena) | Releases levonorgestrel locally. Mirena up to 8 years for contraception; Kyleena up to 5 years. | Light/absent periods common; Mirena can treat heavy bleeding. Check suitability if breast cancer history. |
| Copper IUD | Non‑hormonal. Up to 10 years (TT380) / 5 years (short). | Can also be used as emergency contraception within 5 days of unprotected sex. |
| Implant (Implanon NXT) | Progestogen implant in upper arm. Lasts 3 years. | Highly effective. Irregular bleeding patterns are common and manageable. |
| Combined pill / vaginal ring | Oestrogen + progestogen taken daily or used cyclically. | Helps acne/period pain. Not suitable for some (e.g., migraine with aura, VTE risk, smokers ≥35). Needs daily/weekly use. |
| Progestogen‑only pill | No oestrogen; taken daily at the same time. | Suitable when oestrogen not recommended; strict timing improves effectiveness. |
| Condoms & diaphragms | Barrier methods used at time of sex. | Condoms also protect against STIs. Useful as back‑up with other methods. |
Choosing what suits you
- Your goals: short‑term vs long‑term, menstrual control, acne or perimenopausal symptoms.
- Health factors: blood pressure, migraine with aura, VTE, cardiovascular disease, BMI, smoking, breast cancer.
- Medicines that can interact with pills, implant or emergency contraception — bring your medication list.
- Comfort with pelvic exams/IUD insertion; sedation can be arranged in selected cases.
- Future pregnancy plans and how quickly you want fertility to return.
Emergency contraception (EC)
- Copper IUD: most effective EC if inserted within 5 days of unprotected sex.
- Ulipristal acetate (UPA) pill: effective up to 5 days; wait 5 days before starting/restarting hormonal contraception, and use condoms until your method is effective.
- Levonorgestrel (LNG) pill: over‑the‑counter; can start regular hormonal contraception immediately after, with back‑up as advised.
A follow‑up pregnancy test may be recommended. Ask us if you need partner notification or STI testing.
Starting or switching methods (Quick Start)
- If within the first 5 days of a natural period, most methods start protecting immediately (check your brand).
- Starting at other times is often fine if pregnancy is reasonably excluded — use condoms for the first 7 days (3 days for some progestogen‑only pills).
- After taking ulipristal EC, delay starting hormonal contraception for 5 days; use condoms until your method is effective.
Missed‑pill basics & safety notes
- Combined pill: if ≥48 hours late, take the last missed pill now, continue the pack, and use condoms for 7 days (check brand‑specific advice; different rules for Qlaira). Consider EC if unprotected sex in the previous 5 days.
- Progestogen‑only pill: if late beyond your pill’s window, take one as soon as possible, continue daily and use condoms for at least 2 days; ask your GP about EC if needed.
- Stop smoking advice for users of oestrogen‑containing methods; check blood pressure/BMI before CHC.
- See your GP promptly for new severe headaches, chest pain, shortness of breath, leg swelling, or vision changes.
