Sexual Health

Contraception, know your options Our nurses can offer advice and services to help you with your sexual and reproductive health. Our GPs can provide different options of contraception and protection. We can help you decide what form of contraception may be best for you. 

Condoms 

Oral contraception 

Depo Provera 

Long-acting reversible contraceptives 

Emergency contraceptive pill (aka Morning after pill)

Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) is a contraceptive that lasts for a long time. LARCs are the most effective types of contraception. They are more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. 

Some available LARCs are:

IUCDs 

Mirenas 

Jadelle implants 

Depo Provera (10 - 12 weekly injections) 

Funding is now available for long acting reversible contraception. Please discuss whether you are eligible for this funding with your GP or Nurse. 

Your choice of contraception will depend on your age, health and the status of your relationship. Talk to your doctor or nurse if you are unsure which method is best for you. They will ask about your health so they can recommend the safest contraception for you.

Help when you need it 

The Emergency Contraceptive Pill (ECP) is a form of contraception that can be used after unprotected sex. The ECP is approved to be taken up to 72 hours after sex (three days). However for most people it is still effective up to four days after sex. 

The Copper IUD is a permanent intrauterine device and can also be used as a form of emergency contraception. It is inserted by a doctor or trained nurse up to five days after the egg is released, and it’s almost 100% effective.

STI Testing and Treatment 

Sexually transmissible infections (STIs) are infections that you can get if you have unprotected sex with someone. 

There are many reasons why you might want to have an STI test, such as: 

• if you and a new partner are beginning a sexual relationship 
• if you have had unprotected sex 
• if you think you may have an STI 
• if you just want a routine sexual health check 
• if a condom broke 
• if you are pregnant or attempting to get pregnant 
• if you have symptoms or just feel something is not right

Be prepared

Contraception is very effective at preventing pregnancy but whichever method you choose, everyone should use condoms to prevent contracting an STI that could have further health and fertility issues for you in the future.

STIs are on the rise. Chlamydia has increased by 20% in the last 5 years, Gonorrhoea by 50%. That means if there are more people in the community with an STI – there is more chance that you could catch one. You may not know you have one, as many do not have sysmptoms, which is why they spread so easily.

Chlamydia is New Zealand’s most common STI and often causes no symptoms. Untreated it can go on to cause severe pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. The good news is that Chlamydia can be easily treated with prescription medication from your doctor. Other STIs like Genital Herpes can’t be cured, but can be controlled with medication. Herpes is a very painful condition to have – once you have it, you have it for life. 

You can also catch illnesses like Hepatits C and HIV, which are both incurable but easily preventable by using condoms. 

Condoms are an effective way of preventing many STIs. If you are like most people, you will not find out about your partner’s sexual past until your relationship is underway. That might be too late to stop an STI.

Stay safe. Always use a condom, no matter who you are having sex with. You don't want to be that person who passes something on to someone else.

For further Information about Sexual Health check out Just The Facts website: www.justthefacts.co.nz 

LMC's (Lead Maternity Carers) team can support you if you are in need of a termination. 

Our GPs can refer you to termination services and our team can help support your general wellness during what can be a difficult time.

Your sexual orientation is who you are attracted to, emotionally and physically. You don’t choose your sexual orientation – it is part of who you are. 

Our gender identity is about our sense of being a man or a woman or someone else. It may not be the same as the sex we were assigned at birth. We can provide support to individuals who are wanting to discuss any issues around orientation or identity, including medication options.

These are topics that may come up during your life and sometimes it helps to talk with others who feel similar to you. We can offer advice and direct you to additional services as needed.