Contraception / Birth Control

Contraception Advice Tailored to Your Needs

Choosing the right contraception (birth control) can feel overwhelming, particularly when there are so many options available. Every woman’s needs are different, and the best choice will depend on your age, medical history, stage of life, future fertility plans, lifestyle and personal preferences.

Dr Nancy Peters provides personalised contraception counselling for women of all ages. Whether you are looking for a reliable long-term option, contraception after pregnancy, management for heavy periods or advice during perimenopause, Dr Peters takes the time to explain the advantages and disadvantages of each option so you can make an informed decision.

She provides both medical and procedural contraception services, including Mirena insertion, Kyleena insertion, contraceptive implant insertion and removal, and permanent contraception options.

Contraception Counselling

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to contraception. During your consultation, Dr Nancy Peters will discuss factors such as:

  • Your age and medical history
  • Whether you are planning future pregnancies
  • Your periods, menstrual cycle and bleeding patterns
  • Existing gynaecological conditions
  • Your personal preferences
  • Hormonal versus non-hormonal options
  • How important convenience and long-term protection are to you

This allows contraception to be tailored to your specific needs and goals.

Many women are surprised by how soon fertility can return after childbirth, even if they are breastfeeding.

Post-pregnancy contraception is an important discussion and may include:

  • Contraception while breastfeeding
  • Timing of contraception after birth
  • Long-term contraception options
  • Permanent contraception for women who have completed their family

Dr Peters can discuss options during pregnancy, after birth or during postnatal follow-up appointments.

Long-acting reversible contraception, often called LARC, is considered one of the most effective forms of contraception available.

LARC methods are more than 99% effective and can last for several years, while still being completely reversible if pregnancy is desired in the future.

Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC)

Mirena is a hormonal intrauterine device that slowly releases progesterone into the uterus. It provides contraception for up to eight years in Australia and is also commonly used to manage heavy periods, painful periods, adenomyosis and endometriosis.

Benefits of Mirena may include:

  • Very effective contraception
  • Lighter periods
  • Less period pain
  • Reduced bleeding
  • Convenience
  • Long duration of action

Many women experience lighter periods or no periods at all after Mirena insertion.

Kyleena is another hormonal intrauterine device, but it contains a lower dose of hormone than Mirena.

Kyleena may be suitable for younger women, women who have not had children, or women who would prefer a lower hormone option.

It provides contraception for up to five years.

Copper IUD is a hormone-free contraceptive option. It can remain in place for up to five-to-ten years depending on the type used.

Copper IUDs may be a good choice for women who:

  • Prefer non-hormonal contraception
  • Cannot use hormonal contraception
  • Want long-term contraception
  • Need emergency contraception

However, copper IUDs can sometimes make periods heavier or more painful.

IUD (intrauterine device) Replacement & Removal

Women who already have an IUD may require replacement once the device reaches the end of its recommended duration.

Dr Peters can assess whether your current IUD needs replacing and can usually remove and replace it during the same appointment.

An IUD can be removed at any time if you wish to become pregnant, are experiencing side effects, or would prefer a different form of contraception.

Fertility usually returns quickly after removal.

Hormonal Contraception Options

The combined oral contraceptive pill contains both oestrogen and progesterone.

In addition to preventing pregnancy, the pill can also help with:

  • Heavy periods
  • Painful periods
  • Acne
  • PMS/PMDD symptoms
  • Endometriosis-related pain
  • Cycle regulation

There are many different pill formulations available, and Dr Peters can help determine which option is most suitable for you.

The progesterone-only pill may be suitable for women who cannot take oestrogen.

It is commonly used in women who:

  • Are breastfeeding
  • Have migraines with aura
  • Have a history of blood clots
  • Smoke
  • Have certain medical conditions

Implanon NXT is a small rod inserted under the skin of the upper arm. It slowly releases progesterone and provides contraception for up to three years.

The implant is more than 99% effective and is a convenient option for women who want reliable contraception without needing to remember a daily pill. It may cause irregular bleeding. 

Permanent Contraception

For women who are certain they do not wish to have future pregnancies, permanent contraception may be an option.

Dr Peters offers salpingectomy, which involves removal of the fallopian tubes. This may be performed:

  • At the time of caesarean section
  • During laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery
  • Alongside other gynaecological procedures

Salpingectomy is now often preferred over traditional tubal ligation because it reduces the future risk of ovarian cancer.

Permanent contraception is a significant decision and careful counselling is important.

Dr Peters provides thorough discussion about:

  • The permanence of the procedure
  • Alternatives to surgery
  • Risks and benefits
  • Future fertility considerations
  • Partner contraception options

When Contraception Advice Can Be Helpful

Contraception is not only about preventing pregnancy. Many contraceptive methods can also help manage gynaecological symptoms and hormonal concerns.

You may benefit from contraception advice if you have:

  • Heavy or painful periods
  • Endometriosis
  • Adenomyosis
  • PMOS (formerly PCOS)
  • Acne
  • Irregular periods
  • Perimenopause symptoms
  • Post-pregnancy contraception needs

For many women, the right contraceptive choice can improve both quality of life and symptom control.

Why Choose Dr Nancy Peters for Contraception Advice?

Dr Peters understands that contraception is a personal decision and that women often want time to ask questions and discuss their options.

She provides personalised, evidence-based advice in a supportive environment and offers both simple medical management and procedural options such as IUD insertion and permanent contraception.

Her goal is to help women find a contraceptive method that fits comfortably into their life and supports their long-term health goals.

Book An Appointment

If you would like advice about contraception, are considering an IUD, need contraception after pregnancy or want to discuss permanent contraception, Dr Nancy Peters can help.

Appointments are available in Miranda for both public and private patients.