The federal government is moving to make long acting reversible contraception easier to obtain in Australia, with plans to open bulk billing specialist centres in every state and territory within the next six months. Doctors consider these methods the most effective form of reversible contraception, yet uptake here has remained stubbornly low.
According to medical professionals, a combination of misinformation, cost and a lack of trained providers has stopped many Australian women from accessing this kind of contraception. The new plan is aimed squarely at removing those barriers and encouraging more people to consider the option if it suits them.
One woman, Yasmin, shared how her experience changed her mind. While she was on the contraceptive pill, it affected her mood, and her doctor recommended she consider getting an intrauterine device. She admitted she had heard a few horror stories and felt nervous, but having had so much trouble with the pill, she was happy to try anything.
Yasmin said the first month was rough, but she now describes the switch as the best decision she ever made. She has since recommended it to many friends, several of whom have had the device fitted since and reported no issues, an example of how personal experience can counter some of the fear surrounding the procedure.
Intrauterine devices are a type of long acting reversible contraception, known as a LARC, a group that also includes the Implanon implant. These methods are used by around 30 percent of women in countries like the United Kingdom, Sweden and other parts of Europe, but they are far less popular in Australia, where only about one in ten women rely on them.
Doctors point out that much of the hesitation comes from misinformation circulating on social media and among friends. A 2020 study found that with more information and access to trained general practitioners, women were more likely to consider long acting contraception, and researchers were also able to demonstrate reductions in unplanned pregnancy and abortion.
Beyond preventing pregnancy, doctors say the devices can offer other benefits, such as reducing blood loss, decreasing heavy menstrual bleeding and even helping with endometriosis. To widen access, the government is increasing the Medicare rebate and investing 25.6 million dollars to set up bulk billed centres of excellence, which will treat patients directly, train other health professionals and offer outreach services for remote communities, with operations expected within six months.