Information, education and support
The focus of today’s World Health Day is depression; a major health issue across the globe and one that affects more than 300 million people worldwide. While it is widely accepted that there is a strong link between reproductive health and women’s mental health, the nature of this link is something that is often masked or distorted, particularly when it …
A number of misconceptions surround the topic of emergency contraception or ‘the morning after pill’, which not only leads to confusion but could result in an unplanned pregnancy. Here we debunk four of the common myths about emergency contraception and provide you with information about accessing the method that is right for you, when you need it. 1. A 1.5mg …
More than a century ago, 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding better pay, working conditions and equality. Fast forward to 2017, and the roots of disruption that started the International Women’s Day movement are very much alive and kicking. Not just in New York, but right across the globe. Donald Trump’s presidency has been a lightning rod for …
Decision-based counselling is a model of non-directive, women-centred counselling that assists women through the process of making a decision about their pregnancy. Non-directive counselling allows a counsellor to support and listen to a woman’s concerns without pushing her one way or another. In pregnancy counselling, it’s a conversation where the options of continuing or terminating a pregnancy (also known as …
While most people are aware of common forms of contraception, such as the Pill and condoms, there are many more options available, a number of which provide enhanced protection against pregnancy than their better-known counterparts. So what is the best contraception method? Finding out about these other options can be difficult, particularly if you don’t have a regular GP you …
In Australia, over 25,000 men undergo a vasectomy every year, making it one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures. It offers men who have already had children or decided not to have children a highly effective and safe method of permanent contraception. In the following, we explain what happens during and after a vasectomy and address some of the …
If you are up to 9 weeks pregnant, medical abortion is a safe, non-invasive method of terminating your pregnancy. Overall, this method is a low risk option, with up to 98% of medical abortions ending in a successful termination. Medical abortion is available at Marie Stopes clinics following a face-to-face consultation or, if you cannot access a clinic, you may …
Vasectomy is a safe, permanent method of contraception for men who have completed their family or who have decided not to have children. Marie Stopes Australia provides expert vasectomy services across our network of clinics nationally. The following is a useful resource for men and couple thinking about vasectomy but who aren’t sure what to expect. How does vasectomy work? …
Surgical abortion is a safe and straightforward day-surgery procedure performed by a fully trained doctor, who is an expert in termination of pregnancy and family planning. How long will I have to stay at the clinic? A few factors influence how long you will have to stay at the clinic. If you are in your first trimester, the procedure can …
Access to abortion in Australia is highly variable due to the differing abortion laws between the states and territories. Second term or second trimester abortion in particular can be very difficult to access. Whether or not you can receive the care you need, in a timely manner, at a price you can afford, depends very much on where in Australia …
Providing access to safe, early pregnancy termination services for women living in regional and rural areas of Australia has historically been a difficult task, with many women having to travel long distances at great expense to visit a clinic. Now tele-abortion, or medical abortion via teleconsultation, is available to women living in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia, Northern …
Facing an unwanted pregnancy and making the decision to have an abortion can be challenging, and choosing which type of abortion procedure is best for your circumstances can add to the confusion. In this article we discuss the differences between surgical abortion and medical abortion, in order to help you better understand the choices available to you. Surgical abortion is …
For over 16 years, Marie Stopes Australia has been providing Australian women & men with access to professional and non-judgemental sexual and reproductive health services. As part of our role, we are committed to providing you with the most up-to-date and accurate information about your available options, whether we’re talking about abortion, vasectomy, sexual health or contraception. ‘Your Choices’ is …
