Future Contraceptive Options

A report on Deborah Bateson’s presentation “ASHA Oration – Distinguished Services Awardee Presentation” 

This presentation outlined some very innovative contraceptive options that may be used soon. Examples are smaller IUD’s for smaller women; self-injected sub-cutaneous Depo; male contraception; and a microchip that lasts for 16 years and can be turned on and off depending on fertility desires!  

Another interesting potentiality is a monthly pill taken towards the end of the menstrual cycle that has different actions dependent on the whether the woman is pregnant or not. If the woman is not pregnant then she would have a normal monthly period, however if she is pregnant then this pill would terminate the pregnancy at the very early stage, even before a woman is aware that she is pregnant. These contraceptives are not yet approved for use in Australia and some will likely meet many obstacles to becoming available.

This presentation has changed the way that I will approach Depo use in Indigenous Australian women. Deborah highlighted that in the past, some Indigenous women had their reproductive autonomy taken away and were coerced into using Depo for contraception. While I always ensure I ask the woman about her desires in a contraceptive before discussing various options to meet her needs, this knowledge of the history of Depo coercion will ensure that I am more sensitive to the needs of my patients in the future. 

Author bio: 

Currently acting in the CNC position for the Toowoomba Sexual Health and HIV service, Lauren's has been in clinical positions in several sexual health services throughout the state over the last 12 years. Lauren has a passion for best practice in this area and has recently returned to work after having a few years of maternity leave.