Each year on September 26th, the world recognises World Contraception Day: a reminder of the importance of safe, effective, and easily accessible contraception for women everywhere. Contraception is not just about preventing pregnancy and family planning: for many women, it plays a key role in managing menstrual health, and quality of life.

Here in Australia, 2024 and 2025 have been significant years for contraceptive care, with new guidelines and pharmaceutical benefits scheme (PBS) listings which have expanded options and affordability. At Maven Centre, we see this as an opportunity to empower women with the latest information, so you can make informed choices about your reproductive health.

Why Talk About Contraception?

Contraception remains one of the most important aspects of women’s health care. Most Australian women will use contraception at some point in their lives, yet many are still unsure which option best suits them.

The landscape is always evolving. From new medications on the PBS, to updated guidelines on intra-uterine device (IUD) use, to emerging dual-purpose treatments that combine contraception with endometriosis management, there’s a lot happening right now.

What’s new in 2024 and 2025?

Oral Contraceptives: expanded PBS access

This year, several oral contraceptive pills were added to the Australian government’s PBS. These changes are significant, because they improve affordability for many women, ensuring that cost is less of a barrier to consistent use.

• Certain combined oral contraceptives (COCPs) are now PBS-listed, including formulations that contain the progestin ‘drosperinone’ (Brand names of these COCPs include: ‘Yaz’, ‘Rosie’, ‘Bella’, ‘Yana’, ‘Yasmin’, ‘Yelena’, ‘Isabelle’, and ‘Rosalee’.)
• In addition, the progesterone-only Pill ‘Slinda’ (which only contains drosperinone, without any estrogen ingredient), has also gained PBS listing
• Drosperinone-containing pills are thought to be helpful for women concerned about: acne, excess hair, pre-menstrual symptoms, depression, breast tenderness, bloating, and/or fluid retention. In particular, women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) may benefit from such contraceptive pills

Until now, women had to pay full price for these pills, which could add up over time. With PBS listing, out-of-pocket costs drop significantly, thereby making it easier for women to access and stay on their chosen method.

Contraception and Endometriosis: a new PBS option

Another exciting update is the PBS listing of ‘Ryeqo’, which is a polypill combination of relugolix, estradiol, and norethisterone medications. Women who have had endometriosis either confirmed at keyhole surgery, or strongly suspected based on an ultrasound, are able to access PBS-listed ‘Ryeqo’. While primarily used for the management of endometriosis-related symptoms (such as painful periods), ‘Ryeqo’ also happens to be contraceptive.

‘Ryeqo’ works by suppressing ovarian function, and reducing the pain and bleeding associated with endometriosis. It is taken as a daily tablet and offers effective contraception at the same time.

For women with endometriosis, treatment often involves juggling multiple medications: some for pain, and some for contraception. ‘Ryeqo’ simplifies this, providing dual benefits in a single pill. It’s a strong example of how women’s health treatments are evolving to become more streamlined and patient-centred.

In addition, women who have experienced side-effects from COCP use previously may consider trialing ‘Ryeqo’, to see if their body tolerates it any better.

Mirena IUD: contraceptive lifespan extended to 8 years

For many women, the ‘Mirena’ progesterone IUD is a highly effective, low-maintenance contraceptive option. It has long been valued for providing up to five years of contraception, and for its role in managing heavy menstrual bleeding.

This year, guidelines were updated to extend the contraceptive lifespan of the Mirena from five to eight years. (‘Mirena’s approved for endometrial protection remains only five years, when it is used alongside menopausal hormone therapy.)

For women, this means:

• Fewer procedures: you can keep your IUD in place longer before replacement
• Cost savings: fewer insertions and device purchases over time
• Convenience: reduced need for repeat visits to your women’s health GP or gynaecologist

It’s worth noting that ‘Mirena’ continues to be one of the most effective forms of contraception available, with failure rates of less than 1 in 500 women per year.

For more information about having a ‘Mirena’ inserted by the Maven Centre team, please read through our IUD patient information pamphlet.

Long-Acting and Short-Acting Methods: where are we now?

Australia continues to promote long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) options (including IUDs and contraceptive implants) as safe, highly effective, and ‘set-and-forget’ options.

According to the publication ‘Australian Prescriber’, uptake of LARC methods is increasing but still lags behind some other countries. Barriers include misconceptions, lack of awareness, and limited access to trained clinicians in some regions.

At the same time, short-acting methods like the pill, vaginal ring, and injectables remain popular. The important message is that there is no one-size-fits-all option. The best contraceptive is the one that suits your body, your health needs, and your lifestyle.

Choosing the Right Contraceptive: what matters most

With so many options, how do you decide what’s right for you? Key factors include:

• Effectiveness: how well it prevents pregnancy
• Convenience: daily vs long-acting, reversible vs permanent
• Side-effects and benefits: e.g. lighter periods, acne improvement, management of endometriosis symptoms
• Medical history: some conditions limit eligibility for certain methods
• Cost and accessibility

This is where a discussion with your women’s health GP or gynaecologist is invaluable. They can help tailor advice to your health and lifestyle, and provide access to options like IUD insertion or implants if needed.

Our previous blog post by Maven Centre women’s health GP Dr Amy Sinclair-Thomson may help to guide your choice.

Looking Ahead: future directions in contraception

Research continues into new contraceptive technologies, including:

• Non-hormonal methods, such as devices that alter the vaginal environment to prevent pregnancy
• Male contraceptives: still under investigation, but showing promise in early trials
• Simplified access: policy discussions are ongoing about pharmacist prescribing of the pill in some states, which could further improve accessibility

While these are not yet mainstream in Australia, they signal a future where women (and men) may have even greater choice.

Key take-home messages on World Contraception Day

• Access is improving: more contraceptives are now PBS-listed, lowering costs for women
• ‘Mirena’ lasts longer: the ‘Mirena’ progesterone IUD is now effective for 8 years of contraception
• Dual-purpose treatments are here: ‘Ryeqo’ provides contraception while helping to manage endometriosis symptoms
• Choice matters: from short-acting pills to long-acting IUDs, the best option for you will depend on your particular circumstances and preferences

Conclusions

World Contraception Day is about more than just awareness: it’s about ensuring women have access to safe, affordable, and effective contraceptive options.

With new PBS listings, updated IUD guidance, and dual-purpose treatments like ‘Ryeqo’, Australian women have more choice and flexibility than ever before.

If you’re considering contraception (or thinking about whether your current method is still the best fit), consider speaking with your women’s health GP or gynaecologist. Together, we can explore the full range of options and find what works best for your body, your needs, and your future.