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Pharmacy Care provides information about self-care, that is how to treat minor medical conditions with products available at the pharmacy. Find out how your pharmacist can help you to manage minor conditions yourself.
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Barrier methods of contraception work by stopping a man’s sperm from reaching a woman’s eggs. There are two main types: condoms or sheaths (used by a man), and diaphragms or caps (used by a woman).
Condoms
Condoms are used to avoid unwanted pregnancies and to reduce the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection, such as chlamydia, genital herpes, hepatitis, gonorrhoea, syphilis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Condoms are put on over a man’s erect penis before sex.
A woman taking an oral contraceptive pill is only protected against pregnancy, not sexually transmitted infections. For safer sex, a condom should be used as well.
The chance of becoming pregnant while using a condom is 2 to 10%, depending on how carefully it is used.
Diaphragms or caps
Diaphragms or caps are inserted high into the woman’s vagina to cover the cervix (the opening of the womb) and stop the man’s sperm from entering the womb. To work properly they need to be used with a spermicide, which kills sperm.
Diaphragms or caps only give limited protection against sexually transmitted infections. The chance of becoming pregnant while using a diaphragm or cap is 4 to 20% if it is used correctly, including using a spermicide.
Diaphragms and caps come in different sizes and must be fitted by an experienced doctor or nurse. The fit must be checked at least once a year and after pregnancy, vaginal surgery or if you lose more than 3 kg in weight.
See Your Pharmacist or Medical Professional
What to do if barrier contraception methods fail
if your barrier contraceptive was used incorrectly or became dislodged, you may become pregnant or contract a sexually transmitted infection
you may want to think about using emergency contraception. The Emergency Contraceptive Pill (ECP) can prevent an unwanted pregnancy if the woman takes it within 72 hours of unprotected sex. The ECP can be sold by pharmacists; you don’t need a prescription. The pharmacist is required to record the supply of the ECP, and every pharmacy is different in how your personal and confidential information is documented. The ECP is also available from your doctor, Family Planning Clinic or sexual health clinic
an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) can also protect against pregnancy if a woman has it fitted within five days of unprotected sex. See your doctor, Family Planning Clinic or sexual health clinic for information
if you have had unprotected sex and are worried you have been exposed to sexually transmitted infections, see your doctor, Family Planning Clinic or sexual health clinic
Treatment Tips
Pointers for condom use
if you haven’t used a condom before, read the instructions so you use it correctly
always check the expiry date and store condoms away from heat and sunlight to prevent damage
remove condom from packet carefully to avoid tearing
condoms are more likely to tear during use if the vagina is too dry, so use a water-based lubricant
don’t use oil-based lubricants, such as baby or cooking oils, Vaseline or butter, because they quickly damage the condom
some products used for vaginal thrush can also damage condoms, so if vaginal thrush treatments are being used, ask your pharmacist for advice
spermicides are no longer recommended for use with condoms as they have been linked to an increased risk of sexually transmitted infections
some people are allergic to latex rubber; non-latex condoms are available
Pointers for using diaphragms or caps
a diaphragm or cap must always be used in combination with a spermicide
the device (diaphragm or cap) should be inserted before sex and left in place for six to eight hours afterwards. Do not go swimming, take a bath or use a douche during this time
if sexual intercourse occurs more than two hours after the device has been inserted, an extra applicator of spermicide should be put in the vagina before intercourse
after removal, the device should be washed and dried
the device should be inspected regularly for damage
some products used for vaginal thrush can damage diaphragms and caps, so if vaginal thrush treatments are being used, ask your pharmacist for advice
the device should be re-fitted after pregnancy, vaginal surgery and weight changes of more than 5 kg
Treatment Options
Condoms (latex)
[GENERAL SALE]
Without spermicide
e.g. Ansell range, Durex
suitable lubricants include Ansell Personal Lubricant, Durex Play, K-Y Jelly
Condoms (non-latex)
[GENERAL SALE]
Without spermicide
e.g. Durex Avanti
non-latex condoms are suitable for people with latex allergies
Durex Avanti condoms are safe to use with water and oil-based lubricants
Diaphragms or caps
see your doctor or Family Planning Clinic to discuss having a diaphragm or cap fitted
Spermicides
[GENERAL SALE]
e.g. Ortho-Gynol
spermicides should not be used alone, as they do not give sufficient protection against pregnancy
use spermicides with diaphragms or caps
spermicides provide only limited lubrication
More Information
Availability of medicines
GENERAL SALE available through pharmacies and possibly other retail outlets.
PHARMACY ONLY available for sale through pharmacies only.
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