Women's Health Hauora wāhine

Contraception support

Contraceptive advice for military women.

On this page

  1. Deciding on a method of contraception 
  2. Considerations for field and operational deployments
  3. Support from your GP
  4. Useful resources

Deciding on a method of contraception 

There are many reasons women use contraception, and a variety of methods to choose from. 

When choosing a form of contraception that's right for you, you may want to consider:

  • is low-maintenance or privacy important?
  • how effective is it for preventing pregnancy?
  • will it help prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?
  • does it lighten your period or have other benefits?

It's important to be aware that every form of contraception also comes with less desired side effects. Ask for guidance from your health professional to find a form of contraception that suits your specific health needs.

We help you navigate this decision below, with an emphasis on military women's needs.

Considerations for field and operational deployments

When considering contraception during field or operational deployments, it's good to think through the following:

  • Can I access re-fills? Know how to access prescription medicine in your location.
  • How effectively will it manage my flow? Some methods will allow for the ability to skip a period (some pills and the ring) while others may only reduce the flow (IUD, the shot, and some oral contraceptives).
  • What type of storage will it need? Some require refrigeration (ring) or to avoid excessive heat.
  • Will my method work in the environment? Will there be privacy, clean ablutions and time to take or change products?
  • When does my IUD need to be changed? A medical appointment may be needed prior to deployment.

Many women simply want birth control that's largely immune to forgetfulness, sleepiness, deployment extensions or any other barriers that would get in the way of consistently taking the correct dose of hormones. Make sure you discuss all your concerns and potential barriers with a health professional.

Support from your GP

Consult your GP or gynaecological health provider when making any decisions regarding contraception. Defence Health Centres do not provide all forms of contraception, so speak with your GP as they can recommend a local health provider that can help.

Useful Resources

Contraception - an introduction

Health Navigator

NZ Family Planning

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