Women-led sexual and reproductive health strategies

Q: 1. Condoms

Protect against what: Prevention of pregnancy, chlamydia, gonorrhea and HIV. (1) Condoms can also lower the risk of STIs such as genital herpes, genital warts, mpox, and syphilis. Some infections spread through skin-to-skin contact, condoms do not provide full protection. Avoid sexual contact if you notice rashes, blisters, or sores until the area has healed, testing and treatment are completed, and medical advice has been followed. (1) Here is a helpful symptom checker: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/symptom-checker. Female led: No. Requires male compliance to use condoms effectively. Available from where: Available from supermarkets, pharmacies, women’s health centres, family planning clinics, GPs, sexual health clinics, and online. Some must be purchased, while others are free through sexual health clinics, women’s health services, GP clinics, or online for NSW residents here: https://endinghiv.org.au/stay-safe/find-free-condoms/.

Q: 2. Female Condoms

Protect against what: See above section on condoms. Female led: Yes. Female condoms are inserted, used and removed by the female. Watch here for a video on how female condoms work: https://fc2femalecondom.com/how-to-use/. Female condoms are visible when inserted, so communication with your partner is still required regarding this choice of barrier method. Available from where: Some chemists, Family Planning NSW, sexual health clinics and online providers like https://www.condomsales.com.au/female-condoms/.

Q: 3. Dental Dams

Protect against what: Can protect against transmission of STIs such as herpes, chlamydia and gonorrhea when used correctly. Correct use means one side of the dam is always in contact with the mouth, and one side to the genitals for entire time of the sexual contact. (2) Female led: No. Requires use and compliance from the sexual partner. Available from where: Sex shops, online purchasing from providers such as https://www.condomsales.com.au/sheer-oral-dental-dams/. However, anyone can make their own dental dam by following Play Safe’s instructions on converting a male condom to a dental dam. Click here: https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/2025/03/19/what-is-a-dental-dam/.

Q: 4. Birth Control

Protect against what: Pregnancy only. (3) Female led: Yes. If hormonal-based contraception is used, including (hormonal tablets, injections, IUDs, Implanon, barrier methods, emergency contraception) (3), then these choices can be entirely controlled by the woman. If barrier methods i.e. condoms are used, this requires negotiation and compliance from male partner. Available from where: All hormone-based contraception methods require a medical prescription (and possible insertion/removal). Speak to your GP, women’s health centre, Family Planning clinic, sexual health clinic or reproductive specialist to discuss what is the right option for your reproductive choices.

Q: 5. Vaccination

Protect against what: HPV (prevents cervical cancer and genital warts). (4) Hepatitis B (can be both blood and sexually transmitted and Men who have Sex with Men can be at increased risk of acquisition). (5) Mpox (if you have contact with someone at higher risk of transmission, including Men who have Sex with Men). (6) Female led: Yes. The HPV vaccine requires between 1-3 doses. (4) Yes, the Hepatitis B vaccination can be a female led choice. Many Women Partners clients may not be aware that they are at risk of transmission. Some women may belong to other populations more at risk of Hep B, and so may be aware of potential risks to themselves. (5) Yes, although as with Hepatitis B, many women are not aware that they could be at risk of transmission. As they may not be aware that their male partner is having sex with other men, his vaccination status or the status of his sexual contacts. As Mpox can still be transmitted even if you are vaccinated, so harm minimization would encourage everyone at risk, to choose vaccinations. Available from where: All vaccinations in Australia and prescribed and provided by health professionals. Speak to your GP, sexual health clinic, or reproductive provider regarding options for vaccinations.

Q: 6. PEP

Protect against what: Post-exposure prophylaxis for those who have been, or could possibly have been, exposed to HIV. This medication must be started within 72 hours of exposure and continued to be taken for one month. (7) Female led: Yes. Anyone can take PEP if they have had a high-risk HIV encounter but it requires knowledge of potential HIV exposure. Available from where: Emergency rooms (for after-hours exposure), public hospitals, sexual health clinics and clinics that specialize in HIV. You will be screened to see what occurred that leads you to feel at high risk of HIV exposure. (7)

Q: 7. PrEP

Protect against what: Medication for the prevention of HIV acquisition only. Medication is taken daily or on demand, and 2 monthly injections are available for those who can privately fund this. (8) The World Health Organisation has released recommendations for a 6-monthly PrEP injection; however, it is not currently available in Australia. See more here: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240111608 and here for more information on current and historical clinical trials PURPOSE Trials for Lenacapavir | HIV Prevention. Female led: Yes, however, for cisgendered heterosexual women, only daily PrEP is recommended. (9) Available from where: All general practitioners, other medical specialists, and authorised nurse practitioners can prescribe PrEP (9) however not all practitioners feel at ease with prescribing this medication, particularly for some populations including, cisgender women. In this case, s100 prescribers are medical specialists who are specially trained at PrEP prescription. Look for your nearest practitioner here: https://ashm.org.au/prescriber-programs/find-a-prescriber/find-a-hiv-prep-prescriber/. If you do not have Medicare, you may be still able to access free PrEP. Read more here: Medicare Ineligible PrEP.

Q: 8. Doxy-PEP

Protect against what: Syphilis and chlamydia only. It is taken as an oral antibiotic within 72 hours of possible exposure. (10) Female led: Yes, if you are a trans woman, then you can take this medication if at risk. (10) It is not currently recommended for cisgender women, as the limited research indicated a limited reduction in syphilis/chlamydia. This is believed to related to how the medication was taken, rather than whether the medication works for cisgender women. More research is required. (12) Available from where: Doxy-PEP is a prescription-based medication so speak to your GP, or sexual health clinic.

Q: 9. Sexual Health Testing

Protect against what: An important aspect of sexual and reproductive health is regular sexual health testing (even if you believe you are in a monogamous relationship). Your sexual health is only as safe as those you are having sexual contact with. (12) Female led: Yes, sexual health checks can be requested by anyone. However, at times, knowing how to identify yourself as a sexual contact of someone at increased risk is very important. At Women Partners, we encourage all clients to use the phrase “I am/have been a sexual contact of a man who has sex with men, and I would like a comprehensive sexual health check”. Available from where: Speak to your GP, sexual health clinic, women’s health centres, family planning clinics, Aboriginal Controlled Health Organisations. (12)

May 15
6 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

This resource is developed to support women in understanding their options for women-led contraception and available barrier methods. While many forms of contraception and protection involve both sexual partners, they often depend on male consent and correct usage when a male partner is involved.

For Women Partners clients, understanding the range of available options can be empowering. Having clear, accessible information enables women to make informed choices and take greater control of their sexual health and wellbeing.

Abbreviations used:

SH = Sexual Health

STI = Sexually Transmitted Infections

HIV = Human Immunodeficiency Virus

BBV = Blood-Borne Virus

RH = Reproductive Health

1. Condoms

Protect against what: Prevention of pregnancy, chlamydia, gonorrhea and HIV. (1) Condoms can also lower the risk of STIs such as genital herpes, genital warts, mpox, and syphilis. Some infections spread through skin-to-skin contact, condoms do not provide full protection. Avoid sexual contact if you notice rashes, blisters, or sores until the area has healed, testing and treatment are completed, and medical advice has been followed. (1) Here is a helpful symptom checker: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/symptom-checker.

Female led: No. Requires male compliance to use condoms effectively.

Available from where: Available from supermarkets, pharmacies, women’s health centres, family planning clinics, GPs, sexual health clinics, and online. Some must be purchased, while others are free through sexual health clinics, women’s health services, GP clinics, or online for NSW residents here: https://endinghiv.org.au/stay-safe/find-free-condoms/.

2. Female Condoms

Protect against what: See above section on condoms.

Female led: Yes. Female condoms are inserted, used and removed by the female. Watch here for a video on how female condoms work: https://fc2femalecondom.com/how-to-use/. Female condoms are visible when inserted, so communication with your partner is still required regarding this choice of barrier method.

Available from where: Some chemists, Family Planning NSW, sexual health clinics and online providers like https://www.condomsales.com.au/female-condoms/.

3. Dental Dams

Protect against what: Can protect against transmission of STIs such as herpes, chlamydia and gonorrhea when used correctly. Correct use means one side of the dam is always in contact with the mouth, and one side to the genitals for entire time of the sexual contact. (2)

Female led: No. Requires use and compliance from the sexual partner.

Available from where: Sex shops, online purchasing from providers such as https://www.condomsales.com.au/sheer-oral-dental-dams/. However, anyone can make their own dental dam by following Play Safe’s instructions on converting a male condom to a dental dam. Click here: https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/2025/03/19/what-is-a-dental-dam/.

4. Birth Control

Protect against what: Pregnancy only. (3)

Female led: Yes. If hormonal-based contraception is used, including (hormonal tablets, injections, IUDs, Implanon, barrier methods, emergency contraception) (3), then these choices can be entirely controlled by the woman. If barrier methods i.e. condoms are used, this requires negotiation and compliance from male partner.

Available from where: All hormone-based contraception methods require a medical prescription (and possible insertion/removal). Speak to your GP, women’s health centre, Family Planning clinic, sexual health clinic or reproductive specialist to discuss what is the right option for your reproductive choices.

5. Vaccination

Protect against what: HPV (prevents cervical cancer and genital warts). (4) Hepatitis B (can be both blood and sexually transmitted and Men who have Sex with Men can be at increased risk of acquisition). (5) Mpox (if you have contact with someone at higher risk of transmission, including Men who have Sex with Men). (6)

Female led: Yes. The HPV vaccine requires between 1-3 doses. (4) Yes, the Hepatitis B vaccination can be a female led choice. Many Women Partners clients may not be aware that they are at risk of transmission. Some women may belong to other populations more at risk of Hep B, and so may be aware of potential risks to themselves. (5) Yes, although as with Hepatitis B, many women are not aware that they could be at risk of transmission. As they may not be aware that their male partner is having sex with other men, his vaccination status or the status of his sexual contacts. As Mpox can still be transmitted even if you are vaccinated, so harm minimization would encourage everyone at risk, to choose vaccinations.

Available from where: All vaccinations in Australia and prescribed and provided by health professionals. Speak to your GP, sexual health clinic, or reproductive provider regarding options for vaccinations.

6. PEP

Protect against what: Post-exposure prophylaxis for those who have been, or could possibly have been, exposed to HIV. This medication must be started within 72 hours of exposure and continued to be taken for one month. (7)

Female led: Yes. Anyone can take PEP if they have had a high-risk HIV encounter but it requires knowledge of potential HIV exposure.

Available from where: Emergency rooms (for after-hours exposure), public hospitals, sexual health clinics and clinics that specialize in HIV. You will be screened to see what occurred that leads you to feel at high risk of HIV exposure. (7)

7. PrEP

Protect against what: Medication for the prevention of HIV acquisition only. Medication is taken daily or on demand, and 2 monthly injections are available for those who can privately fund this. (8) The World Health Organisation has released recommendations for a 6-monthly PrEP injection; however, it is not currently available in Australia. See more here: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240111608 and here for more information on current and historical clinical trials PURPOSE Trials for Lenacapavir | HIV Prevention.

Female led: Yes, however, for cisgendered heterosexual women, only daily PrEP is recommended. (9)

Available from where: All general practitioners, other medical specialists, and authorised nurse practitioners can prescribe PrEP (9) however not all practitioners feel at ease with prescribing this medication, particularly for some populations including, cisgender women. In this case, s100 prescribers are medical specialists who are specially trained at PrEP prescription. Look for your nearest practitioner here: https://ashm.org.au/prescriber-programs/find-a-prescriber/find-a-hiv-prep-prescriber/. If you do not have Medicare, you may be still able to access free PrEP. Read more here: Medicare Ineligible PrEP.

8. Doxy-PEP

Protect against what: Syphilis and chlamydia only. It is taken as an oral antibiotic within 72 hours of possible exposure. (10)

Female led: Yes, if you are a trans woman, then you can take this medication if at risk. (10) It is not currently recommended for cisgender women, as the limited research indicated a limited reduction in syphilis/chlamydia. This is believed to related to how the medication was taken, rather than whether the medication works for cisgender women. More research is required. (12)

Available from where: Doxy-PEP is a prescription-based medication so speak to your GP, or sexual health clinic.

9. Sexual Health Testing

Protect against what: An important aspect of sexual and reproductive health is regular sexual health testing (even if you believe you are in a monogamous relationship). Your sexual health is only as safe as those you are having sexual contact with. (12)

Female led: Yes, sexual health checks can be requested by anyone. However, at times, knowing how to identify yourself as a sexual contact of someone at increased risk is very important. At Women Partners, we encourage all clients to use the phrase “I am/have been a sexual contact of a man who has sex with men, and I would like a comprehensive sexual health check”.

Available from where: Speak to your GP, sexual health clinic, women’s health centres, family planning clinics, Aboriginal Controlled Health Organisations. (12)

1) Health Direct. Condoms. Australian Government; 2025. Available from: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/condoms#what-is

2) Play Safe. What is a dental dam, how to use them and where to find them? NSW Government; 2025. Available from: https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/2025/03/19/what-is-a-dental-dam/

3) Family Planning NSW. Contraception Choices. [cited 2025 Nov]. Available from: https://www.fpnsw.org.au/health-information/individuals/contraception/contraception-choices

4) Cancer Council. About the HPV vaccine. 2025. Available from: https://www.hpvvaccine.org.au/hpv-vaccine/about-the-hpv-vaccine#section-0

5) Hepatitis NSW. Hepatitis B prevention and vaccination. 2024. Available from: https://www.hep.org.au/hep-b/hep-b-prevention-vaccination/

6) Australian Government. Mpox. 2025 Nov (cited 2025 Nov), Department of Health and Ageing. Available from: https://www.health.gov.au/diseases/monkeypox-mpox?language=en

7) Australian Federation of AIDS Organisation. Get PEP. [cited 2025 Nov]. Available from: https://www.getpep.info/

8) Health Direct. Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). 2024. Available from: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/Pre-exposure-prophylaxis-PrEP

9) Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, and Sexual Health Medicine. The choice of PrEP schedule: daily versus on demand^†PreP. [cited 2025 Nov]. Available from: https://contacttracing.ashm.org.au/ways-of-notifying-contacts/the-choice-of-prep-schedule-daily-versus-on-demand-prep/

10) NSW Health. Doxy-PEP (doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis): Should I take antibiotics to prevent STIs? 2024; [cited 2025 Nov]. Available from: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/sexualhealth/Pages/doxy-pep-tool.aspx

11) Highleyman, L. DoxyPEP did not reduce STIs among women, probably due to low adherence. AIDS Map; 2024. Available from: https://www.aidsmap.com/news/jan-2024/doxypep-did-not-reduce-stis-among-women-probably-due-low-adherence#:~:text=DoxyPEP%20did%20not%20reduce%20STIs,due%20to%20low%20adherence%20%7C%20aidsmap

12) Health Direct. Screening tests for STIs. 2025. Available from: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/stis-screening-tests