Longitudinal trends in uptake of hormonal long-acting reversible contraception devices throughout the COVID-19 pandemic: an Australian population-based study.

Background: Little is known about the degree to which the COVID-19 pandemic, and associated restrictions and disruptions to health services, impacted the accessibility of hormonal long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) devices within Australia. Here, we explore longitudinal patterns of dispensing of the contraceptive implant and hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs) within Australia, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: Population-based cohort study; analysis of 10% random sample of national Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme dispensing data, for females aged 15-49 years dispensed a hormonal LARC device between February 2017 and November 2021.

Accessibility of oral emergency contraceptives in Australian community pharmacies.

Objectives: To assess the availability of over-the-counter emergency contraceptive pills in the Australian community pharmacy setting.

Study Design: Representative national telephone survey.

Results: Only 70% of the 233 pharmacies surveyed stocked ulipristal acetate (UPA) emergency contraceptive pills, compared to levonorgestrel, which was stocked in 98%.

Online platforms for prescription and supply of hormonal contraception in Australia: a mapping review.

Online platforms have emerged as a convenient way for individuals to access contraception. However, the extent to which such services exist in Australia and how they operate is currently unknown. We aimed to identify Australian online contraception platforms and evaluate the services they provide to determine the degree to which they may facilitate equitable access to contraception.