Women in the Illawarra can now access insertion of the Mirena coil at the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre, expanding women’s access to long-acting contraception.
The Centre’s General Manager, Jess Davidson, said the new service provides an affordable option for women who want to take control of their reproductive health.
The Mirena is a small, T-shaped intrauterine device (IUD) that is inserted into the uterus and releases a hormone called levonorgestrel to prevent pregnancy.
The device is more than 99 per cent effective and can remain in place for up to five years, making it one of the most reliable long-acting reversible contraceptives available.
Accessing the Mirena coil often involves several steps, including a consultation with a GP, purchasing the device from a pharmacy, and booking an appointment for insertion, with fees at each stage.
The process can cost up to $350 out of pocket for the procedure, plus up to $40 for the device.
Ms Davidson said the new service is designed to make it easier for women in the region to access this contraceptive option.
“We’ve seen a dramatic increase in women contacting us about affordable options for long-acting contraception. As a result, we upskilled our team and are now able to provide the Mirena, alongside Implanon,” she said.
“This service will help more women access long-acting contraception and support them to make informed choices about their reproductive health.”
A 2025 report from the World Health Organisation found evidence that contraceptive use is associated with girls staying in school longer, higher levels of education and increased workforce participation.
Women interested in finding out more about long-acting reversible contraception can book an appointment with the centre’s Nurse Practitioner by calling 4255 6800.