Whether we’re setting a reminder to take the pill daily or getting an IUD every eight years, hormonal contraceptives are a go-to for women across the nation. According to a 2023 Australian Senate Report, over 3 in 4 Aussie women between 16 and 49 use some form of contraception. Despite so many women relying on the pill, IUD or implant, some can cost more than $450 annually, and per Kin Fertility’s The Climate of Contraception in Australia survey, 81.5 per cent are shouldering the bill by themselves.
However, some men are helping their female partners out — last month on TikTok, podcaster and FBoy Island host Abbie Chatfield uploaded a clip of her boyfriend Adam Hyde explaining why he was paying for Abbie’s IUD. “It’s a f**king collaboration innit? You’re going through some pain, the least I can do is pay for the thing,” he said. Honestly, makes sense to us. So, is it fair to ask your partner to cover or share the cost of your contraception and what are the benefits of doing so?
How much does contraception cost in Australia?
“The cost of contraception isn’t always straightforward,” says Dr Kirsty Wallace-Hor, Women’s Health GP at Kin Fertility. Ongoing oral contraceptives can cost up to $150 every three months (that’s including the average price of a doctor consultation). Comparatively, other forms of less frequent contraception such as the Hormonal IUD can cost up to $450 every five to eight years. This is a pretty eyewatering contrast to male condoms which cost anywhere between $9 and $20 for a 20-pack.
What are the benefits of contraception?
Though preventing unintended pregnancy until menopause is the primary function of hormonal contraception, it’s not the only function. “Women also use these medicines to treat acne or excess hair growth, heavy, painful or irregular periods,” says Dr Wallace-Hor. “Or conditions like iron deficiency, endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, perimenopause and early menopause.” As these issues impact a person’s quality of life, treating them effectively – with hormonal contraception or otherwise — is a necessity.
Should couples split the cost of contraception?
While many took to the comments section of Abbie’s TikTok (which has more than 92.5k likes) to praise Adam, is having your partner cover or split the cost of your contraception a revolutionary take? Dr Wallace-Hor argues that although women often bear the mental load, financial cost, and potential health risks of contraception, both partners gain from it. “Preventing unintended pregnancies is something that benefits both partners,” she says. Even if you are taking contraception for other health reasons, Dr Wallace-Hor says treating these issues helps your relationship. “Of course, every relationship is different,” says Dr Wallace-Hor. “However, acknowledging and contributing to the cost of contraception is a good way of promoting a healthy and respectful relationship.”
How to talk to your partner about sharing the cost of contraception
1. Discuss your finances
Put time aside to talk about financial decisions that impact your relationship *cough* including contraception. Your male partner may not be fully aware of the costs of birth control, so it pays to frame the monetary impact of avoiding pregnancy as an issue for both of you.
2. Educate them
“Contraception often forms part of the invisible mental load that women bear in relationships – meaning that male partners may not be fully aware of the costs and potential side effects or risks involved when it comes to contraception,” explains Dr Wallace-Hor. If you do not feel comfortable showing them the facts, Dr Wallace-Hor says taking your partner to your next GP appointment may also be an eye-opener.
3. Tell them the benefits
“Preventing unintended pregnancies is something that benefits both partners,” notes Dr Wallace-Hor. Whether you’re relying on contraceptives to treat an underlying hormonal issue or because you and your partner have decided against condoms, using them benefits your sex life.
When it comes to contraception you should always do what you’re most comfortable with. Whether you want to split the cost or remain in control, it’s your body, sexual health and ultimately your choice.
