Most people who have a will menstruate. This is also called having a period.
You can choose
how you manage
your periods.
You can choose
to use pads.
You can choose to
use period undies.
You can choose
to use tampons.
You can choose to
use a menstrual cup.
Sometimes there is pain or discomfort with periods.
You can choose to
use heat packs on
your stomach or back.
You can choose to
take pain medication.
If you have concerns about periods, you can talk to your doctor or health professional.
You have the right to choose if, when, and how to manage your period. You can choose to manage your period cycle with such as the oral contraceptive pill, contraceptive implant, or an Intrauterine Device (IUD). Some people manage their period to stop pain or skip their period. Contraceptives also stop you getting pregnant while you use them.
Having your removed is called a hysterectomy.
This means you will never:
If you want to have your removed to manage your period, the law says you need to have .
Capacity means you can:
Everyone is presumed to have capacity. You can be supported to make a decision. You can talk to your doctor or other health professional about your options. You should not be forced to have a hysterectomy.
If you do not have capacity to make decisions about your health, a legal guardian will need to apply to the appropriate legal administration group or court in your state or territory for you to have a hysterectomy.
This surgery will take some time to arrange.
A uterus is inside a body. It can also be called a womb. If you are pregnant, this is where the baby grows. If you are not pregnant this is where your menstrual blood or period comes from.
Contraception is a method or medicine that is used to stop a person with a uterus becoming pregnant. There are lots of types of contraception and it is important to find the one or ones that work for you. There are barrier methods such such as condoms or dams which are used during sex or sexual activity. There are hormonal methods such as an implant, an injection, an intrauterine device or pills which are used regularly and before sex. Or there is an emergency contraceptive pill which can be used after sex. To find out more about contraception options, go to your doctor or sexual health organisation.
Decision-making capacity means being able to fully understand what will happen and what it means if you make certain decisions.
If a person doesn’t have decision making capacity, they might need someone to help them make some decisions. Sometimes this might mean someone from their family or a friend helps them.
For some other decisions, it might mean a person who has been appointed by your National Civil and Administrative Tribunal as their guardian has to make decisions for them. A guardian will talk to the person and try to make the same decision as the person wants.
The kinds of decisions a guardian might need to make are: