NZCSRH Position Statements
Our organisational position statements on a range of topics relating to sexual and reproductive healthcare.
Oral contraception pill - desogestrel (Cerazette)
The New Zealand College of Sexual and Reproductive Health (NZCSRH) strongly supports the improved equity that funding desogestrel oral contraceptive pill (OCP) would provide.
Desogestrel OCP is the only ORAL progesterone only contraception that is designed to stop ovulation. At present people who are not able to use the combined oral contraceptive pill either due to contraindications or side effects do not have another oral option that is likely to have the benefit profile of desogestrel OCP.
Presently the lack of funding of Cerazette creates an inequity as the cost of it limits this treatment option which as well as being a contraceptive is included within the recommendations for endometriosis management and thus pelvic pain.
Read the full submission made to Pharmac on 14th Feb 2025, by Dr Helen Paterson (Deputy Chair) and Dr Jo Lambert (Chair) on behalf of the NZCSRH.
Essure
Essure and IUDs are not the same thing.
On the 4th May, on TVNZ, there was an important article that people who had an Essure permanent contraceptive, which is placed in the tube and designed to cause scars, should read about.
Concerningly, this article implied Essure is an IUD. IUD's are long acting reversible contraception designed to be removed. They are not made of the same material and are not designed to work in the same way.
People who have had Essure and are concerned should contact their doctor. If you have an IUD, don't worry, this does not apply to you. If you are not sure, then give your doctor a call and ask them which one you have.