Contraception

Lecturer: Dr Hayley Jenkins

The session reviews key aspects of contraception, including long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), combined hormonal methods, and non-hormonal alternatives. It also addresses managing common side effects, assessing medical eligibility, and ensuring safe prescribing practices. Practical advice is provided for supporting patients through shared decision-making and navigating common clinical challenges.

Topics covered include:

• Practical use of LARC (intrauterine devices, implants, and injectables).
• Risks and benefits of combined hormonal contraception.
• Special considerations for contraception in adolescents, postpartum women, and those over 40 years old.
• Managing complications and recognising red flags.
• Counselling patients on their options and addressing myths about contraception.

Reference List 

1. Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH) (2017) UK Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use (UKMEC). Available at: https://www.fsrh.org 

2. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2014) Long-acting reversible contraception (CG30). Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg30 

3. Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) (2021) Contraception in Primary Care Toolkit. Available at: https://www.rcgp.org.uk 

4. World Health Organization (WHO) (2015) Medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use. Geneva: WHO. Available at: https://www.who.int 

5. Public Health England (PHE) (2021) Sexual and reproductive health: Contraception guidance. Available at: https://www.gov.uk 

6. British Medical Association (BMA) (2022) Safe prescribing of hormonal contraception. Available at: https://www.bma.org.uk