When discussing contraception, you should explore factors relating to future fertility goals, contraindications to hormonal therapy and patient preference for schedule of use (for example, long term reversible contraception such as IUD vs daily OCP) and side effect profile (heavy menstrual periods, acne).
Contraindications to combined hormonal therapy include < 6 weeks postpartum if breastfeeding, smoker over the age of 35 (≥ 15 cigarettes per day), hypertension (systolic ≥ 160mm Hg or diastolic ≥ 100mm Hg), current or past history of VTE, ischemic heart disease, history of cerebrovascular accident, cardiovascular disease, migraine with focal neurological symptoms, breast cancer, uncontrolled diabetes or liver disease.
Barrier contraception should always be advised even if on another form of contraception to provide STI protection.
Card: Conception MC 001
