Print Print
CKS is no longer commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). NICE remains committed to providing a replacement service for CKS and is currently reviewing its options. In the meantime, although CKS content is now not being maintained, it still remains relevant and will continue to be made available. CKS content was generated under a programme of topic creation and update. To check if the topic you are viewing is current or out of date, please refer to the topic publication details by clicking on the 'How up-to-date is this topic?' link in the left hand menu on individual topic pages.

Contraception - Management
Quick answers

  • Scenario: Choosing a suitable method: covers the general principles of how to help a woman choose a method of contraception that is suitable for her and her partner, and how to check that there are no contraindications to using the method. It also covers common situations that can influence choice of contraceptive such as potential drug interactions, breastfeeding, diabetes, epilepsy, headache, hypertension, menorrhagia, obesity, post-partum, sexually transmitted infection, smoking, the presence of multiple risk factors for cardiovascular disease, and risk factors for venous thromboembolism.
  • Scenario: Prescribing to young people: covers the ethical and legal issues to be considered when providing contraception to young people, and the influence of being a young person on the choice of contraceptive method.
  • Scenario: Approaching the menopause: covers the influence of age approaching menopause on choosing a suitable method of contraception, and how to decide when it is appropriate to stop contraception.
  • Scenario: Combined oral contraceptive (COC): covers starting combined oral contraceptives, and subsequent monitoring and follow up.
  • Scenario: Progestogen-only pill (POP): covers starting the progestogen-only pill, and subsequent monitoring and follow up.
  • Scenario: Combined contraceptive patch: covers starting the combined contraceptive patch, and subsequent monitoring and follow up.
  • Scenario: Combined contraceptive vaginal ring: covers starting the combined contraceptive vaginal ring, and managing problems.
  • Scenario: Long-acting progestogens: covers starting a long-acting progestogen (injectable, implant), and subsequent monitoring and follow up.
  • Scenario: Intrauterine devices/system: covers starting a copper intrauterine device (IUD) or the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system, and subsequent monitoring and follow up.
  • Scenario: Barrier methods, spermicides: covers advice on using barrier methods (male and female condom, cervical cap, diaphragm) and spermicides.
  • Scenario: Sterilization: covers advice on male and female sterilization, and assessment prior to referral for the procedures.
  • Scenario: Natural family planning: covers advice on using fertility awareness–based methods and the lactational amenorrhoea method.

© NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement