This is an update from the FSRH on the use of combined hormonal contraception (CHC). There are a couple of elements in here that are new. I shall list these, then give the check-list of what they think we should be covering in the initial consultation.
For me, the biggest single learning point was that we don’t have to bring a woman back at three months after initiation of CHC. Annual follow up is fine and this follow up doesn’t have to be face to face (see below for more details on this).
A really useful aspect of this guideline is that there are numerous tables which summarise starting and switching routines, efficacy of various contraceptive methods etc. The appendix also contains a list of all the UKMEC criteria for CHC, which is very useful. One to keep a link to on your desktop maybe…
