Combined oral contraception

Key facts

• One in three women currently cannot access contraception from their preferred provider
• Combined oral contraceptives (COCs) compare favourably in terms of effectiveness to other birth control methods but efficacy is reduced if not used correctly and consistently
• Long acting reversible contraception (LARC) is more effective than COCs and less impacted by user error. Patients must be made aware of this option in consultations
• Extra care is needed with some patient groups when it comes to establishing consent

Contributing authors: Asha Fowells MRPharmS MFRPSII, clinical pharmacy writer, with contributions from Professor Alison Blenkinsopp