Choice of contraception

Although we now have many contraceptives, couples still have a negative perception of their personal choices. Many know little about methods other than the combined pill and the condom and, in particular, knowledge of long-acting methods is very poor. A woman's choice of contraceptive will be influenced by many factors and her requirements will change with time. New contraceptives have appeared in the past couple of years but women are not always aware of their characteristics. As prescribers, it is our responsibility to ensure that couples are given sufficient and appropriate information to enable them to make decisions.