Contraception

Helping a patient choose a method of birth control can be a challenge. It is important to be knowledgeable about all of the options in order to offer a method that best fits your patient's needs, lifestyle, future fertility options, and medical history. To ensure a successful and reliable choice, one must consider efficacy, convenience, duration of action, reversibility, side effects, and protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In addition, one must consider a patient's coexisting medical problems and social habits when choosing birth control. The most important aspect to consider when discussing options with your patient is to find a contraceptive choice with the highest rate of compliance.