Dr. Álvaro Monterrosa Castro, MD
lOral contraception counseling and education are important steps to follow when a family planning method is recommended. (19,49,211).
Firstly, the main goal of all Oral Contraception counseling is to facilitate a correct decision by reducing anxiety. Providing open support, providing information about alternatives and helping with the choice, say Porter et al. (19).
When the patient selects the oral contraceptive, and there are no contraindications for its use. The method of use, the side effects that are usually temporary, as previously noted, should be explained carefully. (1). Remember the beneficial non-contraceptive effects (2). And expose the possible complications, which are rare today with microdoses. (1.51).
(Read Also: Low Dose Oral Contraceptives (20 Ug Ethinyl Estradiol))
Emphasize correct use so as not to reduce contraceptive effectiveness (10,17,21). Irregular taking of tablets or discontinuing them. They may be factors that increase the risk of unwanted pregnancy. Rosenberg (212) estimated in a 1995 publication that more than 600,000 unwanted pregnancies occur each year in the United States under these conditions.
Counseling allows us to dispel myths about contraceptives, which vary according to culture and geographical area. Questions must be answered and doubts and fears cleared.
Strategies should be explained to remember to take the pill daily and what to do when you forget to take them. (211). Adequate counseling will reduce abandonment rates and facilitate proper use of the method, reducing failure rates. (2,10,210,212).
Dr. Álvaro Monterrosa Castro, MD
