A GP guide to oral contraceptives
An update for GPs, including non-contraceptive indications, managing risks and side effects, newer agents and options for women across the reproductive lifespan
Oral contraceptives have been available in Australia for over 60 years, and despite the growing range of contraceptive choices, they remain the most popular method, being familiar, readily accessible and easy to start and stop.
With perfect use, oral contraceptives are 99.5% effective.
However, with typical use, their efficacy can drop to 93%, as a result of running out of pills, missed pills or drug interactions.
Combined oral contraceptive pills (COCPs) have evolved to include new hormonal constituents, reduced hormone doses and different pill regimens, resulting in improved safety and side-effect profiles, as well as additional non-contraceptive benefits.
