Guidance on use of contraceptive methods. What contraceptive method should be used?

Advice on contraceptive methods must take into consideration the general health status of the woman, including adiposity, blood pressure, smoking, and medications used. Age and previous births or abortions, for instance, have a bearing on choosing the IUD. The stability of the relationship with the partner or spouse is important with regard to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The couple's preference is of prime importance. Information about different methods for all age groups is available in the form of books, videos, and films. Educational materials for students is a high priority, because a timely and through knowledge of protection prevents future problems. The sensational stories and unbalanced reports on sexuality by the daily press is often harmful. The method chosen has to be effective, easy to use, inexpensive and free of risks and side effects. The introduction of low-dose oral contraceptives has minimized risks, and fears about side effects have been exaggerated. A detailed tallying of the risks and benefits creates uncertainty in the patient, and thus increases the risk of noncompliance. The correct use of the condom and the diaphragm requires care. If some basic rules were observed, the number of abortions per year could decrease from 20,000 to 10,000-15,000. These guidelines include: high efficacy, protection against STDs, postcoital contraception in case of omission, regular annual medical checkups, taking no chances with unprotected sex and considering sterilization when family size has been completed.

Published by Ugeskrift for laeger, 1991. The guideline itself is at the source linked here.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2008750/