Contraception in General Practice

Contraception consultations are common in general practice, but they can feel challenging — especially if you have had limited exposure, feel unsure about the language to use, or worry about missing an important contraindication.

This resource bundle is designed to help GP trainees approach contraception consultations with more confidence. It focuses on practical consultation structure, patient-centred decision-making, common method groups, safety considerations, and knowing when to check current guidance rather than trying to memorise every rule.

The aim is not to replace FSRH, UKMEC, BNF, MIMS or local pathways. It is to help you think clearly in the consultation, recognise common risk patterns, and support safe, non-judgemental contraceptive care.

What this resource will help you do

By working through these resources, you should feel more confident to:

  • Start contraception conversations in a normal, respectful way

  • Ask about emergency contraception, safeguarding, STI risk and consent

  • Understand the broad differences between SARC and LARC methods

  • Recognise common UKMEC red flags

  • Support patient choice without pushing one method

  • Know when to check guidance, seek supervision or signpost to local services

Resource 1: Self-directed slide deck

Contraception in General Practice: A Practical Guide for GP Trainees

This slide deck is designed for self-directed learning. It covers how to structure a contraception consultation, how to approach sensitive conversations with confidence, and how to think about method choice using a safe GP framework.

It includes sections on:

  • Consultation structure

  • Emergency contraception prompts

  • Safeguarding, coercion and confidentiality

  • STI risk and dual protection

  • SARC and LARC methods

  • Common UKMEC red flags

  • Quick starting, bridging and follow-up

  • Where to check current guidance

Resource 2: Contraception Quick Decision Guide

This one-page visual guide gives a quick overview of contraception options in GP.

It separates methods into:

  • LARC: implant, IUD/IUS and injection

  • SARC: combined hormonal contraception, progestogen-only pill and barrier methods

Each method group includes key benefits and common cautions or checks. The guide also reminds trainees to think first about safeguarding, STI risk, emergency contraception, consent/confidentiality and patient priorities.

Download Contraception Quick Decision Guide

Resource 3: Emergency Contraception Quick Reference

Emergency contraception needs timely, structured decision-making. This one-page guide supports trainees to think through the key first steps after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.

It includes prompts on:

  • Safety, consent, coercion and sexual assault concerns

  • Timing after unprotected sex

  • copper IUD, ellaOne and Levonelle

  • BMI/weight and enzyme-inducing medication considerations

  • Pregnancy testing, STI testing and follow-up

Download Emergency Contraception Quick Reference

A note for trainees

  • You are not expected to memorise every contraception rule.

  • You are expected to consult safely, communicate respectfully, recognise when UKMEC matters, and check current guidance before prescribing or fitting contraception.

  • When unsure, pause and check. This is safe practice — not a weakness.

Before prescribing or advising

  • Always check current CoSRH/FSRH guidance, UKMEC, NICE CKS, BNF/MIMS, product information and local pathways before prescribing, fitting or advising on contraception.

  • These GP Fluency resources are educational quick-reference tools and should be used alongside current clinical guidance and local services.