Female contraception: two challenging case studies from clinic

Senior Nurse Practitioner and Independent Prescriber Su Everett works in a sexual health clinic in South London, England. Su presents two challenging case studies involving female patients and highlights key areas to consider in a contraception consultation.

Learning points:
Case study 1:
A young woman requests further provision of the ‘combined pill’. She has had this form of contraception for some years now, but describes signs of focal migraine. Su highlights the risk of stroke, but the patient says she is aware of this and it is ‘her risk’. Su discusses how she problem-solved this scenario.

• Conducting a contraception consultation for the ‘combined pill’.
• Identifying patients at higher risk of thromboembolism/stroke (inlcuding consideration of focal migrane).
• Discussing risk with the patient.

Case study 2:
A young lady with acne come to the contraception clinic. Su discusses appropriate contraception with benefit to the skin and highlights the risks associated with such drugs.

• The most appropriate contraception for women with acne.
• Choosing the right drug with benefits to the skin but low risk of other adverse events.

 
Su Everett is the author of the ‘Handbook of Contraception and Reproductive Sexual Health.’ The third edition is due out next year.

Further reading.

Su recommends accessing The Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare website which offers both clinical guidance and for UK colleagues – the UK Medical Eligibility Criteria (2009).  Go to www.fsrh.org

Finally, take a look at our recommended great value books on Sexual Health. Click here for the UK and here for the rest of the world. Remember, where ever you are in the world, your credit/debit card will convert to your local currency.