Mechanisms of action, effectiveness and UKMEC course

This session will give an overview of the contraceptive choices that are currently available and explore their effectiveness. It will outline the principles of assessment so that safe contraceptive choices can be offered using evidence-based guidance. The session will also discuss the mechanisms for initiating and switching methods.

By the end of this session you will be able to:

• 3.1.1 Demonstrate how to use current UK Medical Eligibility Criteria (UKMEC) to establish patients’ medical eligibility for each method
• 3.1.2 List all methods of contraception currently used in the UK 
• 3.1.3 Explain primary modes of action of all methods 
• 3.1.4 Explain the relative effectiveness of the different methods (typical use vs perfect use)
• 3.1.5 Describe the principles of quick-starting and bridging contraception 
• 3.1.6 Explain how to switch between different methods of contraception safely

It is estimated that about half of all pregnancies in the UK are unplanned. Although not all unplanned pregnancies are unwanted, planning pregnancy has enormous health and social benefits.