Clinician/patient interaction: communicating the benefits and risks of oral contraceptives

Myths and misperceptions continue to influence women's opinions about oral contraceptives (OC), despite the immense body of evidence regarding OC safety and efficacy. Patient opinions about OC failure rates and health risks are often far from proven fact, and the health benefits of OC are too often unrecognized. Because successful OC use requires an informed patient, effective communication between clinicians and their patients is needed to correct misinformation, relieve unnecessary fears, and increase OC use. A variety of interactive counseling skills and attitudes can improve the process of patient counseling; they are especially crucial for adolescents, who may be reluctant or unable to easily articulate their concerns. Counseling messages can be geared specifically to the interests and concerns of particular age groups: adolescents, young adults, and perimenopausal women. With thoughtful planning and involvement of all members of the healthcare team, clinicians can create time and opportunities for the provision of consistent, appropriate counseling to all candidates for OC use.