Evidence-guided prescribing of combined oral contraceptives: consensus statement. An International Workshop at...

There is a need to balance the provision of safe and effective contraception against the desire to avoid interventions which might unnecessarily restrict the availability of combined oral contraceptives (COCs). In March 1996, an international group of recognised authorities in their field met to review the available evidence concerning the effects of COCs and the value of various screening procedures in pre-menopausal women. Current scientific evidence suggests only two pre-requisites for the safe provision of COCs: a careful personal and family medical history with particular attention to cardiovascular risk factors, and an accurate blood pressure measurement. Further assessment is required only if a relevant personal or family history is disclosed or the blood pressure is elevated. Only a small minority of women will require this further assessment.