Contraceptive counselling is a professional discussion on various methods of pregnancy prevention and which method is best suited to the individual according to her age, health, lifestyle and preferences.
The purpose of counselling is to help a woman (or couple) make an informed, safe and responsible decision to protect themselves from unwanted pregnancy and, if necessary, from sexually transmitted infections.
During the consultation, the gynaecologist first performs a discussion about health, menstrual cycle, sexual activity, possible diseases, smoking or other risk factors. On the basis of the medical history, explain advantages, disadvantages and possible side effects of different forms of contraception, such as hormonal methods (contraceptive pills, patches, vaginal rings, injections, implants), non-hormonal methods (condoms, copper-containing IUDs, diaphragms, spermicides), natural methods (basal temperature measurement, mucus observation, calendar method), and permanent methods (e.g. sterilisation).
Your doctor helps you choose the method that best suits your lifestyle and health needs the individual.
After the selected protection has been put in place, the following shall be carried out as necessary control checksto check that the method is working well and not causing problems.
In addition, contraceptive counselling often includes sexual health education, the importance of regular gynaecological examinations, HPV vaccination and safe sex.
The main aim of counselling is to enable the woman (or couple) to feel safe, informed and confident in making decisions about their sexuality, fertility and family planning.