First-time users of contraception are mostly young sexually active patients who may or may not be in a stable relationship who would want to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. Seeing these patients presents a golden opportunity to counsel patients about sexually transmitted diseases, sexual health and also legal aspects regarding sexual offences. Contraceptives may also be prescribed for their additional benefits like cycle control and acne and are also used to assist couples to space and plan their families. This article presents value information on the various methods of contraception for product selection and counselling.

South African Family Practice Vol. 50 (2) 2008: pp. 13-18