Course Overview

This full-day Contraception Update course is designed for healthcare professionals working in Primary Care who already provide contraceptive care and wish to update their knowledge in line with the latest national guidance.

The course provides a comprehensive, evidence-based update on all contraceptive methods, including combined hormonal contraception, progestogen-only methods, long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), and emergency contraception. Particular emphasis is placed on applying the UK Medical Eligibility Criteria (UKMEC) 2025 update, supporting safe and appropriate prescribing, and improving confidence in managing complex clinical scenarios.

Delivered by experienced clinicians actively working in Primary Care and contraception services, the training focuses on practical application, clinical safety, and patient-centered counselling.

Who Should Attend

This course is suitable for:

Practice Nurses
Nurse Practitioners and Advanced Clinical Practitioners
General Practitioners
Pharmacists
Sexual Health Clinicians
Other healthcare professionals providing contraceptive advice or prescribing contraception

Participants should already have a basic understanding of contraception.

What This Course Covers

The course provides a structured update on:

Combined hormonal contraception, including updated safety considerations and tailored regimens
Progestogen-only contraception, including desogestrel and drospirenone-containing pills
Emergency contraception, including oral and intrauterine options
Long-acting reversible contraception (intrauterine contraception and implant)
Injectable contraception, including updated UKMEC 2025 safety considerations
Method selection for individuals with medical comorbidities
Managing side effects, bleeding patterns, and missed pills
Patient-centred contraceptive counselling
Applying UKMEC guidance safely in clinical practice

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Apply the UKMEC 2025 guidance to support safe contraceptive prescribing
Compare the effectiveness, risks, and benefits of all contraceptive methods
Support patients in choosing appropriate contraception based on individual risk factors and preferences
Provide accurate and evidence-based advice on emergency contraception
Manage common clinical challenges including missed pills, bleeding patterns, and side effects
Improve confidence in counselling patients about contraceptive options

Course Format

Full-day course (approximately 6 hours teaching time)
Delivered virtually or face-to-face
Interactive case-based learning
Opportunity for discussion and questions

Certification

Certificate of attendance provided for CPD and revalidation purposes.