Course Overview
This full-day Contraception Update course is designed for healthcare professionals already providing contraceptive care within Primary Care who wish to update their practice in line with the latest national guidance.
The session provides a comprehensive, evidence-based update on all contraceptive methods, with particular emphasis on the application of UK Medical Eligibility Criteria (UKMEC 2025), evolving safety guidance, and risk communication in clinical practice.
Participants will explore recent changes in guidance relating to cardiovascular risk, venous thromboembolism (VTE), progestogen-only methods, and long-acting reversible contraception. The course supports clinicians in applying updated evidence confidently and safely within everyday consultations.
Teaching is case-based and clinically focused, supporting decision-making in complex or nuanced scenarios.
Who Should Attend
This course is suitable for:
- Practice Nurses
- Nurse Practitioners
- Advanced Clinical Practitioners
- General Practitioners
- Primary Care Pharmacists
- Sexual Health Clinicians
Participants should already have a working knowledge of contraceptive methods.
What This Course Covers
The programme provides a structured update on:
- UKMEC 2025 revisions and practical application
- Combined hormonal contraception and updated risk assessment
- Progestogen-only contraception (including desogestrel and drospirenone-containing POPs)
- Injectable contraception and current safety considerations
- Emergency contraception (oral and intrauterine options)
- Long-acting reversible contraception (IUD, IUS, implant)
- Managing multiple cardiovascular and VTE risk factors
- Contraception in individuals with co-morbidities
- Missed pills and pregnancy risk assessment
- Bleeding patterns and side-effect management
- Risk communication and patient-centred counselling
Where appropriate, recent emerging evidence and safety statements are discussed to ensure clinicians remain current and confident in practice.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Apply UKMEC 2025 guidance safely within clinical decision-making
- Assess and interpret multiple risk factors when prescribing contraception
- Provide evidence-based advice across all contraceptive methods
- Manage common and complex clinical scenarios
- Communicate contraceptive risks clearly and proportionately
- Support shared decision-making within contraceptive consultations
Course Format
- Duration: Full-day (approximately 6 hours teaching time)
- Delivery: Virtual or face-to-face
- Format:
- Case-based discussion
- Interactive polling and scenario analysis
- Practical application of guidance
- Opportunity for peer discussion
Certification
Certificate of attendance provided for CPD and revalidation purposes.