Oral contraceptives are a commonly prescribed medicine in general practice, yet selecting the most appropriate formulation has become more complex as new preparations, PBS listings, and prescribing guidance evolve.¹⁻³ Choosing between combined oral contraceptives (COC) and progestogen-only pills (POP), understanding differences in safety profiles, and managing common adverse effects require a patient-centred, evidence-based approach.²⁻⁴

In this webinar, GP Dr Jenny Maxwell, obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Gino Pecoraro, and GP Dr Natalia Rode present current evidence and clinical guidance on practical prescribing strategies for routine general practice. Through a longitudinal patient case, the panel discusses choosing the right oral contraceptive across different life stages, applying Medical Eligibility Criteria (MEC), navigating PBS considerations, managing breakthrough bleeding and other common adverse effects, and recognising when specialist referral is needed.²⁻⁵ 

The second half of the webinar is dedicated to live Q&A. The Q&A gives learners an opportunity to discuss challenging prescribing scenarios with an experienced multidisciplinary panel and gain practical insights that clinicians can apply in their consultations.

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify the range of clinical indications for oral contraceptives beyond contraception alone and apply this to patient-centred prescribing decisions.
2. Differentiate combined (COC) and progestogen-only (POP) oral contraceptives, including key pharmacological differences.
3. Apply Medical Eligibility Criteria (MEC, UK), risk profile, and PBS considerations to patient-centred prescribing decisions.
4. Develop management strategies for common side effects of oral contraceptives, including breakthrough bleeding, mood changes, and counselling around dispensing continuity.

This activity has Reviewing Performance and Measuring Outcomes activities available by clicking the RP and MO buttons above.

Provider

The Provider of this activity is Praxhub. Praxhub is an accredited Major Provider under the RACGP CPD Program. For any questions regarding this activity please contact support@praxhub.com.

References

1. Therapeutic Guidelines. Choice of contraceptive method. Sexual and Reproductive Health. 2026. 
2. RANZCOG C-Gyn 3 Contraception. 2024. 
3. Black KI, et al. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2025;98:102573. 
4. Mu E, et al. Aust Prescr. 2022;45:75–79. 
5. Women's Sexual and Reproductive Health Coalition. Increasing Access to Effective Contraception in Australia: A Consensus Statement. SPHERE; July 2022.