How to counsel about birth control options
Other platforms explain it with text and video. In VMS you practice it on the patient.
The best birth control is the method a patient will use well and feels good about. Counseling should center on the patient's goals and values.
Step by step
Start with goals
Ask about plans for pregnancy, past methods and what matters most, such as lighter periods or no hormones. [1]
Take a focused history
Check blood pressure, migraine with aura, smoking over age 35, past clots and current medicines. These affect whether estrogen is safe. [2]
Compare effectiveness
Implants and IUDs work best, then the shot, then the pill, patch and ring, then condoms and fertility awareness. [2]
Explain the chosen method
Cover how to use it, common side effects such as spotting and what to do after a missed dose. [3]
Talk about STI protection
Only condoms protect against sexually transmitted infections. Suggest using them with other methods. [1]
Respect the choice
Do not steer the patient. Support their decision, including a request to remove a device. [1]
Check understanding and follow up
Use teach-back and set a follow-up visit. [4]
Common errors
- Pushing one method.
- Missing reasons not to use estrogen.
- Forgetting STI protection.
Typical-use effectiveness (approximate, CDC) [2]
| Method | Pregnancies per 100 users per year | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Implant | under 1 | Lasts several years |
| IUD (copper or hormonal) | under 1 | Lasts several years |
| Injection | about 4 | Every 3 months |
| Pill, patch or ring | about 7 | Daily, weekly or monthly |
| Male condom | about 13 | Every time |
Practice it in VMS
In VMS you do this on the patient, not on paper: every step goes on the checklist with a score, and in Teach mode Blocky tells you what comes next.
VMS cases that train this skill
Sources
- AAMC Core Entrustable Professional Activities (Core EPAs)
- NCCPA PANCE Content Blueprint
- Open RN, Nursing Pharmacology 2e (CC BY 4.0)
- AHRQ Health Literacy Universal Precautions Toolkit (Teach-Back)
Facts and steps follow AAMC Core Entrustable Professional Activities (Core EPAs); AHRQ Health Literacy Universal Precautions Toolkit (Teach-Back). VMS is not affiliated with these organizations. Updated: 2026-10-11.