Minimizing the metabolic risks of oral contraceptives through patient counseling and monitoring.

Before selecting a method of contraception, it is necessary to obtain a careful medical, family and personal history. In addition, a physical examination and basic laboratory studies must be done. It is important to properly counsel all patients who wish to use an oral contraceptive (OC), particularly if they have one or more risk factors. This counseling should include the rationale for using a low-dose, low-potency OC, what side effects to look for and what the follow-up schedule will be so that the patients are monitored adequately.