Dr. Mary Short:

First, we see women as individuals so every conversation we have with a woman is different. Women may come in with an idea of a type of contraception that may have been suggested to them by a friend or the Internet, and it is up to us as doctors to have that conversation, sort out what their needs are and decide whether that method of contraception is appropriate for them. They may, however, leave the consulting room with a less suitable method because the more suitable option is not affordable for them. This also relates to the matter of initial pharmacy prescribing, about which I have some reservations. Contraception is a medication to which contraindications and risks are attached. Women should consult a doctor, at least for the first visit, and if problems arise from the dispensing of contraception through pharmacies, they should be referred back to the doctor. Every individual case requires an individual consultation.