Contraceptive Counseling

Contraceptive counseling with shared decision making - what does that mean and why is it important?

By Maddy Reid, WHNP-BC

Women's Health Clinician + Educator

Updated September 2026

Shared decision making is where you and your clinician talk through your options, the pros, the cons, your preferences, the non-contraceptive benefits of different methods (e.g., improved skin just as an example). I want you to brainstorm what you may want from a contraceptive method. This may change over your life too, and that is totally normal.

Shared decision making for contraceptive counseling:

1. Review the contraception “menu” (there are a lot of options - both hormonal and non-hormonal options)

2. Do you plan to become pregnant in the next year? What is your reproductive life plan (if you have an idea)?

   1. Pregnancy Attitudes – Do you think you might like to have (more) children at some point?

   2. Timing – If the patient is considering future parenthood: When do you think that might be?

   3. How important is prevention – How important is it to you to prevent pregnancy (until then)?

3. Characteristics: what is important to you about the method you choose (e.g., efficacy, timing of use, bleeding, other non-contraceptive uses like acne/amenorrhea, mood)

4. Given our discussion – what do you feel is the best method for you?

5. Education: 

   1. How they are taken

   2. How often they are taken

   3. Efficacy

   4. Effect on menstrual bleeding (including regularity and flow)

   5. Other side effects

   6. Non-contraceptive benefits

   7. Privacy

   8. Effect on future fertility

This is a starting point to guide you for pregnancy prevention counseling, if that is the goal, and to decide which option might be the best fit for you.

Note from Maddy:

Sometimes patients say to me, just tell me what to do! Girl, I get it, you may have decision fatigue and feel like this is another big decision for you. Shared decision making is the best clinical practice and in your best interest. As you know, being willful and an active participant in your care is essential! This is what a contraceptive counseling appointment might look like, and if it doesn't... maybe take this guide as a reference to guide the conversation and to think of questions to ask.

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided by The Willful Women is intended for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Your healthcare needs are unique. Speak with your qualified healthcare professional about your individual symptoms, medical history, and treatment options.

Last reviewed: September 2026