[The practice guideline 'Hormonal contraception' (second revision) from the Dutch College of General Practitioners; a response from the perspective of general practice]

Abstract

The second revision of the Dutch College of General Practitioners' practice guideline on hormonal contraception discusses the various methods of hormonal birth control and can help the general practitioner to inform the patient when choosing the most desirable method. A thorough anamnesis is necessary with regard to the increased risks for breast cancer, uterine cancer and cardiovascular diseases in women using hormonal contraception, especially in those who smoke. The guideline also discusses non-hormonal methods briefly.