For how long should oral contraception be prescribed according to midwife prescribing practices?

Oral contraception should be prescribed for a duration of 3 months according to midwife prescribing practices. This approach allows for both effective management and monitoring of the patient's response to the contraception.

Prescribing for 3 months provides enough time for the individual to evaluate the method’s effectiveness and tolerability without requiring frequent follow-ups. It also aligns well with the guidelines that encourage regular check-ins with patients to ensure side effects are managed and to address any concerns that may arise during use. Additionally, a 3-month prescription supports adherence by minimizing the frequency of refills, which is particularly important in contraceptive management.

While shorter prescriptions may lead to increased regularity in patient visits, longer durations could risk patients continuing a method that might not be suitable for them or that they may wish to discontinue. The 3-month guideline strikes a balance between patient autonomy and the need for ongoing assessment.