Objectives: To document the extent of understanding about the combined pill amongst oral contraceptive users in Scotland.
Method: A questionnaire was distributed to 2700 pill users in Scottish family planning clinics prior to their consultation with a clinician for a repeat prescription.
Results: Knowledge was patchy and usually incomplete in any given area.
Conclusion: Counselling and teaching about oral contraceptives are important parts of the clinical consultation; even if the user appears knowledgeable about their contraceptive method, there are likely to be some areas where their knowledge could be improved.