CAPE Biology Unit 1 · 2014 · Paper 2 · Question 6(b)(ii)

A young, recently married couple seeks advice at a family planning clinic. The 23-year-old female explains that her last normal menstrual cycle started two weeks ago and they both confirm that they have not engaged in sexual intercourse since then. She would like to begin using combined oral contraceptives immediately, as she has been advised that there are no medical reasons which prevent her from using this form of contraception.

Suggest what advice should be given to the couple about the most appropriate way to use combined oral contraceptives. Include in your account, justification of your advice in relation to the physiological details provided by the couple and your knowledge of the menstrual cycle.