[26] Contraception - Progesterone Only Flashcards
What does progesterone only hormonal contraception use?
The female steroid hormone progesterone
What is the failure rate of progesterone only contraceptives with perfect use?
0.3%
What is the typical failure rate of progesterone only contraceptives?
9%
What are the different types of progesterone only contraceptives?
- Pill (POCP)
- Implant
- Injection
What are the types of POCP currently available in the UK?
- Femulen
- Norgeston
- Noriday
- Micronor
- Cerazette
What is the primary mechanism of action of POCP?
Thicken cervical mucus due to high levels of progesterone, which prevents the entry of sperm and therefore fertilisation of the oocyte
What are the secondary mechanisms of POCP?
- Suppression of ovulation (to varying degrees)
- Thinning of endometrium, inhibiting implantation
What does the degree to which the POCP suppresses ovulation vary based on?
The form of progesterone given
What are the advantages of the POCP?
- More effective than barrier methods when taken correctly
- Sex doesn’t need to be interrupted to use contraception
- Can be used in many patients for whom the COCP is contraindicated
- May reduce risk of endometrial cancer
What are the disadvantages of the POCP?
- User dependant, and has to be taken at same time every day
- Can produce irregular menstruation or amenorrhoea
- Some adverse effects
- Increased risk of ovarian cysts
- Small increased risk of breast cancer
What proportion of women taking the POCP experience irregular mensuration?
4 in 10
What proportion of women taking the POCP experience amenorrhoea?
2 in 10
What are the adverse effects of POCP?
- Headaches
- Breast tenderness
- Skin changes
By how much does POCP increase risk of ovarian cysts?
30%
What are the contraindications to POCP?
- Current or past history of breast cancer
- Liver cirrhosis or tumours
- Stroke or coronary heart disease
In whom does the POCP have a lower efficacy?
Women over 70kg
What is the brand name for the progesterone only implant linseed for use in the UK?
Nexplanon
What is the progesterone only implant?
A small, flexible tube about 40mm long that is inserted into the upper arm
What does the progesterone only implant contain?
68mg steroidal progestin
How long does the progesterone only implant last?
3 years
What is the failure rate of the progesterone only implant with perfect use?
0.05%