Chapter 31: Family Planning Flashcards
role of the nurse in family planning
- counseling and education
- women are more likely to use contraception if they have received counseling that is directed to their own needs instead of general information about contraception
- must be comfortable discussing contraception and sensitive to the woman’s feelings
- counseling should include:
- types available
- risks/benefits
- how to ensure proper use of each method
- what to do if an error is made
- emergency contraception
- backup methods and when to use
- what to do if the woman wants to change methods
- questions/concerns
what are the most popular contraceptive methods in the US?
- oral contraception
- tubal sterilization
- male condoms
- vasectomy
considerations when choosing a contraceptive method
- safety
- protection from STDs
- effectiveness: depends on use, fertility, and freq of intercourse
- acceptability
- convenience
- education needed
- benefits
- side effects
- effect on spontaneity
- availability
- expense
- preference
- religious and personal beliefs
- culture
which women should not use oral contraceptives?
what type of method of contraception should women with a history of toxic shock syndrome not use?
- thrombophlebitis or stroke
- diaphragm or cervical cap
what is the best protection from STDs?
male condom
effectiveness of contraception
- determined by how often the method prevents pregnancy
- reflects 2 types of contraceptive failure:
- ideal, perfect effectiveness rate refers to perfect use w/ every act of intercourse. Failures are caused by the method itself and not with the use of the method.
-
typical, actual, or user effectiveness: most useful, refers to occurrence of pregnancy under typical use of the method
- difference b/w the 2 is how forgiving a method is–how lilely pregnancy is to occur if the use is occasionally imperfect
what are the most effective long acting reversible contraceptives?
IUDs and contraceptive implants
what types of contraceptives may lead to amenorrhea in some women?
- hormone implants or injections
- IUDs
what are some benefits to oral contraceptives besides prevention of pregnancy?
- reduction of acne
- decreased bleeding during periods
- prolonged amenorrhea
contraceptives and their effects on spontaneity
- some contraceptive methods are related to coitus (sexual intercourse)
- barrier methods
- withdrawal
- periodic abstinence
- these methods must be readily available and interrupt sexual intercourse
which types of contraceptives are available OTC without prescription?
- condoms
- spermicides
some methods of contraception require informed consent about the risks and benefits, what are they?
- surgical sterilization
- oral contraceptives
- hormone injections
- implants
- IUDs
adolescents and contraception
- misinformation and erroneous beliefs are common among teens
- many do not understand that pregnancy can result from any intercourse near ovulation
- common methods used by teens:
- douching–ineffective b/c sperm may enter cervix very soon after ejaculation
- coitus interruptus (withdrawal)–unrealiable
current recommendations from American Cancer Society about pelvic exams and Pap smears
- pelvic exams are not required for a prescription for oral contraceptives
- Pap Smears should be done every 3 years beginning at 21 and every 5 years beginning at 30
what contraceptive methods are most popular with adolescents and why? why is a disadvantage?
- oral contraceptives (OCs) and condoms
- OCs are popular b/c they are safe, not difficult/messy, inc bone density, regulate menses, reduce menstrual flow and cramping, and may dec acne
- but adolescent girls may be inconsistent in taking pills every day, so a method like a patch (changed 1x a month) may be more useful
when does fertility begin to decline in women? how long should women use contraception to prevent pregnancy?
- fertility begins to decline when a woman reaches 35-40 yo
- should use contraception until 1 year after a woman’s last menses
smoking and peripausal women use of OCs
–Heavy smoking and over 35 = no estrogen in BCP’s
–Any smoking and over 40 = no estrogen in BCP’s
sterilization
- most widely used method of contracetion
- permanent end to fertility
- greatest risk for regret if woman is under 30, pressure from spouse, medical indication, not enough information
complications of sterilization
- hemorrhage
- infection
- anesthesia complications
- pregnancy: more likely to be ectopic after sterilization
tubal sterilization
- involves cutting the fallopian tubes to prevent fertilization
- can be performed at any time but easiest during abdominal surgery/C section or w/in 48 hours of vaginal birth
- after procedure, avoid intervourse, strenuous exercise, and heavy lifting for 1 week
- can use mild analgesics for pain
- call HCP if: temp over 100.4 deg F, fainting, severe pain, bleeding
vasectomy
- involves making a small cut in scrotum to cut a section of vas deferens so sperm can no longer pass into semen
- lower morbidity, lower failure rate, and less expensive than tubal sterilization
- post op: wear scrotal support for 48 hours, apply ice for 4 hours and take analgesics
- avoid strenuous activity for 1 week
- notify HCP if: fever, pain, bleeding, swelling greater than 2x the normal size
- intercourse may be resumed in 1 week BUT complete sterilization may not occur for 3 mos
- must have semen specimen for contraception
IUDs
- Copper (paragard) or levonorgestrel (Mirena/LNG-IUS)
- Paragard works for 10 yrs
- Mirena works for 5 years
- can be inserted anytime the woman is not pregnant and does not currently have an STD or pelvic infection
- can be inserted as soon as placenta is delivered
- Paragard works immediately
- Mirena if inserted w/in 5 days of start of menses, no backup is needed
- can be inserted as soon as placenta is delivered
- fertility returns prompty when removed
- recommended b/c long term, cost effective
IUDs: action
- cause a sterile inflammatory response which results in a spermicidal intrauterine environment
- Mirena: progestin thickens cervical mucus and prevents transport of sperm to endometrial cavity
- Paragard: progestin causes dec sperm and ova viability, thickens cervical mucus, inhibits sperm motility
IUDs: SEs and complications
- cramping
- bleeding
- esp irregular bleeding in early months
- common reasons for Paragard removal: menorrhagia and dysmenorrhea
- complications: perforation of uterus and expulsion
which women should not use IUDs?
- recurrent pelvic infections
- hx of ectopic pregnancy
- bleeding disorders
- abnormalities of the uterus
IUDs: teaching
- teach woman about SEs and to check for presence of strings
- expulsion most common during menses–>teach them to check for threads weekly for first 4 weeks, then monthly after menses
- S/S of infection: vaginal pain, discharge, itching, low pelvic pain, fever
- any signs of pregnancy must be reported immediately to rule out ectopic
hormone implant
- AKA Inplanon–implanted into upper arm
- provides 3 years of contraception
- action: inhibits ovulation, thickens cervical mucus, makes endometrium an unfavorable env
- can be inserted immediately postpartum if not breastfeeding
- SEs: irregular menstrual bleeding
- fertility returns immediately on removal
hormone injections
- AKA Depo Provera–IM or subQ
- prevents ovulation for 15 weeks, but should be injected every 13 weeks
- no backup method of contraception if 1st injection w/in 7 days of beginning of LMP
- reason for discontinuation: menstrual irregularities
- SEs: spotting, weight gain, HA, depression, hair loss, nervousness, dec libido, breast discomfort
- may also cause a dec in bone density, so women should be taught to take calcium and vit D and inc weight bearing exercises
- can be inserted in immediate postpartum period, but there is a delay in return of fertility
oral contraceptives (OCs)
- work by inhibiting ovulation
- available as combination OC (w/ progestin and estrogen) and as “minipills” (w/ progestin only)
Combination OCs
- action: thickening of cervical mucus, suppress production of LH and FSH (which prevent maturation of follicle and ovulation)
- most available in packs of 21 or 28:
- 21: take for 3 weeks then off 7 days for menses
- 28: take for 3 weeks, then take placebo for 7 days for menses
- may also take more continuously to prevent bleeding, but breakthrough bleeding and spotting are common
Progestin Only Pills
- are taken daily with no hormone free days
- less effective at inhibiting ovulation, but cause thickening of the cervical mucus
- good for women who cannot take estrogen
- must take a pill every day and at the same time to effectively prevent pregnancy
- breakthrough bleeding and pregnancy are more common with POPs than COCs
which women should not sure OCs?
- hx of:
- thrombophlebitis
- cerebrovascular or CV dz
- any estrogen dependent CA or breast CA
- liver tumors
- HTN
- migraines w/ aura or if over 35 yo
- diabetes longer than 20 yrs
- w/ current:
- any of the above
- impaired liver fcn
- pregnancy
- cigarette smoking in women over 35 yo
benefits of OCs
- regular menses
- decreased flow, PMS, dysmenorrhea
- reduced acne
- improved bone density
- reduces ovarian and endometrial CA
- less risk of PID, ectopics, sickle cell crisis, asthma
risks of OCs
- no protection against STDs
- may inc susceptibility to Chlamydia
- compliance: must be every day, same time
- missed doses are not an issue
- usually should not BF
SEs of OCs
- S/S of pregnancy are common but this may be reduced by decreasing the amount of estrogen in the pill
- including nausea, breast tenderness
- breakthrough bleeding
- weight gain
- fluid retention
- amenorrhea
- melasma
teaching with OCs
- teach how to use properly
- 3 methods of how begin OC use:
- quick start: preferred, take first pill on day pills are prescribed, backup for first 7 days unless cycle started less than 5 days ago
- first day start: 1st pill taken on 1st day of next menstrual period
- Sunday start: pills begun on 1st Sunday after menses start, use backup for 1st 7 days of first cycle
- teach about SEs, and that spotting is common
blood hormone levels w/ OCs
- maintaining a constant blood hormone level is important for effectiveness
- woman must take pills near same time each day
- illness may affect blood hormone levels
- if experience vomiting/diarrhea, use a backup method of contraception for 7 days
missed doses of OCs
- if miss inactive pill, just discard and continue
- 1 missed pill:
- take 1 active pill ASAP, take next dose at usual time
- continue pack as usual, no backup needed
- 2+ missed pills in 1st 2 weeks
- take 2 pills ASAP, then one tab daily
- use backup for 7 days
- 2 missed pills in last week of active pills
- take 1 active pill each day until finished, discard inactive
- start new pack next day
OCs: postpartum and lactation
- COCs inc the risk for a thromboembolism and reduce milk production in lactating women
- avoid COCs for 3 weeks after giving birth
- avoid for 4 weeks if lactating
- if hx of thromboembolism, avoid for 6 weeks
what are the warning signs of OC complications?
-
ACHES
-
A: abdominal pain
- vein thrombosis, , benign liver tumor, gallbladder dz
-
C: chest pain, dyspnea, hemoptysis
- PE or MI
-
H: HA, weakness, numbness, HTN
- stroke migraine
-
E: eye problems
- retinal vein thrombosis, stroke, migraine
-
S: severe leg pain, swelling, heat, redness
- DVT
-
A: abdominal pain
emergency contraception
- morning after pill
- method to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex
- available to women of all age w/o a prescription
- works by inhibiting ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and interfering w/ function of corpus luteum
- but ineffective if implantation already took place
- take ASAP or up to 120 hours after unprotected sex
- may need anti-emetic
transdermal contraceptive patch
- AKA Ortho Evra
- action: releases estrogen and progestin which suppress oculation and thicken cervical mucus
- changed once a week
- wear a new patch for 3 weeks, then remove for 1 week for a period
- use non hormonal contraceptive during the first week of use
- fertility returns quickly
- SEs: spotting, breast tenderness, HAs, skin rxns
- risk of VTE higher w/ patch than pill
- less effective if weight more than 198 lb
- never apply to breasts
vaginal contraceptive ring
- AKA NuvaRing
- insert into vagina for 3 weeks
- action: releases estrogen and progestin to prevent ovulation
- use can be during first 5 days of menstrual cycle
- backup contraceptive is necessary for fist 7 days of 1st cycle
- SE: HA, vaginitis, expulsion, vaginal discharge/discomfort, breakthrough bleeding
- ring may be removed for up to 3 hours w/o loss of effectiveness
barrier methods
- involve chemicals or devices that prevent sperm from entering the cervix
- may kill sperm or place temporary partition b/w penis/cervix
- all are coitus related
- avoid use of systemic hormones
chemical barriers
- spermicides: chemicals that kill sperm
- effective for less than 1 hour
- woman should not douche for at least 6 hours after research
- they are inserted deep into vagina about 15 min before sexual interourse so that they are in contact with the cervix
- available w/o prescription, inexpensive
- inc lubrication, but messy
male condom
- cover the penis to prevent sperm from entering the vagina
- usually made of latex and may be coated w/ lubricant
- best protection against STDs
- no prescription needed, inexpensive
- water based lubricant helps prevent breakage
female condom
- AKA vaginal pouch
- polyurethane sheath inserted into the vagina
- flexible ring inside the end fits into the cervix and another ring extends outside the vagina to cover the perineum
contraceptive sponge
- made of polyurethane and acts by trapping and absorbing semen and contains spermicide
- provides contraception for 24 hours
- no prescription, no hormones, easy to use
- should remain in place after the last intercourse for 6 hours
- do not use during menstruation or left in place for more than 24-30 hours, b/c inc risk of TSS
diaphragm
- latex dome surrounded by a spring
- place spermicide into dome and around rim and insert over the cervix
- prevents passage of sperm
- must be fitted by HCP
- must recheck each year, after a weight gain/loss of 10 lb, after each pregnancy
- should not be used for first 6 weeks after pregnancy
- inc risk of UTIs
cervical cap
- cuplike device placed over the cervix to prevent sperm from entering
- fitted by HCP
- stays in place by suction
- can remain in place for 48 hours
- but do not remove for 8 hours after the last intercourse
- add more spermicide if intercourse is repeated
- do not use if hx of TSS
Natural Family Planning (NFP)
- use physiologic cues to predict ovulation so that women can determine when conditions are favorible for ovulation
- acceptable to most religious groups and avoids use of drugs, chemicals, devices
- couples must be highly motivated b/c must abstain from intercourse during as much as half the menstrual cycle
abstinence
- avoidance of sexual intercourse and any activity that may allow sperm to enter the vagina
- requires perfect use to be effective
- no cost, avoids hormones, and has no side effects or medical risks
least reliable methods of contraception
- breast feeding
- inhibits ovulation b/c suckling and prolactin interfere w/ secretion of gonadotropin releasing hormone and LH
- frequency, intensity, and duration of suckling are important in inhibiting ovulation
- menstrual cycle resumes w/in 6 mos
- coitus interruptus
- removal before ejaculation
- requires great control by the man and may be unsatisfying to both partners
- sperm spilled on the vulva may enter the vagina and cause pregnancy