COCP

Question 1

How does COCP work?

Answer 1

• Contains 2 hormones - oestrogen and progesterone
  
  • Stops ovulation
  • Increases cervical mucous
  • Thins endometrium

Question 2

Advantages of the COCP

Answer 2

• >99% effective
• Does not interfere with sex
• Periods are often lighter, less painful and more regular
• Reduces ovarian cancer

Question 3

Side effects of the COCP

Answer 3

*Most women do not develop side effects*

• Transient
  
  • Nausea
  • Headaches
  • Breast tenderness
• Other
  
  • Rasied BP (check every 6 months)
  • Mood changes
  • Skin changes

Question 4

Contraindications / Risk assessment for the COCP

Answer 4

• Migraine
• CV
  
  • Smoking (+ age >35)
  • Obesity BMI >35
  • Hypertension
  • MI
  • VTE (FHx)
  • Hyperlipidaemia
• Drugs

*Small increased risk of breast cancer, but not a contra-indication*