combined oral contraceptive pill Flashcards
mechanism of action
prevents ovulation
thickens cervical mucus
inhibits endometrium proliferation
side effects and risks
irregular bleeding breast tenderness mood change headaches htn VTE small inc risk breast and cervical cancer small inc risk MI, stroke
benefits
improve PMS
improve menorrhagia + dysmenorrhoea
reduce risk endometrial + ovarian cancer
reduce risk benign ovarian cysts
contraindications
uncontrolled htn >160/100 migraine w aura >35yrs and smoking major surgery + immobility vascular disease, stroke IHD, AF liver cirrhosis, liver tumour SLE antiphospolipid syndrome BMI >35
starting pill: first day of cycle
immediate protection
no additional contraception needed if started up to day 5 of cycle
starting pill: after day 5
extra contraception for first 7 days of consistent pill use
Missing one pill
<72hrs since last pill taken
take missed pill ASAP
no extra protection required if other pills before and after taken correctly
missing more than one pill
>72hrs since last pill taken
take most recent pill ASAP
additional contraception needed until taken pill regularly for 7 days straight
missing more than one pill - day 1-7 of packet
need emergency contraception if had unprotected sex
missing more than one pill - day 8-14 of packet
no emergency contraception needed
if day 1-7 fully compliant
missing more than one pill - day 15-21 pack
no emergency contraception needed
as long as day 1-14 fully compliant
COCP and major operations
stop COCP 4wks before a major operation (lasting >30min) or any procedure requiring lower limb to be immobilised
