Contraception Flashcards
UK medical eligibility criteria for contraception
UKMEC 1: No restriction in use (minimal risk)
UKMEC 2: Benefits generally outweigh the risks
UKMEC 3: Risks generally outweigh the benefits
UKMEC 4: Unacceptable risk (typically this means the method is contraindicated)
Contraception Specific Risk Factors
Breast cancer: avoid any hormonal contraception and go for the copper coil or barrier methods
Cervical or endometrial cancer: avoid the intrauterine system (i.e. Mirena coil)
Wilson’s disease: avoid the copper coil
combined contraceptive pill (UKMEC 4)
Uncontrolled hypertension (particularly ≥160 / ≥100)
Migraine with aura
History of VTE
Aged over 35 smoking more than 15 cigarettes per day
Major surgery with prolonged immobility
Vascular disease or stroke
Ischaemic heart disease, cardiomyopathy or atrial fibrillation
Liver cirrhosis and liver tumours
Systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid syndrome
Contraceptive considerations in older women
After the last period, contraception is required for 2 years in women under 50 and 1 year in women over 50
Hormone replacement therapy does not prevent pregnancy, and added contraception is required
The combined contraceptive pill can be used up to age 50 years, and can treat perimenopausal symptoms
The progestogen injection (i.e. Depo-Provera) should be stopped before 50 years due to the risk of osteoporosis
Lactational amenorrhea
over 98% effective as contraception for up to 6 months after birth. Women must be fully breastfeeding and amenorrhoeic (no periods).
Safe contraception with breastfeeding
progestogen-only pill and implant - can be started any time after birth
Starting combined contraceptive pill after birth
should be avoided in breastfeeding (UKMEC 4 before 6 weeks postpartum, UKMEC 2 after 6 weeks).
copper coil or intrauterine system after birth?
can be inserted either within 48 hours of birth or more than 4 weeks after birth (UKMEC 1), but not inserted between 48 hours and 4 weeks of birth (UKMEC 3).
Max age for COCP
50
Contraception avoided in under 20s
progesterone injection as may reduce bone density
COCP mechanism
Suppress GnRH, LH and FSH. Prevents ovulation
Also progesterone thickens cervical mucus and inhibits endometrium thickening/implantation
Withdrawal bleed
When pill stopped - not a menstrual period
Breakthrough bleeding
With extended use without a pill-free period
COCP side effects
Unscheduled bleeding is common in the first three months and should then settle with time
Breast pain and tenderness
Mood changes and depression
Headaches
Hypertension
Venous thromboembolism (the risk is much lower for the pill than pregnancy)
Small increased risk of breast and cervical cancer, returning to normal ten years after stopping
Small increased risk of myocardial infarction and stroke
COCP regimmes
21 days on and 7 days off
63 days on (three packs) and 7 days off (“tricycling“)
Continuous use without a pill-free period
COCP screening
Age
Weight and height (BMI)
Blood pressure
Smoker or non-smoker
Past medical history (particularly migraine, VTE, cancer, cardiovascular disease and SLE)
Family history (particularly VTE and breast cancer)
COCP consultation points
Different contraceptive options, including long-acting reversible contraception (LARC)
Contraindications
Adverse effects
Instructions for taking the pill, including missed pills
Factors that will impact the efficacy (e.g. diarrhoea and vomiting)
Sexually transmitted infections (this pill is not protective)
Safeguarding concerns (particularly in those under 16)
COCP first line
levonorgestrel or norethisterone first line (e.g. Microgynon or Leostrin)
Lower VTE risk
first-line for premenstrual syndrome
Yasmin and other COCPs containing drospirenone
anti-mineralocorticoid and anti-androgen, maybe better with continuous use