Contraception Flashcards
Two types of oral contraception
Progesterone only contraceptive (POP)- ‘mini pill’
Combined oral contraceptive (COC)- ‘pill’
-MONOPHASIC
-PHASIC
Mechanism of Action of oral contraception coc?? (3)
- prevent fertilization via inhibition of ovulation
- thickening of the cervical mucus.
- Decrease motility of the uterus and fallopian tubes thereby inhibiting ova and sperm transport.
Contraception-assessment
Exclude pregnancy
Record BP, BMI, smoking status
History
Plans of pregnancy/reason for contraception
Advantages of Combined oral contraceptive (7)
- reliable and reversible
- reduced dysmenorrhoea (painful periods) and
menorrhagia (abnormal heavy bleeding) - reduced incidence of premenstrual syndrome
- less symptomatic fibroids/functional ovarian cysts
- less benign breast disease
- reduced risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer
- reduced risk of pelvic inflammatory disease.
Consideration for COC?
- Lowest dose to provide effective control
- Well tolerated
- Affordable
- Addition benefits if desired
Low strength preparations (COC)
- Contain ethinylestradiol 20 micrograms
- For women with risk factors for circulatory disease
Standard strength preparation (COC)
- Contain ethinylestradiol 30-35 micrograms, or 30-40 micrograms in phased preparations.
- For women who do not have withdrawal bleeding or have breakthrough bleeding with monophasic products.
Standard strength preparation (COC) example
Microgynon 30
Side effects that may be experienced with COC?
Acne, headache, breast symptoms, and breakthrough bleeding.
What is used for women who have side effects with other progestogens (COC)?
Progestogen desogestrel/drospirenone/gestodene
‘Pill-free interval’ (HFI)
Most COCs contain calendar strips of 21 active tablets
No pill-free interval
To support adherence, woman may prefer 21 active tablets and 7 placebo tablets
Low strength, monophasic.
7-day break in pill taking.
Mercilon (ethinylestradiol and desogestrel)
Standard strength, monophasic.
7-day break in pill taking.
Yasmin (ethinylestradiol and drospirenone)
Standard strength, monophasic.
No break in pill taking.
Femodene ED (ethinylestradiol and gestodene)
Standard strength, phasic.
7-day break in pill taking.
Logynon (ethinylestradiol, levonorgestrel)
Standard strength, phasic.
No break in pill taking.
Qlaria (estradiol valerate and dienogest)
Cautions with use of COCs
Family history of VTE Obesity (measure BMI) Long-term immobilization > 35 years and smoker Smoking FMH of arterial disease Diabetes mellitis HBP (avoid if systolic > 160 mmHg and diastolic > 100 mmHg) Migraine
Which 5 cautions may POP be preferred?
Family history of VTE Smoking Diabetes mellitis HBP (avoid if systolic > 160 mmHg and diastolic > 100 mmHg) Migraine
Starting a COC: Not currently on any contraception
- Start the COC on day 1 of cycle (no other req)
- If started another time but need to use barrier method for first 7 days.
Starting a COC: Switching from another COC/combined contraceptive patch/combined
vaginal ring
-Start COC on the day after the last active (no other req)
pill/patch/vaginal ring
Starting a COC: Switching from a POP or levonorgestrel IUS
-Start any time in cycle but need to use barrier method for first 7 days.
Starting a COC: Switching from a Cu-IUD
-Remove on day 1-5 of cycle and start COCO on the same day. (no other req)
Adverse effects of COCs
Nausea and abdominal pain Headache Breast pain and/or tenderness Menstrual irregularities Hypertension Changes in lipid metabolism-weight gain? Mood changes?
What type of drugs can reduce the effect of enzymes?
Enzyme inducing drugs
Enzyme inducing drugs that can reduce the effects of COC
- Antibiotics (rifamipicin)
- Antiepileptics
- Antiretroviral
- St John’s worts
Enzyme inducing drugs that can reduce the effects of COC advice
Swap to progesterone-only injectable, Cu-UDI or LNG-IU (change contraception if long term med)
What does COC do to lamotrigine?
Serum levels of lamotrigine reduced. When lamotrigine is combined with sodium valproate it does not causes the reduction)
Reasons to stop taking COC
Sudden severe chest pain Sudden breathlessness Unexplained swelling or severe pain in calf of one leg Severe stomach pain Serious neurological effects Jaundice Raised BP Prolonged immobility after surgery
1 pill missed (24-48 hours) COC
Take as soon as remembered, continue as usual. EC no req but might if another in the week missed.
2 or more pills missed (>48 hours) COC
Most recent taken as soon as remembered, continue as usual. Condoms used 7 consecutive active pills.
Pills missed in first week (1-7) COC
EC considered.
Pills missed second week (8-14) COC
No EC but rest of the pills for the week should be continued. Other methods used as caution.
Pills missed in third week (15-21) COC
Omit the pill free interval and continue active pills.