Contraception Flashcards
What is UKMEC?
UK Medical Eligibility Criteria which categorises the risks of starting different methods of contraception.
UKMEC 1: No restriction in use
UKMEC 2: Benefits generally outweigh the risks
UKMEC 3: Risks generally outweigh the benefits
UKMEC 4: Unacceptable risk
Avoid COCP (UKMEC4) in these patients:
Uncontrolled HTN
Migraine with aura
History of VTE
Aged >35 and smoking 15+ cigarettes per day
Major surgery with prolonged immobility
Vascular disease or stroke
Ischaemic heart disease, Cardiomyopathy, or AF
Liver cirrhosis and liver tumours
SLE and Antiphospholipid syndrome
What contraception method should be avoided in women with breast cancer?
Avoid all hormonal contraception and go for copper coil or barrier methods
What contraception method should be avoided in cervical or endometrial cancer?
Avoid IUS
What contraception method should be avoided in patients with Wilson’s disease?
Copper coil
When should the progesterone injection be stopped?
After 50 years due to increased risk of osteoporosis
Choice of contraception for women under 20
Combined and progestogen-only pills are unaffected by younger age
The progestogen-only implant is a good choice of long-acting reversible contraception (UK MEC 1)
Progesterone-only injection is UKMEC2 due to concerns of reduced bone mineral density.
Coils are UKMEC2 as they have higher rate of expulsion
Contraception after childbirth
Fertility is not considered to return until 21 days after giving birth
Lactational amenorrhoea is effective for up to 6 months after birth
POP - safe in breastfeeding and can be started at any time
COCP - should be avoided in breastfeeding (UKMEC4 before 6 weeks postpartum and UKMEC2 after 6 weeks)
Copper coil or IUS - inserted either within 48 hours of birth or more than 4 weeks after birth (UKMEC1) - should not be inserted with past 48 hours and between 4 weeks (UKMEC3)
How does the COCP work?
Prevents ovulation
Thickens the cervical mucous
Inhibits proliferation of the endometrium, reducing the chance of successful implantation
What types of COCP pills are there?
Monophonic - same amount of hormone in each pill
Multiphase - varying amounts of hormone to match normal cyclical hormone changes
Side effects of COCP
Unscheduled bleeding
Breast pain and tenderness
Mood changes and depression
Headaches
Hypertension
VTE
Small increased risk of breast and cervical cancer
Small increased risk of MI and stroke
Starting the COCP
If started:
Day 1 - Day 5 : no additional contraception needed
> Day 5 - requires extra contraception for the first 7 days of use.
How would you switch between COCPs?
Start new pack immediately without pill-free period
How would you switch between a POP to COCP?
Can switch at anytime but 7 days protection required.
What should you do if you missed one pill less than 72 hours since the last pill was taken?
Take the missed pill as soon as possible and no extra protection is required
What should you do if you missed one pill more than 72 hours since the last pill was taken?
Take the most recent missed pill as soon as possible
Additional contraception needed until they have taken the pill regularly for 7 days straight.
If day 1-7 of the packet. -> emergency contraception may be required if UPSI occurred
If day 8-14 - and has taken COCP for the first week, no emergency contraception required
Day 15-21 - and day 1-14 was fully compliant, no emergency contraception required.
How early should you stop COCP prior to surgery?
4 weeks.
Contraindications for POP (UKMEC4)
Active breast cancer
Mechanism of POP
Thickens cervical mucous
Altering endometrium making it less accepting to implantation
Desogestrel also inhibits ovulation
Starting POP
Day 1 - day 5 - woman protected immediately
Can be started any time during the cycle but additional contraception required for 48 hours.
Switching between POPs
No extra contraception required
Side effects and risks of POPs
Unscheduled bleeding in first three months.
Breast tenderness
Headaches
Acne
Increased risk of ovarian cysts, small risk of ectopic pregnancy
Minimal increased risk of breast cancer, which returns to normal after 10 years of stopping