Contraception Flashcards
Periodic abstinence
Abstaining from sexual intercourse for 4 days either side of ovulation, Calculated as a women is fertile for 3-5 days per menstrual cycle but an egg can survive for 2 days after its ovulated and sperm can survive 4 days in the female
How can women detect ovulation
Rythm method, mucus method, temperature method
Rhythm method
Assumes a regular 28 day cycle with ovulation on day 14
Mucus method
Used to predict the fertile window, ovulation causes cloudy and thick mucus that is inhospitable to sperm, day of ovulation- mucus is stringy, sexual intercourse is considered safe when there is no mucus and it has been 3 days since thin clear mucus
Temperature method
Basal temperature used to determine the day of ovulation, temp is taken first thing in the morning as to not alter it from the vagina, ovulation is accompanied by a sharp drop in temp then a rise
Coitus interruptus
Removal of the penis just prior to male orgasm, some sperm may still enter the female reproductive tract in pre-ejaculatory fluid, 30% pregnancy rate
Mechanical barriers
Male condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, female condom
Male condom
Thick latex rubber rolled onto erect penis prior to intercourse, If used correctly they prevent sperm entering the vagina and protect against STIs
Diaphragm
Rubber cap that fits across the top of the vagina, used with spermicides
Cervical cap
Smaller than a diaphragm, fits over the cervix, must stay in position for 6 hours after intercourse, used with spermicides
Female condom
Lubricated sheath that fits over the cervix and extends down the vaginal canal to the outside, effective contraceptive device and protects against STIs
Spermicides
Creams, gels, sprays, pessaries, Contain a chemical that immobilizes sperm, Some react with moisture in the vagina to form CO2 bubbles that provide a physical barrier to sperm, 70% effective
Hormonal contraceptives
Combined pill, mini pill, injectables, implants, intrauterine devices
Combined pill
Contains synthetic progesterone and estrogen, First available in 1961, Works by: preventing ovulation due to the hormones, causing cervical mucus to be thick meaning sperm can’t swim through it and altering to the lining of the uterus so implantation cannot occur, Taken daily- if missed hormone levels drop and there is no protection
The mini pill
Contains only synthetic progesterone, Works by: thinning the lining of the uterus so that implantation cannot occur, thickens the mucus (doesn’t prevent ovulation)
Injectables
Synthetic progesterone injected into the body, Lasts 12 weeks, Same principle as mini pill (ovulation still occurs)
Implants
Implantation- match stick sized plastic rod containing synthetic progesterone, which diffuses out slowly over three years, Vaginal rings- left in vagina for 3 weeks and then removed for 1 week, progesterone and estrogen diffused out, prevents ovulations, causes mucus in cervix to thicken to block sperm, changes the lining of the uterus to prevent implantation
Intrauterine devices
Small devices made of plastic or copper that are inserted into the uterus by a doctor
Hormonal IUDs
Made of a plastic frame that slowly releases progesterone, makes endometrium thin and not suitable for implantation, changes mucus to be thick, can prevent ovulation, effective for 5 years
Copper IUDs
Made of plastic with a copper wire around it, copper affects the movement of sperm and changes the endometrium so it’s not suitable for implantation, can be used as an emergency form of contraception as sperm can remain in the vagina for 5 days
Morning after pill
High dose progesterone tablet, Taken up to 72 hours after unprotected intercourse, Prevents or delays ovulation (if ovulation has already occurred the pill doesn’t help), Side effects include nausea and vomiting, spot bleeding
Sterilization
Vasectomy- vas deferens severed, Tubal ligation- fallopian tubes severed and tied
