Contraception Flashcards
What are the two mechanism of actions for contraceptions?
Inhibits viable sperm from coming into contact with mature ovum
Preventing fertilized ovum from successfully implanting in endometrium
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using male condoms? Are there any contraindications associated?
CI: Those allergic to latex or rubber
Advantages: STD protection
Disadvantage: High user failure rate; poor acceptance and potential breakage
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using female condoms? Are there any contraindications associated with its use?
CI: Allergy to polyurethane, and history of toxic shock syndrome
Advantages: STD protection, inserted ahead of time
Disadvantages: Poor acceptance to ring hanging out of vagina, high user failure rate
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using cervical caps and diaphragm with spermicide? Are there any contraindications associated with its use?
CI: Allergic to latex or rubber, recurrent UTI, History of TSS, Abnormal gynecological anatomy
Advantages: Low cost and reusable
Disadvantages: High user failure rate, less protection against STI, Increased risk of UTI and cervical irritation
What is the mechanism of action of progestins in contraceptions?
Thicken cervical mucus to prevent sperm penetration, slow tubal motility: delaying sperm transport and inducing endometrial atrophy: preventing fertilized egg from reaching endometrium
Also blocks LH surge and thus prevents ovulation
What is the mechanism of action in adding estrogen to COC?
Suppress FSH release and preventing ovulation
Stabilize endometrium lining to provide cycle control
When is a low dose of estrogen preferred?
Adolescents
Underweight
Age > 35 years
Peri-menopausal
Few side effects
When is a high dose of estrogen preferred ?
Obesity
Weight > 70.5kg
Early-mid cycle breakthrough bleeding
Tendency to be non-adherent
When is 4th generation progestins preferred?
Acne, oily skin and hirustism
What are some advantages and disadvantages of using drosperinone?
Advantages: Anti-mineralcorticoid, Anti-androgenic action, Reduced water retention, Decreases acne
Disadvantages: Hyperkalemia, thromboembolism, bone loss
Why is cyproterone not recommended for monotherapy in COC?
Increased risk of thromboembolism
When should I consider increasing dose of progestins?
Late cycle breakthrough bleeding
Painful menstrual cramping
What are the types of COC? Describe how they are different
Monophasic: Contains same amount of estrogen and progesterone
- less confusing, less complicated miss dosed instructions
Multiphasic: Contains variable amount of estrogen and progesterone
- Lesser progestin overall thus lesser side effects
Conventional COC: Contains 21 day active pills and 7 days placebo OR 24 active pill and 4 days placebo
- Including active pills help decrease hormone fluctuations and side effects
Extended cycle COC: 84 active pills and 7 day placebo
- Convenient and lesser periods
How can a dose be initiated? Is backup contraception then needed for each type of initiation?
First day of menses; no need for backup contraception
Sunday start (allow weekend free menstrual period); require backup contraception for at least 7 days
Quick start; require backup contraceptive for at least 7 days and until next menstrual period
List out the non-contraceptive benefits of taking COC.
Relief from menstrual related problems
Improve menstrual regularity
Acne
Decrease ovarian cyst, ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, uterine fibroids and benign breast disease
Decrease risk of endometrial and ovarian cancer
PCOS
Iron deficient anemia
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
What are the factors to consider before choosing a COC for patient?
Hormonal content required
Convenience
Adherence
Tendency for oily skin, acne, hirsutism
Medical conditions such as premenstrual syndrome, dysmenorrhea
Early/late bleeding
Cramping
How regular menses is
What are the 3 major adverse effects of taking COC?
Breast cancer
Venous thromboembolism
Ischemic heart disease and myocardial infarction
If patient highlights breast cancer history, when should I avoid prescribing COC?
Age more than 40y
Family history / risk of breast cancer
Current / recent history of breast cancer within 5 years
How does estrogen lead to an increased risk of VTE?
Increase hepatic production of factor VII, X and fibrinogen of coagulation cascade
What are some risk factors associated with increase VTE risk?
Age more than 35 years old
Smoking
Obesity
Family history of VTE
Immobilization
Cancer
What can I consider doing for those with increased VTE risk?
Lower dose of estrogen with older progestin
Use progestin only contraceptives
Use barrier method
What are some risk factors of ischemic stroke or myocardial infarction to highlight for those on COC?
Age
Hypertension
Migraine headache with aura
Obesity
Dyslipidemia
Smoking
Prothrombotic mutation