Contraception Flashcards
Describe the population trend in Canada between 1959 and 2023?
The birth rate in Canada decreased from 116 births per 1000 in 1959 to 10.1 births per 1000 in 2023 (10 fold decrease)
What is the average maternal age at first birth?
30 years old
How does the birth rate in Saskatchewan compare to the national average in 2022?
In 2022, the birth rate in Saskatchewan was 11.9 births per 1000, slightly higher than the national average of 10.1 births per 1000.
What percentage of pregnancies are unplanned?
40-60%
What percentage of unintended pregnancies end in abortion?
50%
Approximately how many individuals have had at least one induced abortion?
1/3 of individuals
What are the four main hormones related to the menstrual cycle?
- FSH
- LH
- Estrogen
- Progesterone
What is the function of GnRH (gonadotropin releasing homone) in menstruation?
GnRH stimulates the pituitary gland to release FSH and LH.
What is the function of FSH in the menstrual cycle?
FSH stimulates the maturation of follicles in the ovaries.
What is the function of estrogen in the menstrual cycle?
Estrogen, predominantly estradiol, stimulates the thickening of the endometrium and suppresses FSH through negative feedback.
What is the function of LH in the menstrual cycle?
LH triggers ovulation 28-32 hours after its levels surge
Describe the role of progesterone in the menstrual cycle
Progesterone, produced by the corpus luteum prepares the endometrium for implantation and signals the hypothalamus and pituitary to stop FSH and LH production through negative feedback.
What is the significance of the corpus luteum in relation to hormones associated with the menstrual cycle?
The corpus luteum produces androgens, estrogen, and progesterone during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.
If implantation does not occur, it stops producing progesterone (reducing negative feedback for FSH and LH, resulting in shedding of endometrium lining and menstruation)
What are the two phases of the menstrual cycle?
- Follicular phase (egg development in ovary)
- Luteal phase (egg has left ovary)
How long is the menstrual cycle?
A plurality of menstrual cycles are 28 days long (14 days follicular, 14 days luteal)
Some women may have longer or shorter total cycle, but luteal phase always lasts 14 days the difference is in the follicular phase
Describe the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle
The follicular phase is the first phase of the menstrual cycle, starting from the first day of the period.
- During this phase, a follicle grows and develops (due to the effects of FSH), with one follicle becoming dominant.
- The dominant follicle produces estrogen, which stops menstrual flow and stimulates the thickening of the endometrial lining.
-Additionally, it leads to the production of thin, watery cervical mucus
Describe the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle
The luteal phase is the second half of the menstrual cycle, lasting for approximately 14 days. During this phase, the released ovum travels through the fallopian tubes to the uterus.
What are the different types of contraception?
- Hormonal
- Barrier
- Permanent
- Natural family planning
What are the two main hormones used in hormonal contraceptives?
Estrogen (ethinyl estradiol or estetrol)
Progestins (synthetic hormones that activate progesterone receptors)
What is the mechanism of action for combined hormonal contraceptives?
Combined hormonal contraceptives usually combine ethinyl estradiol and progestins
Estrogen supresses release of FSH (stops ovulation and maturation of eggs in the ovary)
Progestins
- Supress release of LH and FSH (inhibits ovulation)
- Thickens cervical mucus (impedes sperm transport)
- Changes in endometrial lining (not hospitable to implantation)
What are the main three categories of hormonal contraceptives?
- Combined (estrogen + progestin)
- Progestin-only
- Long-acting reversible contraception
What are some types of combined hormonal contraceptives?
- Pill
- Patch
- Ring
What are some types of progestin-only hormonal contraceptives?
- Pill
- Injection
What are some types of long-acting reversible contraception?
- IUS/IUD
- Implant