Contraception Flashcards
What is the most effective emergency contraception?
Copper IUD
How long after sex is a copper IUD effective for emergency contraception?
120 hours (5 days)
How does the copper IUD work?
It prevents implantation as it is toxic to both egg and sperm
How long can a copper IUD stay in place?
Up to 10 years
What are the contraindications to the copper IUD?
Up to 28 days postpartum
Repeated history of STIs
Current pelvic infection
Distorted uterus
Abnormal cervix
Unexplained bleeding
What is the UKMEC criteria?
UKMEC1 - no restriction in use
UKMEC2 - benefits outweigh risks
UKMEC3 - risks outweigh benefits
UKMEC4 - absolute contraindication
What contraception should women with breast cancer avoid?
Any hormonal contraception
- Copper IUD or barrier methods are best choice
What contraception should women with Wilson’s disease avoid?
Copper IUD
What contraception should women with cervical or endometrial cancer avoid?
IUS
What are diaphragms and cervical caps?
Silicone caps that fit across the cervix to prevent semen from entering the uterus
How is a diaphragm/cervical cap used?
Fitted before sex, and left in for 6 hours after sex
Used alongside spermicide gel
How effective is the COCP?
99% with perfect use
91% with typical use
How does the COCP prevent pregnancy?
Prevents ovulation (primary method)
Progesterone thickens cervical mucus
Progesterone inhibits proliferation of the endometrium
How does the COCP prevent ovulation?
Oestrogen and progesterone have negative feedback on the release of GnRH from the hypothalamus
In turn, less FH and LSH is released from the anterior pituitary, without which ovulation cannot occur
What are the first line choices of progesterone for the COCP?
Levonorgestrel or norethisterone
Why are levonorgestrel and norethisterone the first line choices of progesterone?
They have a lower VTE risk
What is the first line COCP for PMS?
Yasmin - containing drospirenone
Which is the first line COCP for acne and hirtruism?
Dianette - containing cyprotenone acetate
What are the three regimes for COCP use?
21 days on, 7 days off
63 days on, 7 days off
Continuous use
What are the common side effects of the COCP?
Unscheduled bleeding in first 3 months
Breast pain and tenderness
Mood changes and depression
Headaches
What are the risks of the COCP?
Hypertension
Small increase in risk of breast cancer, and cervical cancer
VTE
Small risk of MI and stroke
What are the contraindications to the COCP?
Over 35 and smoking more than 15 cigarettes per day
Migraine with aura
History of VTE
Uncontrolled hypertension
Ishcaemic heart disease
History of vascular disease or stroke
Liver cirrhosis
SLE
What extra protection is required when starting the COCP?
Up to day 5 - no extra protection required
Day 5 onwards - condoms for the first 7 days of pill taking
What extra protection is required in the case of a missed pill?
If it is less than 72 hours since the last pill taken:
- Take the missed pill as soon as possible
- No extra action requried
What extra protection is required in the case of more than 1 missed pill?
Take the missed pill as soon as possible
Additional contraception needed for 7 days
Day 1-7 of packet - emergency contraception needed
Day 8-14 - no emergency contraception needed
Day 15-21 - no emergency contraception required, but skip 7 day pill free period
Can the COCP be used during a major operation?
No - the COCP should be stopped 4 weeks before a major operation
What is the only absolute contraindication to the POP?
Breast cancer
What are the two types of POP?
Traditional POP
Desogestrel only pill
What is the time window for taking the traditional POP?
3 hours