Contraception Flashcards
What are some methods of contraception?
Natural family planning (“rhythm method”)
Barrier methods (i.e. condoms)
Combined contraceptive pills
Progestogen-only pills
Coils (i.e. copper coil or Mirena)
Progestogen injection
Progestogen implant
Surgery (i.e. sterilisation or vasectomy)
What is the UKMEC?
UK Medical Eligibility Criteria
to categorise the risks of starting different methods of contraception in different individuals
What are the levels of UKMEC?
UKMEC 1: No restriction in use (minimal risk)
UKMEC 2: Benefits generally outweigh the risks
UKMEC 3: Risks generally outweigh the benefits
UKMEC 4: Unacceptable risk (typically this means the method is contraindicated)
What contraception should be avoided if there’s a risk factor of breast cancer?
Hormonal contraceptives
Copper coil or barrier methods should be used instead
What contraception should be avoided if cervical or endometrial cancer is a risk factor?
Intrauterine system e.g. Mirena coil
What contraception should be avoided if patient has Wilson’s disease?
Copper coil
What are some specific risk factors that makes you avoid combined contraceptive pill?
-Uncontrolled hypertension (particularly ≥160 / ≥100)
-Migraine with aura
-History of VTE
-Aged over 35 smoking more than 15 cigarettes per day
-Major surgery with prolonged immobility
-Vascular disease or stroke
-Ischaemic heart disease, cardiomyopathy or atrial fibrillation
-Liver cirrhosis and liver tumours
-Systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid syndrome
How long is contraception still required after a woman’s last period due to menopause?
2yrs if under 50
1yr over 50
What contraception advice should be given to perimenopausal women starting HRT
HRT does not prevent pregnancy
Added contraception is required
What age should the progesterone injection be stopped and why?
Before 50yrs due to osteoporosis risk
What contraceptive can be used to treat perimenopausal symptoms?
Combined contraceptive pill
Up to 50yrs
When does fertility return after childbirth?
21days after
What is lactational amenorrhea?
Women who are fully breastfeeding become amenorrhoeic
Effective contraception for up to 6 months
What contraceptions are safe and what should be avoided in breastfeeding?
Progesterone only pill and implant are safe
Combined contraceptive pill should be avoided
What is the mechanism of action for the combined oral contraceptive pill?
-Preventing ovulation (this is the primary mechanism of action)
-Progesterone thickens the cervical mucus
-Progesterone inhibits proliferation of the endometrium, reducing the chance of successful implantation
What hormones does the COCP contain?
Oestrogen
Progesterone