Contraception 2 Flashcards
What is the progesterone-only injection also known as?
DMPA (depot medroxyprogesterone acetate)
There are two versions of the progesterone only injection in UK (both contain medroxyprogesterone acetate); discuss:
- Name of each
- How it is given
- How often it is given
- Depo-Provera: IM injection
- Sayana Press: SC injection that can be self-injected by pt
Both are given every 12-13 weeks. Can be given as early as 10 weeks and as late as 14 weeks.
Does fertility return straight away after the progesterone only injection?
No, can take 12 months
Noristerat is an alternative to the DMPA; discuss how long it works for and why it may be used
- Contains norethisterone (instead of medroxyprogesterone acetate)
- Works for 8 weeks
- Usually used as short term interim contraception (e.g. partner has vasectomy)
Explain how the progesterone only injection works
- Inhibits ovulation (inhibits negative feedback of oestrogen to inhibit FSH & LH surge) **MAIN
- Also:
- Thickens cervical mucus
- Thins endometrium (making implantation less favourable)
- Decreases cilia function in fallopian tubes
State some contraindications for the progesterone only injection, include:
- UKMEC 4
- UKMEC 3
UKMEC 4
- Active breast cancer
UKMEC 3
- Ischaemic heart disease & stroke
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Severe liver cirrhosis
- Liver cancer
*NOTE: UKMEC 2 in women over 45yrs. Also think about increased risk of osteoporosis if pt takes steroids
Discuss whether additional contraception is required when you start the progesterone only injection
- Start day 1-5: no additional contraception required
- Start after day 5: need additional contraception for 7 days
State some potential side effects of the progesterone only injection (highlight the two side effects that are unique to progesterone only injection)
- Problematic bleeding (irregular, heavier, longer duration) *Usually temporary and after 1yr most women have amenorrhoea
- Weight gain
- Acne
- Mood changes
- Reduced libido
- Flushes
- Alopecia
- Skin reaction at injection sites
- Headaches
- Osteoporosis
Progesterone only injection may be associated with a very small increase in breast & cervical cancer; true or false?
True
Irregular bleeding can occur during the first 6 months of taking the progesterone only injection; it often settles with time. What do the FSRH guidelines suggest when problematic bleeding occurs? (2)
- COCP in addition to injection for 4/12
- Alternative is 5/7 mefenamic acid to halt bleeding
Discuss advantages & disadvantages of progesterone injection
Advantages
- each injection lasts for either 8 or 13 weeks
- it does not interrupt sex
- you do not have to remember to take a pill every day
- it’s safe to use while you’re breastfeeding
- it’s not affected by other medicines
- it may reduce heavy, painful periods and help with premenstrual symptoms for some women
- reduce severity of sickle celll crisis is sickle cell anaemia
Disadvantages
- your periods may change and become irregular, heavier, shorter, lighter or stop altogether – this can carry on for some months after you stop the injections
- it does not protect you against STIs
- there can be a delay of up to 1 year before your periods return to normal and you can become pregnant
- some people may put on weight
- you may experience side effects like headaches, acne, hair loss, decreased sex drive and mood swings
- any side effects can continue for as long as the injection lasts (8 or 13 weeks) and for some time after
What is the progesterone implant?
Small, plastic rod that is placed on medial side of upper arm beneath skin and above SC fat; slowly releases progesterone into systemic circulation.
Nexplanon is the implant use din UK; contains 68mg etonogestrel and licensed for use between 18-40yrs.
How long does progesterone implant last?
3yrs
What is the only UKMEC 4 for progesterone only injection?
*Same as for progesterone only injection
UKMEC4
- Active breast cancer
UKMEC 3
- Ischaemic heart disease & stroke
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Severe liver cirrhosis
- Liver cancer
How does the progesterone implant work?
*HINT: same as progesterone only injection
- Inhibits ovulation (inhibits negative feedback of oestrogen to inhibit FSH & LH surge) **MAIN
- Also:
- Thickens cervical mucus
- Thins endometrium (making implantation less favourable)
- Decreases cilia function in fallopian tubes
Discuss whether additional contraception is required when starting the progesterone implant
- If implant on day 1-5: no additional contraception required
- If implant after day 5: additional contraception required for 7 days
Describe the procedure to insert the progesterone implant
- Give local anaesthetic
- Special device used to implant rod horizontally
- Insert ⅓ way up the upper arm on the medial side
- Should be palpable (pressing one end should cause other end to pop up towards skin)
Describe the procedure to remove the progesterone implant
- Lidocaine used
- Locate device
- Make small incision
- Put pressure on other end or use forceps to remove
- Contraception required immediately after it has been removed
State some potential side effects of progesterone implant
- Pain during insertion
- Infection risk of insertion
- Problematic bleeding
- Worsen acne
- Becomes impalpable or deeply implanted
Problematic bleeding can occur when women start the progesterone implant; what do FSRH recommend?
COCP in addition to implant for 3/12
*NOTE. FSRH guidelines state the following statistics for women using progesterone implant:
- ⅓ infrequent bleeding
- ¼ frequent or prolonged bleeding
- 1/5 no bleeding
- Remainder have normal regular bleeding