Contraception Flashcards
What % of childbearing-age women in the US become pregnant each year?
10%
What % of pregnancies are unintended?
31%
What is the Rhythm Method?
Periodic Abstinence
What is characteristic of the Rhythm Method?
- Works 80-87% of the time w/ regular cycles (30-55%W/O)
2. 1 in 8 times it fails (“prego by August”)
What does the Rhythm Method rely on?
- Relies on measuring basal body temp. and cervical mucus thickenss.
What change in Temperature signals ovulation?
0.4-0.8 degrees F.
What does a ovulation test kit measure?
It measures LH levels in Urine.
How long is sperm viable in the uterus?
3-5 days
Requires abstention for 5-10 days around ovulation.
What types of barrier contraception are there?
- Male Condom
- Female Condom
- Diaphragm and Cervical Cap
What are the characteristics of the Male Condom?
Latex rubber prevents virus transmission
-Protects against –> STD, including HIV
Theoretical Effectiveness = 98%
Actual Effectiveness = 85%
-Mineral oil based creams decrease strength by 90%
What are the characteristics of the Female Condom?
Outer ring provides additional protection against STDs.
Cumbersome, High failure rate, disliked.
Theoretical Effectiveness = 95%
Actual = 79%
Where does the Cervical cap fit?
Fits over the cervix.
Where does the Diaphragm fit?
Fits against the vaginal wall.
What a important facts about the Diaphragm/Cervical Cap?
- Must be fitted by physician.
- Cervical cap smaller than diaphragm.
- Can be placed 6 hours before and must be left 6 hours after.
- Theoretical Effectiveness = 94%
- Actual Effectiveness = 84% or less
- Neither should be considered as means to protect against STD.
What is a spermicide?
Nonionic surfactant that disrupt sperm cell membranes.
What compound is contained in most spermicides?
Nonoxynol-9
How are sperm immobilized?
By disrupting the acrosomal membrane (head)
What formulations are spermicide available in?
Creams, Gels, Foams, Contraceptive sponge.
What are the characteristics of the Sponge?
- Fits over cervix.
- Can be placed up to 6 hours before.
- Good for 24h.
- Must be left in place for 6h after not more than 30h.
What kind of protection do spermicides provide against STDs, and HIV?
NONE
What is the effectiveness of spermicides?
- Alone no better than 82%
- Actual 71%
Sponge:
Theoretical 91%
Actual 84%
What are the characteristics of Combined hormonal contraceptives? (CHCs)
- Work by preventing ovulation.
- Also impede sperm movement.
- Exam no longer required before CHC Rx.
- Medical history and BP needed!!!!
From what compound do hormonal contraceptives provide most of their effect and how?
Progestins
- Block LH surge, Inhibit Ovulation
- Thicken cervical mucus –> endometrial atrophy
What are the 5 drug names for hormonal contraceptives?
- Desorgestrel
- Norethindrone
- Norgestrel
- Levonorgestrel
- Norelgestromin (patch)
How do progestins differ?
In estrogenic/anti-estrogenic AND androgenic effects.
estrogenic/Anti-E result from metabolism
Androgenic effects result from direct, as well as displacing testosterone from SHBG.
What is the main effect of Estrogens?
Suppress FSH
Prevent LH surge
-Stabalize endometrium
What is the most common estrogen in CHCs?
Ethinyl Estradiol (EE) (20-50ug/pill)
What is converted to Ethinyl Estradiol (EE) and where?
Mestranol and Liver
50% less potent than ones in CHC.
What are the Non-Contraceptive benefits of CHCs?
- Decreased menstrual problems
2. Decreased risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers, ovarian cysts, PID. –> persists after d/c of CHC.
What are the 4 categories of adverse effects in CHCs?
- Estrogen Excess
- Estrogen Deficiency
- Progestin Excess
- Progestin Deficiency
What CHC adverse effects are due to Estrogen excess?
- Nausea, Breast Tenderness, HA, Fluid retention.
How do you treat adverse effects of Estrogen excess?
Decreasing dose
Progestin Only
IUD
What CHC adverse effects are due to Estrogen Deficiency?
Midcycle breakthrough bleeding
Hot flashes, anxiety, decreased libido.
Amenorrhea
How do you treat adverse effects of Estrogen deficiency?
Increase estrogen dose
What CHC adverse effects are due to Progestin excess?
Increased appetite, wgt gain, bloating
Acne, hirsutism
Depression, fatigue, irritability.
How do you treat adverse effects of progestin excess?
Decreasing Progestin dose
Use less androgenic progestin.
What CHC adverse effects are due to Progestin deficiency?
Dysmenorrhea, Late cycle breakthrough bleeding.
How do you treat adverse effects of progestin deficiency?
Increase progestin dose
Use extended cycle or continuous regimen.
Progestin-only
IUD
Do CHCs protect against STDs and HIV?
NO
For women older than 35 years, what doses of CHCs are safe up until menopause?
CHCs containing
How can CHCs help premenopausal women?
help with bone mineral density and vasomotor symptoms.
What risks do smokers have while taking CHCs?
High dose of estrogen >50ug EE indicated increased MI risk.
What should women over 35 who smoke be advised against?
COCs
Progestin-Only methods PREFERRED
What are the risks associated with Hypertension while taking CHCs?
Even low dose of EE CHCs increase BP 6-8 mmHg.
Use is acceptable