Contraception

Question 1

mechanism of action of combined ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel (microgynon 30)?

Answer 1

oestrogen-progestogen combination which inhibits ovulation as prevents LH surge, also thickens cervical mucus and makes endometrium unreceptive to implantation.

Question 2

after starting the CHC microgynon, when is the risk of VTE highest?

Answer 2

within the 1st year

risk may also be increased if drug restarted after a break in use for 1 month or more.

Question 3

which cancers are women protected against if taking high doses of CHCs?

Answer 3

ovarian and endometrial Cas

Question 4

Cas patients taking CHCs may be at increased risk of?

Answer 4

breast Ca-?if as more likely to be detected in these patients or due to biological effects
cervical Ca-?may be confounding factors of cervical screening and use of barrier contraception, note biggest RF is chronic HPV infection
benign and malignant liver tumours