Contraception Flashcards
What is the function of contraception?
- To prevent pregnancy
2. Help to decrease the spread of disease
What are the characteristics of the ideal contraceptive?
- 100% effective
- Safe and reversible
- Free from SEs
- Independent of intercourse
- Cheap/free
- Free from medical intervention
- Acceptable to all cultures and religions
- Prevent STIs
*Does not exist but LARCs come closest
Define the Pearl Index (PI)
Measured as the risk of pregnancy per 100 woman-years of using the given contraceptive method
What does a PI of 2 mean?
Of 100 women using the given method for 1 year, two will become pregnant by the end of that year
List the important points about providing contraception to the adolescent
- If using non-barrier methods, use of condoms should be encouraged to prevent STIs
- Depo-Provera can overcome compliance issues but other methods should be considered first due to associated decrease in bone density
- Make more aware of emergency contraceptive options , how they are used and where they are accessed
List the important points about providing contraception to patients with IBD
- Malabsorption can lead to decreased efficacy in oral contraception
- Use combined patches, progesterone only injectable and implants, intrauterine and vaginal methods
- At increased risk of osteoporosis - Depo-Provera should not be first line
List the important points about providing contraception to breastfeeding women
- Breastfeeding delays the return of ovulation - fully breastfeeding, amenorrheic and <6mths postpartum
- COCP affects breast milk volume - avoided before 6wks postpartum (relatively CI between 6wks-6mths)
- Progesterone only methods have no affect on milk production
- IUD can be inserted from 4wks postpartum
List the important points about providing contraception in later life
- Women <50yrs advised to continue contraception for at least 2yrs after the last period
- Women >50yrs continue contraception for at least 1yr after the last period
- All methods can be used
- IUDs most appropriate
List the important points about contraception in the developing world
- Practical requirements are different
- Minimal medical supervision, prevention of STIs, cost and duration of treatment
- Reversible depot methods have more potential
- Breastfeeding has important contraceptive benefits where contraception scarce
List the types of hormonal contraception
- Progesterone only pill
- Progesterone as a depot (implant, injectable, Mirena)
- Combined hormonal contraception (COCP, transdermal patch, vaginal ring)
What are the main points in relation to combined oral contraceptives, how they work and how to take them?
- Act mainly be exerting negative feedback effect on gonadotrophin release and thereby inhibiting ovulation
- Thin endometrium and thicken cervical mucus
- Single tablet containing oestrogen and progesterone taken every day for 3wks and then stopped for 1wk
- Most contain synthetic oestrogen ethinyloestradiol
- Vaginal bleeding occurs at end of pill packet dueto hormonal withdrawal
- Cycle then restarted
- Packets can be taken consecutively without a break to reduce frequency of withdrawal bleed (irregular spotting may occur)
List the types of COCP
- Containing ethinyloestradiol:
- Same dose of oestrogen and progesterone every day
- Content of ethinyloestradiol ranges from 20-40mcg
- Grouped in 4 generations - depends on dose and type of progesterone
- Bleeding patterns determined more by the type of progesterone - Containing oestradiol valerate:
- natural oestrogen combined with a synthetic progesterone in monophasic or phasic preparations
Describe the efficacy of the COCP
- Taken properly = highly effective
- Pearl index = 0.2 (for perfect use; about 8 for typical use)
- Less care taken = much higher failure rates
List the common side effects of progesterone
- Depression
- Premenstrual tension-like symptoms
- Bleeding; amenorrhea
- Acne
- Breast discomfort
- Weight gain
- Reduced libido
List the common side effects of oestrogen
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Increased mucus
- Fluid retention and weight gain
- Occasionally HTN
- Breast tenderness and fullness
- Bleeding
What patients are suitable for the COCP?
- All women without major contraindications
- Teenagers (combined with condoms)
- Older women with no CVS risk factors until age 50
What other things can the COCP be used for besides contraception?
- Menstrual cycle control
- Menorrhagia
- Premenstrual symptoms
- Dysmenorrhea
- Acne/hirsutism
- Prevention of recurrent simple ovarian cysts
What are the key points about reduced absorption when taking the COCP?
- Can occur with diarrhoea, vomiting and some oral antibiotics
- Diarrhoea = continue taking pills but follow missed pill protocol
- Vomit within 2hrs of taking = take another or follow missed pill protocol
- Broad spectrum antibiotics = continue the pills but use condoms during and for 7 days after antibiotic course
- Liver enzyme inducing drugs = increase oestrogen dose
What should be done if a pill is missed?
- Forgotten pill should be taken ASAP and packet continued as normal
- More pills missed = packet continued as normal but condoms should be used for 7days
- Fewer than 7 pills remaining in packet = next packet should be started straight after last, avoiding pill free break
What should be done if you are on the pill and need surgery?
- Normally stopped 4wks before major surgery because of prothrombotic risks
- Not discontinued prior to minor surgery
List the major complications of COCP
- Venous thrombosis and myocardial infarction:
- most important complications
- Risk increased with smoking, age and obesity - Venousthromboembolism
- CVAs, focal migraine, HTN, jaundice and liver, cervical and breast carcinoma
List the minor complications of COCP
- Both oestrogenic and progestogenic effects
- Nausea, headaches and breast tenderness (most common)
- Breakthrough bleeding
- Suppressed lactation (partly)
List the advantages of the COCP
Contraceptive:
- Very effective and acceptable method
- Very safe in appropriate women
Non-contraceptive:
- More regular, less painful, lighter menstruation
- Protection against simple ovarian cysts, benign breast cysts, fibroids and endometriosis
- Hirsutism and acnes may improve
- Risk of PID decreased
- Decreased incidence of ovarian, endometrial and bowel cancer