Contraception Flashcards
When does pregnancy begin?
- Pregnancy begins at IMPLANTATION of zygote to endometrial wall (NOT FERTILIZATION OF OOCYTE)
- ## Demonstrated by +hCG
Steps needed for pregnancy (potential mechanisms for preventing pregnancy)
- Production & Maturation of gametes: (Prevent by blocking FSH)
- Ovulation of oocyte & passage through Fallopian tubes: (block LH surge, or cut Fallopian tubes)
- Ejaculation of Sperm: (Vasectomy: cutting Vasa Deferentia)
- Fertilization: (Barrier methods)
- Implantation: (Alter uterine lining)
Window of Peak Fertility
- Days 10 to 17 (assuming ovulation is on day 14)
- Luteal phase is consistently 14 days
- Peak fertility window is determined by Follicular phase
Surgical Methods of Contraception
- NOT REVERSIBLE
- Tubal ligation: cut & cauterize Fallopian tubes
- Transcervical sterilization: Insertion of Fallopian tube coils to scar uterine lining
- Vasectomy: Cut & cauterize Vasa Differentia
Immediately Reversible methods of contraception
- Copper IUD
- Barrier Methods
- Natural family planning
- Combination E/P: may take 3-6 months to reverse
- Longer acting hormonal methods: up to 6 months to reverse
Contraception methods with <10% Failure Rate
- E/P pill, patch, ring
- DMPA
Contraception methods with <1% Failure Rate
- Copper IUD
- LNG-IUD
- Progesterone implant
- Tubal Ligation
- Vasectomy
- Transcervical sterilization
Short-acting vs. Long-acting
- How often you have to renew the method
Short-acting: up to every 3 months
Long-acting: once every 3 months or longer
Progesterone Only: Delivery Methods
- Progesterone Pill (“Mini” Pills): Least reliable; indicated for breastfeeding women for which estrogen is poorly tolerated/contraindicated); requires taking at same time everyday
- Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate Injection (DMPA): < 1% failure
- LNG-IUD: <1% failure; best compliance
Progestins
- Progesterone
- Norethindrone
- (Levo) Norgestrel (LNG)
Progesterone
- Natural progestin
- precursor to estrogen
- produced in ovaries by corpus luteum; production stimulated by LH surge, or by hCG during pregnancy
ANDROGENIC: main reason for side effects
Estranes: 19-Nortestosterone-like compounds
- Synthetic progestin (2nd generation)
- Contains C17 ethinyl group: DECREASES HEPATIC METABOLISM; INCREASES HALF-LIFE
- still has androgenic side effect activity
Gonanes: 19-Nor 13-ethyl compounds
- 3rd generation synthetics
- DECREASED ANDROGENIC ACTIVITY
- ALSO Contains C17 ethinyl group: DECREASES HEPATIC METABOLISM; INCREASES HALF-LIFE
Mechanism of Progestins:
- secondary benefits
Activation of Progesterone Receptors (PRs)
- PR-A: Inhibits
- PR-B: Stimulatory properties
Physiologic doses (during menses):
- Supports Luteal phase, generating secretory endometrium
- Elevates temp at onset of ovulation
- suppresses mentruation/uterine contractions during pregnancy
- Decreases frequency of GnRH pulses –> results in negative feedback of LH production
Pharmacological doses (contraceptive):
- Endometrial regression: impairs implantation
- Creates thick cervical mucus, decreasing sperm penetration
- Prevents ovulation by decreasing frequency of GnRH pulses
Secondary benefits:
- Lighten or completely stop menses (but 1/3 have irregular spotting)
- LNG-IUD is FDA approved to treat MENORRHAGIA (very heavy menses)
Contraindications of Progestins
- Pregnancy
- History of Breast Cancer
- Undiagnosed Vaginal Bleeding
- Active Thromboembolic Disease
- Abnormal Liver Function