Contraception Flashcards
what are the different types of contraception?
barrier
medical - oral, implant, depo
IUS/IUD
sterilisation
what are the different types of barrier contraception?
male condom
female condom
cervical cap
diaphragm
what are the advantages of male and female condoms?
what are the disadvantages?
both reduce transmission of STIs (especially the male condom)
both have few side effects and can be used when needed. both have no contraindications (other than latex allergy)
The female condom can be inserted up to 8 hours before sex
however the female condom is difficult to insert and the penis can sometimes slip between vagina and condom both can reduce the sensitivity/ comfort of sex Can tear (more likely in the male condom, esp if oil based lubricant being used e.g. baby oil)
how does a female condom work?
2 rings - one sits deep into vagina and one sits superficially outside the vulvula. there is then a tube that runs along vagina
how does a diaphragm work?
rubber ring which sits across anterior and posterior cervix to cover the cervix.
held in place by the rigid frame, pubic symphysis and vaginal tone
how does a cervical cap work?
small cap that fits across the cervix
held in place by suction and vaginal tone
how can the efficacy of diaphragms and cervical caps be reinforced?
can be combined with spermicide
what are the advantages and disadvantages of using diaphragms/ caps?
advantages: no side effects
disadvantages: difficulty inserting, needs to be planned i.e. inserted in time before sex (up to 3 hours before - good things about this and bad), difficult to get perfect use, increases UTIs, spermicide can irritate vaginal mucosa (increases STI transmission). still can have STI transmission
what are the overall advantages and disadvantages of barrier contraception?
almost no side effects
easy use when needed
poor compliance because require planning before sex
requires good application technique
how does the COCP work?
O and P together inhibit the HPG axis to prevent ovulation
P also inhibits proliferation of endometrium and thickens mucus to prevent fertilisation and implantation
what are the different types of COCP?
monophasic - equal amounts of O + P taken for 21 days and then break for 7 days. Can also have options where there is a low dose of O
biphasic - O+P where dose of P is increased in second half
triphasic : same as above but P increased in 3 separate parts
give examples of monophasic COCP
microgynon
levest
Brevinor
give the names of oestrogens and progesterone’s used in COCP
progesterone: levonorgestrel, norethisterone
oestrogen: ethinylestradiol
what advice should be given to girls taking the pill?
how to take: take on day 1 to 5 of cycle otherwise need to use condoms for 7 days. if one is missed take ASAP if 2 missed then need to use condoms for 7 days
vomiting and diarrhoea can reduce the efficacy
some Abx e.g. rifampicin can reduce efficacy
BP checked and weight every 3-6 months
check for contraindications
what are the advantages of taking the COCP?
non invasive
works well (better than barrier) if used correctly i.e. good compliance
sex doesn’t need to be interrupted for use
less painful, more regular and lighter periods
reduces risk of ovarian, endometrial and colon cancer
reduces risk of functional ovarian cysts
normal fertility remains after stopping
what are the disadvantages of using COCP?
user dependant no protection against STIs increased risk of cervical and breast cancer increased risk of stroke, MI and DVT weight gain and increased BP other side effects
what are the contraindications against using COCP?
BMI >35 smoker and >35 yrs HTN migraines with auras DVT risk - e.g. family history or thrombotic disease, surgery breast cancer/ primary liver tumours breast feeding diabetes with complications
what are the methods of delivering COCP?
oral transdermal patch - via skin absorption, patch changed every 7 days for 3 weeks and 1 week rest (better compliance) vaginal ring (NuvaRing) - plastic ring in vagina that delivers O + P. sits in vagina for 21 days then 7 day break and new ring.
when are transdermal patches used?
poor compliance to oral pill
poor absorption e.g. crohns / coeliacs
how does the progesterone only pill work?
mainly works by inhibiting proliferation of the endometrium and thickening the cervical mucus
has some effect on inhibiting ovulation
name the brands for POP?
micronor
cerazette - very good at inhibiting ovulation
noriday
what are the advantages of POP?
better than barrier - safer
less risks compared to COCP so can be taken when COCP contraindicated
sex doesn’t need to be interrupted
less risk of endometrial cancer
what are the disadvantages of POP?
user dependant
some risk of breast cancer and overian cysts
side effects of progesterone
break through bleeding
what are the contraindications of POP?
active/ past breast cancer or liver cirrhosis/ tumours
less effective in those >70kg
stroke/ coronary artery disease
pregnancy
what is the progesterone only implant?
small metal device that sits in upper arm and slowly releases etonogestrel over 3 years
works by thickening endometrium and inhibiting ovulation but also thickens mucus
what are the advantages of the progesterone implant?
used when COCP contraindicated can be used in breast feeding used for any BMI very effective no compliance issues fertility returns as soon as it is removed
what are the disadvantages of the progesterone implant?
break through bleeding
small risk of breast cancer
fitting and removing can cause irritation and pain
the device can sometimes break in situ
what are the contraindications of progesterone implant?
contraindicated in pregnancy
unexplained vaginal bleeding
previous breast cancer/ liver cirrhosis
stroke
How are progesterone only injections given?
IM or SC injection
name an example of a progesterone only injection
Depo-Provera (Depo),
- contains medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA)
how often is the Depo injection given?
every 12 months IM to buttock
what are the advantages of Depo injection
no need to worry about compliance, very effective and non user dependant
can be given when COCP contraindicated
no known DDI
may reduce risk of endometrial cancer
what are the disadvantages of the Depo injection?
break through bleeding
non rapidly reversible - can take up to a year for fertility to return
increased weight gain
slight increased breast cancer risk
loss of bone mineral density with long term use
what are the contraindications of the depo injection
current breast cancer (within 5 years) history of arterial disease or risk factors for this pregnancy diabetes with vascular disease people who want fertility in near future
what happens if you miss one of the COCP pills
one missed >24hours but <48 hours late:
- take the pill ASAP and take the rest of the pack as normal
- no additional contraception needed