Contraception Flashcards
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What is the combined oral contraceptive pill? (COCP)
Contains estradiol and progesterone
Prevents ovulation
Also suppresses LH and FSH; changes cervical mucous, endometrium and tubal motility
Usually makes periods regular, lighter and less painful
Should be taken OD every day ??
99% effective with perfect use; 91% effective with typical use
What are some side effects of the COCP?
Mood swings
Decreased libido
Headache/migraine - can be switched as a result
Increased BP
Breakthrough bleeding is common in the first 3-6 months
What does taking the COCP increase the risk of? Decrease the risk of?
Small increased risk of breast cancer - after 10 years of stopping the pill, a woman would remain at her background risk
Also cervical cancer - this may be because women who are taking the pill are less likely to be using barrier contraception and more likely to pick up HPV which is a risk factor for cervical cancer
Increased risk of VTE - but dependent on progesterone dose
Increased risk of MI and stroke
Greater incidence of ectropion
Decrease risk of ovarian cancer, colorectal cancer
May protect against pelvic inflammatory disease
May reduce ovarian cysts, benign breast disease, acne vulgaris
What are pill free intervals and why are they important?
They are time spent not on the oral contraceptive; This allows menstruation to occur
Slides say: For standard use - 21 days of pill use followed by 7 days off - then repeat the cycle
2019 guidelines say: Women can safely take fewer (or no) hormone-free intervals to avoid monthly bleeds, cramps and other symptoms
If a hormone-free interval is taken, shortening it to four days could potentially reduce the risk of pregnancy if pills, patches or rings are missed
What other forms can combined contraceptives come in?
Transdermal patch
Vaginal ring
Same efficacy, side effects and ‘hormone-free- intervals are found with these compared to the COCP
What is the progesterone only pill?
As it sounds; also known as the mini pill
Thickens cervical mucous to prevent sperm penetration + suppresses endometrium +/- suppresses ovulation
99% effective if perfect use; 91% typical use
What are some side effects of the progesterone only pill?
Altered bleeding patterns - amenorrhoea, prolonged, spotting, infrequent
Loss of libido
What are some possible risks of taking the progesterone only pill?
Slight increased risk of ovarian cysts
Small possible increased risk of breast cancer
What happens if you miss a pill?
You’ve missed a pill when it’s more than 24 hours since you should have taken it
COCP:
1 pill - take the last pill you missed now, even if this means taking two pills in one day,
carry on taking the rest of the pack as normal, take your seven-day pill-free break as normal or, if you’re on an everyday (ED) pill, take your dummy (inactive) pills, you don’t need to use extra contraception
2+ pills - as above but use extra protection/wear condoms for the next 7 days; may also need emergency contraception depending on how many you have missed
Progesterone only:
Traditional progestogen-only pill e.g. Micronor, Norgeston or Noriday, + <3hrs late taking your pill
OR
Desogestrel pill e.g. Cerazette or Cerelle + <12hrs late taking your pill
You should take the missed pill as soon as you remember
take the next pill at the usual time
you don’t need to use extra contraception, if you’ve had unprotected sex, you don’t need emergency contraception
If greater than the times mentioned above - catch up with pill taking, use condoms for 2days and consider emergency contraception if had unprotected sex
What is the contraceptive injection?
Depo Provera, medoxyprogesterone acetate:
Progesterone only
Administer IM every 12 wks
(alternatively Sayana Press - SC, self administer, 13wkly)
Suppresses ovulation; also thickens cervical mucous and suppresses endometrium
99% effective on perfect use; 94% on typical
What are some side effects of the contraceptive injection?
Altered bleeding
Loss of bone density if used in <18yrs - review 2yrly
Weight gain
Headache
Hair loss
Mood swings
Decreased libido
What is the contraceptive implant?
Nexplanon - 68mg of etonogestrel
Progesterone only
Single rod inserted into upper arm, lasts 3yrs
Suppresses ovulation; also thickens cervical mucous and suppresses endometrium
99% effective with perfect and typical use
What are some side effects of the contraceptive implant?
Altered bleeding - most common and significant, may also need COCP
Headaches
Breast tenderness
Mood swings
Weight change
Loss of libido
Worsening or new onset acne
What is the intrauterine system (IUS)?
Hormonal coil
3x types - Mirena (5yrs), Jaydess (3yrs) and Kyleena (5yrs)
Contains progesterone - endometrial atrophy, thickens cervical mucous’ may suppress ovulation
Mirena also used for menorrhagia and progesterone part of HRT
99% effective for ideal and typical use