Contraception Flashcards
Which contraceptive method isn’t suitable for those breastfeeding/6 weeks post partum?
COCP
Which contraceptives are acceptable for use >4 weeks post partum?
Mirena IUS and Copper IUD
At what point should the COCP be discontinued before a major surgery?
What can be prescribed as an alternative?
4 weeks prior.
The POP can be used instead
At what point after starting the POP does it provide complete protection/contraception?
If commenced up to and including day 5 of the cycle it provides complete protection
If taken after this then barrier contraception should be used for 2 days.
What do you do if you miss a POP pill?
If <3 hours then take the pill when you remember and this should provide adequate protection
If >3 hours then take the pill when you remember and use barrier contraception for 48 hours
Nb: Cerazette (desogestrel) - a 12 hour allowance for taking pill is allowed
Do Abx have an effect on the POP?
No.
If a patient has breast cancer which form of contraception is acceptable for this patient?
Only the IUD (copper containing coil)
How often is the Depo provera (Injectable contraceptive) given?
Every 12 weeks - but can be given up to every 14 weeks after the last dose without extra precautions needing to be taken
How would you instruct a patient to use contraceptive patches?
Apply a patch once a week for 3 weeks and then have a weeks break (a withdrawal bleed will occur)
What does the contraceptive patch contain?
It is a combined contraceptive pill containing both synthetic oestrogen and progesterone
If a child <13 years old comes to the doctors for contraception, what should you do?
Contact the appropriate safeguarding lead. Any child <13 years old cannot be prescribed contraception even if they are Gillick competent as they are not deemed legally able to consent for sexual intercourse
What are the Fraser guidelines for contraception?
- The individual cannot be persuaded to talk to their parents
- The individual understands the doctors advice
- It is likely that if a contraceptive is not prescribed they are going to have sexual intercourse anyway
- If it is not prescribed their mental, physical (or both) health are likely to suffer.
- It is in the persons best interest to receive contraception without parental consent
What is the long acting contraceptive choice for younger patients?
The implant (Nexplanon)
What is a common side effect of the IUS that patients should be advised about?
Irregular bleeding is common for the first 6 months and following this most women become oligomennorhoeic or amenorrhoeic.
This benefits those who suffer with menorrhagia or do not wish to have periods.
For how long do urine pregnancy tests remain positive post termination/abortion?
4 weeks
What is the upper limit for a termination of pregnancy?
24 weeks gestation.
What methods are used to terminate a pregnancy at the following time scales:
- 9 weeks
- 9-13 weeks
- > 15 weeks
9 weeks: Mifepristone (An anti-progestogen) followed by prostaglandins 48 hours later (stimulates uterine contractions)
9-13 weeks: surgical dilatation and suction of the contents of the uterus
> 15 weeks: surgical dilatation and evacuation of uterine contents or late medical abortion (induces a mini labour)