contraception and birth control Flashcards
what are the barrier methods
condoms and female condoms- they are the only way to prevent the spread of STI as well as preventing pregnancy.
what is the combined pill?
contains both oestrogen and progesterone. commonly known as “the pill”
taken daily for 3 weeks followed by a 7 day break
what is the progesterone only pill?
contains just progesterone
taken everyday with no break
what is the contraceptive vaginal ring?
a soft flexable plastic ring that goes into the vagina. it releases the hormones oestrogen and progesterone into the bloodstream.
it is replaced every 4 weeks- worn for 3 and then taken off for one week.
what is the contraceptive patch?
patch that releases hormones oestrogen and progesterone through the skin.
Replaced once every 3 weeks followed by one week off.
what is the implant?
it is a method of long acting reversible contraception (LARC).
it is a matchstick sized rod of plastic that is inserted into the upper arm and releases progesterone.
lasts over 3 years
what is the injection?
an injection that releases the hormone progesterone, injection every 8,12,or 13 weeks.
however it cant be stopped and progesterone can make one depressed.
(LARC)
what is the IUS (intrauterine system?
it is a small T shaped plastic device that contains the hormone progesterone.
The device needs to be fitted by a doctor or nurse
last 3-5 years
what is the IUD (intrauterine device)
similar to the IUS but it does not release hormones, it releases copper.
lasts 5-10 years
what does the typical combined pill contain?
30 ug oestrogen and 250ug levonorgestrel
what does monophasic mean?
fixed amount of oestrogen and progesterone in each active tablet
what does phasic (biphasic or triphasic) mean?
varying amounts of the two hormones according to the stage of the cycle
what do typical combined pills contain?
30 ug ethinyloestradiol (oestrogen)
plus
250 ug levonorgestrel (progestogen)
e.g. Loestrin™, Microgynon™
Marvelon™, Cilest™
how do combined oral contraceptives work?
inhibition of ovulation- lower levels of oestrogen in pill prevent the pituitary from releasing LH. With no LH present, eggs do not mature and ovulation does not occur.
effects on the endometrium
effects on the cervical mucus
what is in the typical progesterone only pill?
500 ug ethynodiol (Femulen™)
or
350 ug norethisterone (Micronor™)
how do progesterone only contraceptives work?
effects on the endometrium
effects on cervical mucus
how does the copper IUD work?
copper works as a spermicide
creates local inflammatory reaction
preventing sperms to reach fertilised egg
might also prevent implantation ]however doesn’t effect ovulation
can the copper IUD be used as emergency contraception?
yes, it is effective immediately after implantation. Fertilisation is inhibited through the effect of copper on the ovum.
if fertilisatoin has already occurred, then the endometrial inflammatory reaction has been shown to have an anti-implantation effect.
how do oral EHC work?
delays/prevents ovulation and fertilisation by altering the tubal transport of sperm and/or ova AND discourages implantaion i.e. prevents pregnancy.
what age can you give EHC to?
females>13 years
what are the fraser guidlines?
undersatnding?
maturity?
risk of repeat incident?
physical and mental health wellbeing?
patients best interest?
what points should you consider before you supply EHC?
Duration since unprotected sex (3– 5 days)
Is the client present in the pharmacy?
Is the client aged 13 or over (Fraser guidelines)?
Other medication (enzyme inducers)?
Any other medical conditions (pregnancy, EHC is not an abortifacient)
Nature of emergency- is it ‘Just in case?’
points to consider after supply?
If vomiting occurs within 2 hours
-take another dose
Can impact on menstrual cycle
-period may be early, late or on time
Contraception
-for reminder of cycle
Condoms
-not just for preventing pregnancy (STI/STDs)
Chlamydia
-signpost to services for testing
