Contraception Options Flashcards
What are the two main categories of contraception?
Hormonal and nonhormonal contraception.
What is the primary mechanism of action of hormonal contraception?
Prevention of ovulation, thickening of cervical mucus, and altering the endometrium to inhibit implantation.
What are examples of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC)?
Intrauterine devices (IUDs) and progestin implants.
What are the two types of intrauterine devices (IUDs)?
Copper IUD and hormonal (progestin) IUD.
What is the primary mechanism of action of the copper IUD?
Creates an inhospitable intrauterine environment for sperm, preventing fertilization.
What is the primary mechanism of action of the progestin IUD?
Thickens cervical mucus, suppresses endometrial proliferation, and may inhibit ovulation.
What are the benefits of LARC methods?
Highly effective, long-acting (3–12 years), and do not require daily compliance.
What are examples of short-acting hormonal contraceptives?
Combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs) including pills, patches, and vaginal rings, and progestin-only pills (POPs).
What is the mechanism of action of combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs)?
Suppress ovulation by inhibiting gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and LH/FSH secretion.
What are contraindications to combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs)?
History of thromboembolism, smoking >35 years old, migraine with aura, uncontrolled hypertension.
What are advantages of CHCs apart from contraception?
Regulate menstrual cycles, reduce menstrual pain, lower ovarian and endometrial cancer risk.
What is the mechanism of action of progestin-only pills (POPs)?
Thicken cervical mucus and may suppress ovulation.
What is a disadvantage of progestin-only pills (POPs)?
Must be taken at the same time each day for effectiveness.
What is the contraceptive injection and its duration of action?
Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), effective for ~3 months.
What are the main side effects of DMPA?
Weight gain, irregular bleeding, and decreased bone mineral density with long-term use.
What are examples of barrier contraceptive methods?
Condoms (male and female), diaphragms, cervical caps, and spermicides.
What is the only contraceptive method that provides STI protection?
Condoms.
What are behavioral contraceptive methods?
Fertility awareness methods, coitus interruptus, lactational amenorrhea.
What is the failure rate of fertility awareness-based methods?
High failure rate (typical use ~24%).
What is the most effective form of permanent contraception?
Tubal ligation (female) and vasectomy (male).
What is emergency contraception and what are the options?
Methods used after unprotected intercourse; options include the copper IUD, ulipristal acetate, levonorgestrel, and high-dose combined OCPs.
What is the most effective form of emergency contraception?
Copper IUD.
When is emergency contraception most effective?
Within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse (some methods up to 5 days).
What are considerations for contraception in patients with epilepsy?
Avoid estrogen-containing methods if taking enzyme-inducing anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) due to reduced efficacy.
