Contraceptive Options Flashcards

1
Q

generally- what is contraception

A

Method, procedure, device, behavior, or medication that allows for the prevention of pregnancy and for planning the timing of pregnancy

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2
Q

describe actual vs theoretical effectiveness

A
  • actual: efficacy when forgetfulness or improper use occurs; conditions of typical use
  • theoretical: efficacy when consistent and reliable use occurs; conditions of perfect use
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3
Q

Hormonal Contraceptives (HCs)

generally describe

A
  • contain synthetic analogs of the reproductive hormones (estrogen +/- progesterone)
  • Act synergistically to produce anti-ovulatory effects (uppression of GnRH)
  • Affect the endometrial lining (↓ bleeding and pain associated with menstruation)
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4
Q

Hormonal Contraceptives (HCs)

available types

A
  • Oral contraceptive pills (combined and progestin-only)
  • Transdermal patches
  • Vaginal rings
  • Progestin injections
  • Subdermal implants
  • Intrauterine devices
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5
Q

factors when choosing contraceptives

A
  • Ease of access and use (dosing regimen, required procedures)
  • Affordability
  • Efficacy rate
  • Reversibility or permanence
  • Prevention of STIs
  • Adverse effects
  • Medical contraindications
  • Ethical and moral beliefs
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6
Q

least to most effective BC methods

A

Least

  • spemicide, fertility tracking based methods
  • diaphragm, condoms, pull out, sponge, cervical cap
  • breastfeeding, shot, pill, ring, patch
  • vasectomy, sterilization, IUD, implant

Most

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7
Q

Hormonal Contraceptives

chemistry review- general

A

Both estrogens and progestins are steroidhormones, making them fat-soluble and highly protein-bound

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8
Q

Hormonal Contraceptives

chemistry review- ethinyl estradiol (EE)

A
  • Very similar in structure to natural estradiol
  • Addition of an ethynyl group (C2H) makes it significantly more stable than estradiol
  • ↑bioavailability as compared with estradiol when taken orally
  • ~50% (natural estradiolis only ~5%)
  • Only estrogen used in hormonal contraception (variable doses)
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9
Q

Hormonal Contraceptives

Chemistry Review- Progestins

A
  • Similar in structure to progesterone
  • Addition of a triple bond in most cases makes the molecules more stable

Androgenic effects:
* Most are derived from testosterone → have stronger androgenic effects than natural progesterone
* Less androgenic: norgestimate, etonogestrel, and desogestrel
* Antiandrogenic activity: drospirenone (spironolactone analog)
* Multiple different progestins are used in HCs → different properties of the progestins are responsible for different side-effect profiles of various HCs

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10
Q

Hormonal Contraceptives

MOA- Estrogen

A
  • Both estrogens and progestins cause an antiovulatory effect (Used together, this effect is SYNERGISTIC)
  • Inhibits FSH release → prevents the selection and maturation of the dominant follicle = No ovulation
  • Stimulates endometrial proliferation if given without progestin (↑ a patient’s risk for certain cancers) → ethinyl estradiol is NOT given alone
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11
Q

Hormonal Contraceptives

MOA- Progestin

A
  • Inhibits LH surge that is necessary for ovulation by decreasing the pulse frequency of the GnRH
  • ↑ Cervical mucus viscosity → inhibits sperm transport into the uterus
  • ↓ Cilia motility in the fallopian tube

Effects on the endometrium:
* Natural progesterone is required to make the endometrium healthy forpregnancy
* Androgenic nature of synthetic progestins thins the endometrial lining, making it unsuitable for implantation
* All hormonal contraceptives are “progestin-dominant” → overall endometrial effect of hormonal contraceptives is endometrial atrophy

PREVENTS PREGNANCY

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12
Q

Hormonal Contraceptives

how does progesterone prevent pregnancy?

A

it provides negative feedback at the hypothalamus to decrease the pulse frequency of the GnRH; this in turn reduces the secretion of FSH and decreases the secretion of LH

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13
Q

Combined Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs)

describe how these are classified

A

number of phases

  • Monophasic: Each pill contains fixed amounts of ethinyl estradiol and progestin
  • Biphasic: Variable amounts of ethinyl estradiol and a form progestin
  • Triphasic: Variable amounts of ethinyl estradiol and a form progestin

By Progestin
* 1st generation (estranes): EE/norethindroneacetate
* 2nd generation (gonanes): EE/norgestrel, EE/levonorgestrel
* 3rd generation: EE/desogestrel, EE/norgestimate
* 4th generation/unclassified: EE/drospirenone (Yaz)

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14
Q

OCPs

describe use/meds

A
  • Low-dose ethinyl estradiol (10-35 mcg) preferred to high-dose (50 mcg)
  • must take daily
  • initiation on the first day of the menstrual cycle or first Sunday after the onset of the cycle
  • NOTE: Patients using the first Sunday start are not protected from pregnancy in the first 7 days and an additional form of birth control will be needed

Pregnancy rate
* 0.3% with perfect use
* 8% with typical use

Contraindications
* SBP > 130 or DBP > 80
* pregnancy
* thorough family/soc/personal hx

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15
Q

OCPs

non-contraceptive benefits

A
  • More regular, lighter, shorter menses
  • Improvement of dysmenorrhea symptoms (cramping)
  • Decreased risk of ovarian, endometrial, and colon cancers
  • Improvement of acne and unwanted hair growth
  • Functional ovarian cysts are less likely
  • Lower frequency of uterine myomas with taking COCPs > 4 years
  • Reduce the frequency of migraines associated with menstruation (NOT for use in patients with migraines with aura
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16
Q

Transdermal Patch

describe use of

A
  • Small, square adhesive patch worn on the skin (Buttocks, chest (not the breasts), upper back or arm, or abdomen); should rotate application sites
  • Releases ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin or levonorgestrel daily which is absorbed through the skin
  • Hormone blood levels are more constant with the patch than with OCs
  • Weekly administration: 1 patch applied per week for 3 weeks in a row, no patch for 1 wk then menses occurs

Less effective in women > 90 kg

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17
Q

Vaginal Ring

describe use of

A
  • Flexible, transparent, plastic ring that is placed in the upper vagina
  • Releases ethinyl estradiol and a progestin (etonorgestrel = NuvaRing; segesterone = Annovera) that is absorbed through the vaginal tissues
  • adverse: increased vag discharge

Ring types
* Month-long (NuvaRing): 1 ring inserted for 3 weeks/21 days; removed for 7 days…menses occurs, replaced each month
* Year-long (Annovera): 1 ring inserted for 3 weeks/21 days; removed for 7 days…menses occurs, replaced once a year

Efficacy and adverse effects are similar to those of OCs, but adherence is better with rings because they are inserted monthly rather than daily

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18
Q

Hormonal Contraceptives

methods of administration

A

Cyclic Administration
* Pills/patches/rings containinghormonesare typically used for 21–24 days in a row (ovulation and endometrial growth are suppressed during this time)
* Hormone-free interval (HFI): Typically 4–7 days in length, Pill packs include placebo pills, Patch/ring is withheld during this time, Withdrawal bleeding during this time

Prolonged Cyclic Administration
* Hormones taken for up to 84 days (12 weeks) followed by a 4–7-day HFI
* Withdrawal bleeding typically 4 times per year
* Hormone use can be extended beyond 12 weeks if tolerated by the patient

Continuous Administration
* Hormones are taken continuously, with no HFI
* Monophasic pills, the patch, and vaginal ring can all be administered this way
* Higher risk of breakthrough bleeding owing to prolonged endometrial atrophy

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19
Q

Progestin Only Pills (POPs)

describe use of

A
  • Daily administration at the same time every day
  • Packs: 28 active pills or 24 active/4 inactive
  • Can be inconsistent in preventing ovulation
  • Hormone: norethindrone or drospirenone
  • often called mini pills
  • recommend to start on day 1 of meses

Pregnancy rate
0.3% with perfect use
9% with typical use

20
Q

Progestin Injections

describe us of

A
  • Sightly more effective than progestin-only pills
  • 1 injection (IM or SC) every 3 months or 13 weeks; Can be given up to 2 weeks late (15 weeks from the last injection)
  • Hormone: depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA)
  • Takes an average of 10 months to conceive following discontinuation of the injections
  • adverse effect: bone loss (reversible

In the 3 months after the first injection
* 30% have amenorrhea
* 30% have spotting or irregular bleeding
* After 2 years, ~70% have amenorrhea

Pregnancy rate
* 0.2% with perfect use
* 6% with typical use

21
Q

Subdermal Contraceptive Implant

Generally describe

A
  • 4 cm, single-rod implant inserted through a trocar subdermally in the upper arm
  • Releases etonogestrel at a rate of 50 mcg/day to prevent ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, and thin the uterine lining
  • Lasts 3 years

Nexplanon

22
Q

Intrauterine Device

describe use of + types

A
  • T-shaped, plastic device that is inserted into and left inside the uterus
  • Works to prevent fertilization by thickening cervical mucus and thinning the uterine lining
  • adverse: pelvic pain, endometritis, uterine perf, device expulsion (> risk in copper), ectopic pregnancy if pregnancy occurs

Types:
* Copper IUD (ParaGard): Lasts 10 years
* Hormonal IUDs contain levonorgestrel
* Mirena & Liletta(52 mg of levonorgestrel): last 7 years - Mirena and 6 years - Liletta
* Kyleena(19.5 mg of levonorgestrel): lasts 5 years
* Skyla(13.5 mg of levonorgestrel): lasts 3 years

23
Q

Emergency Contraception

describe use of

A
  • Contraception administered after unprotected intercourse (UPI) or if birth control fails
  • regular menses and a single act of intercourse → 5% risk of pregnancy
  • irregular menses and a single act of intercourse → 12-20% risk of pregnancy
  • Acts to preventfertilizationand/or implantation; if pregnancy test is positive, cannot end the pregnancy

Commonly used emergency contraception regimens:
* Insertion of a copper IUD
* Insertion of a levonorgestrel 52 mcg IUD
* Oral regimens (plan B)

24
Q

Emergency Contraception

use of IUD as EC

A
  • provide ongoing contraception
  • Not impacted by body mass index or risk ofpregnancy(UPI midcycle, multiple episodes of UPI)

Options:
* Copper IUD (more effective than oral methods, pregnancy rate is 0.1%)
* Levonorgestrel 52-mg IUD

25
# Emergency Contraceptives oral methods
* Less effective in individuals with BMI > 30 and individuals at higher risk of pregnancy (when UPI occurs) Options: * Taken as a single course as soon as possible after UPI * Ulipristal acetate 30 mg PO once (can be used up to 5 days after UPI) (preg rate 1.5%) * Oral levonorgestrel 1.5 mg PO once (can be used up to 3 days after UPI) (preg rate 2-3%) * combined EC pills taken at higher doses than normal as soon as possible after UPI (often causes nausea and vomiting) **Time in the menstrual cycle that EC is administered and the patient’s BMI are major factors in the likelihood of pregnancy!**
26
adverse effects of HC
Risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE): * ↑ risk with ethinyl estradiol > progestins and is dose dependent * Ethinyl estradiol should be avoided in people at risk for VTE * Progestin-only methods are recommended Abnormal bleeding (unscheduled bleeding (spotting), prolonged bleeding) * More often associated with progestin-only methods * Estrogen tends to stabilize bleeding patterns * Worst with etonogestrel implant  Ovarian cysts * Associated with progestin-only methods * Ethinyl estradiol generally suppresses cyst formation
27
# Hromonal Contraceptives adverse effects
* breast sx: fibrocysticc breast changes, mestalgia (pain), decreased milk production during breast feeding (ethinyl estradiol only) * wt gain: progestin injections (avg < 5 lbs); due to changes in appetite not metabolism * other sx: n/v, HA, migraine, decreased libido, melasma
28
# Hormonal Contraceptives contraindications of ethinyl estradiol HCs
* pregnancy * current, hx of, or risk factors for VTE (< 21d postpartum, coagulopathies, smoking if > 35 yrs, SLE) * CV disease (HTN, ischemic heart disease, valvular disorders, peripartium CM) * migraines w/ aura in women > 35 yrs * undiagnosed abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) * current/past breast cancer * liver disease (cirrhosis, hepatocellular adenoma, liver cancer) * DM > 20 yrs or w/ -pathy (neuro, nephro, retino) * solid organ transplantation w/ complication * hyperTGs
29
# Hormonal Contraceptives contraindications of progestin only HCs
* pregnancy * current/past breast cancer * undiagnosed AUB * liver disease * IUDs: uterine anomalies, PID, endometritis, acute vaginitis
30
drug interactions
* Metabolism of COCPs and POPs is increased by any drugs that increase liver microsomal enzyme activity, resulting in reduced contraceptive efficacy Meds * Anti-Convulsants: penytoin, carbmazepine, barbiturates, topiramate, felbamate, oxcarbazepine, lamotrigine * Anti-bx: rifampin, rifabutin * anti-viral: NRTIs, protease inhibitors
31
non-hormonal contraceptives- describe
* Has no effect on the reproductive hormones * Each method has a different mechanism and extent of efficiency in preventing pregnancy Includes: * Physiological methods - high failure rates * Barrier methods * Copper IUD * Surgical methods (permanent) - highly effective
32
# Physiologic Methods withdrawal/coitus interruptus method
* A traditional method that has been in use for centuries * Complete withdrawal of the penis from the vagina prior to ejaculation * Prevents fertilization by preventing the sperm from reaching the egg, however, pre-ejaculate from the cowper gland may contains sperm * High failure rate
33
# Physiologic Methods periodic abstinence- Rhythm method
* Based on the woman’s menstrual cycle * The cycle has to be regular * the greater the variance in cycle length, the longer the abstinence required * High failure rate Interval of abstinence: * Subtract 18 from the shortest of the previous 12 cycles and 11 from the longest * Example: cycle varies from 26 to 29 days…abstinence is required from day 8 through 18 of each cycle
34
# Physiologic Methods Symptothermal method
* Periodic abstinence determined by signs and symptoms that correlate with different hormone levels as indicators for an approximate timeframe when ovulation is likely to occur * high failure rate Basal Body Temperature (BBT) * Based on an ↑ in body temperature at rest (by 0.5–1.0 degrees) during and after ovulation Cervical Mucus * End of the follicular phase/ovulation - the mucus is increased, thinner, clearer, and elastic (Peak levels of FSH and LH; ↑ estrogen at the end of the follicular phase) * Luteal phase – mucus is thick and sticky (↓ FSH and LH; ↑ progesterone)
35
# Physiologic Methods lactation amenorrhea
* Mechanism: Infant’s suckling leads to increased prolactin production → increased milk production Effects:  * ↓ Gonadotropin-releasing hormone * Delay in ovulation Only viable for women who are/have: * Exclusively breastfeeding * Within the 1st 6 months postpartum * Not seen a return of their menstrual period (amenorrhea)
36
# Barrier Methods condoms
* Create a physical barrier between the male and female genitalia and secretions * Best to use with a water-based or silicone lubricant to prevent tearing and breaking Effects: * Protects against pregnancy * ↓ STI risk (including HIV) * Protects against HPV infections → ↓ risk of cervical neoplasia Types: * Male condoms * Female condoms
37
# barrier methods male condoms
* Reversible male contraceptive method * Use: A thin sheath with a reservoir at the tip and a base ring; Applied to an erect penis before penetration Advantages: * Does not affect fertility * Protection from STIs * Easily accessible and inexpensive * Minimal side effects Disadvantages: * Latex allergy is a contraindication * Potential ↓ in sensitivity * Slippage or breakage can occur Pregnancy rate at 1 year: * 2% with perfect use * 18% with typical use
38
# barrier methods female condom
* Use: A pouch with an inner and an outer ring, The inner ring holds the condom in place, The outer ring remains outside and covers the perineum * Should be used no more than 8 hours before intercourse Advantages: * Does not affect fertility * Protection from STIs * Does not require medical evaluation or special fitting * Minimal side effects * Offers protection to women whose partners refuse to use a male condom Disadvantages: * Allergy to nitrile is a contraindication * Not as readily available as male condoms * May be difficult to insert and remove properly * Possibility of: Semen to spill when removing, Breakage Pregnancy rate at 1 year: * 5% with perfect use * 21% with typical use
39
# barrier methods spermicides
Mechanism: * Provide a chemical barrier by killing or immobilizing sperm * Most spermicides contain nonoxynol-9 Use: * Can be used alone or with other barrier methods * Form: foams, creams, gels, films, and suppositories * Should be placed in the vagina close to the cervix at least 10‒15 minutes (no more than 1 hour) before sexual intercourse * Effective for 1 hour after insertion * Reinsertion is required for each act of intercourse Advantages: * Does not affect fertility * Does not require a prescription * Easy to use Disadvantages: * Should be used with other barrier methods due to limited efficacy * Does not protect against STIs * Can cause vaginal irritation or dryness → ↑ risk of HIV transmission Pregnancy rate: * 18% with perfect use * 20% with typical use
40
# barrier methods contraceptive sponge
Mechanism: * Foam disk impregnated with nonoxynol-9 * Acts as both a barrier device and spermicidal agent Use: * Moisten with water before insertion into the vagina → activates spermicide * Should cover the cervix * Can be inserted up to 24 hours before intercourse * Should be left in place for ≥ 6 hours after intercourse * Cannot be worn for longer than 30 hours * No need to be replaced for additional acts of intercourse Advantages: * Available without a prescription or special fitting * Does not affect fertility Disadvantages: * Less effective than other barrier methods * Can cause vaginal irritation or dryness → ↑ risk of HIV transmission * May be difficult to remove (can break apart during removal) * Associated with ↑ risk of toxic shock syndrome (rare) Pregnancy rate: * 12% for nulliparous women * 24% for multiparous women
41
# barrier methods diaphragm
Mechanism: * A reusable, dome-shaped rubber cup with a flexible rim that fits over the: Cervix, Upper and lateral wall of the vagina * Provides a physical barrier to sperm Use: * Usually with a spermicide (applied before insertion) * Ideally, placed < 1 hour before intercourse * Should remain in place for 6‒8 hours (no more than 24 hours after intercourse) Advantages: * Does not affect fertility * Can be placed at a convenient time before intercourse * Durable and reusable (can last up to 2 years) Disadvantages: * Can be difficult to use properly * Requires a prescription * Does not prevent STIs * Should be avoided during menses due to the risk of infection * can become dislodged Adverse Effects: * vaginal discomfort/irritation * UTIs * increased risk UTIs Pregnancy Rate * 6% w/ perfect use * 12% w/ typical use
42
# barrier methods cervical cap
Mechanism: * Resembles a diaphragm but is smaller and more rigid * Provides a barrier against sperm entering the cervix Use: * A spermicide should always be used * Must be inserted before intercourse * Should remain in place for ≥ 6 hours after intercourse (no more than 48 hours) Advantages: * Does not affect fertility * Can be placed at a convenient time before intercourse * Durable and reusable (can last up to a year) Disadvantages: * Can be difficult to use properly * Requires a medical visit and fitting * Refitting required after childbirth, weight gain, and weight loss * Does not prevent STIs * May cause vaginal irritation * Associated with urinary tract infections Pregnancy rate: * 12% for nulliparous women * 24% for multiparous women
43
# barrier methods vaginal pH regualtor gel
Mechanism: * Gel that lowers the vaginal pH to 3.5‒4.5 (even in the presence of alkaline semen) → immobilizes sperm Use:  * Used as an alternative to spermicide * Comes in single-dose, prefilled vaginal applicators * Should be applied within one hour of intercourse Advantage: * Lower risk of vulvovaginal and penile irritation compared to spermicide Disadvantages: * Requires a prescription * Typically used in conjunction with other products (condoms, diaphragms) * FDA approved, but newer product with less data regarding efficacy
44
# barrier methods copper IUD
Mechanism: * T-shaped polyethylene device with a fine copper wire wound around the stem (and often the horizontal arms) and inserted into the endometrial cavity * Causes local, sterile inflammation and releases small amounts of copper → affects sperm mobility and egg implantation Use: * Inserted by a clinician * STI testing is done just prior to insertion * Can remain in place for 10 years * Can be used for emergency contraception if placed within 5 days of unprotected intercourse Advantages: * Highly effective * Provides long-term efficacy * Convenient * Does not affect fertility * Minimal systemic effects * Can be used as emergency contraception * May be removed at any time Disadvantages: * Requires a medical visit for placement and removal * Does not protect against STIs * Side effects: Heavy menstrual bleeding, Severe cramping
45
# barrier methods copper IUD | contraindications, complications, preg rate
Contraindications: * Current STIs or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) * Anatomic abnormalities that distort the uterine cavity * Unexplained vaginal bleeding * Known cervical cancer or endometrial cancer * Pregnancy * Wilson disease or copper allergy Complications: * Expulsion rates are < 5% within the 1st year after insertion * Uterine perforation * Ectopic pregnancy * ↑ Risk of PID Pregnancy rate: * 0.5%‒0.8% * Higher failure rate in younger women
46
# Surgical Methods tubal ligation
Mechanism: * Disrupts the patency of the fallopian tubes Can be accomplished surgically by: * Cutting and excising a segment of the fallopian tubes * Complete removal of the fallopian tubes (salpingectomy) * Fallopian tube closure via: Ligation, Fulguration, Various mechanical devices (plastic bands or rings, spring-loaded clips) Indications and contraindications: * Indicated for women with a desire for permanent contraception (should be given extensive counseling) * No absolute contraindications Risk factors for complications should be assessed: * Severe obesity * Prior abdominal surgery * Previous PID or abdominal infections * Comorbidities Complications: * Death: 1–2 per 100,000 women * Hemorrhage or intestinal injuries: approximately 0.5% of women * Failure of tubal occlusion: up to 2-3% of women * Ectopic pregnancy: approximately 30% of pregnancies that occur after tubal occlusion
47
# Surgical Methods vasectomy
Mechanism: * Disrupts the patency of the vas deferens * Sterility requires about 20 ejaculations after the procedure and should be documented by 2 sperm-free ejaculations Can be accomplished surgically by: * Transection of the vas deferens * Ligation or fulguration of the ends Indications: * Indicated for men with a desire for permanent contraception (should be given extensive counseling) Contraindications: * Scrotal hematoma * Infections Complications: * Hematoma (≤ 5%) * Sperm granulomas (inflammatory response to sperm leakage) * Epididymitis * Post-vasectomy pain syndrome * Spontaneous re-anastomosis (usually occurs shortly after the procedure) | preg rate 1.1% at 5 yrs