Contraceptives Flashcards
What broad methods of contraceptives do we have?
- Barrier methods
- Hormonal contraceptives
- Long Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARC)
- Emergency contraception
- Permanent contraception
What options are within the barrier methods?
- Condoms
- Diaphragms
- Caps
What options are within the hormonal methods of contraception?
- COCP
- POP
- Provera injection (deppo)
- Implant
What options do we have for LARC?
- Mirena coil (IUS)
- Copper coil (IUD)
What options are there for emergency contraception?
- Levonorgestrel 1500mg (Levonelle)
- Ulipristal Acetate (Ellaone)
- Copper Coil
What is UPSI?
Unprotected Sexual Intercourse
Up to how long after UPSI can Levonelle be taken?
72 hours
Up to how long after UPSI can EllaOne be taken effectivley?
120 hours
How does Levonelle work?
It contains an hormone similar to progesterone which delays ovulation
How does EllaOne work?
It delays ovulation and disrupts the production of progesterone (which would disrupt the stability of the endometrium).
When can the copper coil be fitted during an individuals’ cycle?
From day 1 of the cycle and up to 5 days after the expected day of ovulation (i.e if ovulation was on day 14, the last day for an IUD insertion would be day 19).
What are the 5 points of the Fraser Guidelines that means an individual under the age of 16 can consent to contraceptive or sexual health advice?
- The young person understands the practitioners’ advice
- The young person cannot be persuaded to inform their parents , or will not allow the practitioner to, that contraceptive advice has been sought
- The young person is likely to begin or to continue having intercourse without contraceptive protection
- Unless he or she receives advice or treatment their physical or mental health is likely to suffer (or both)
- The young person’s best interest requires the practitioner to give treatment or advice without parental consent
What advice must be given to a female taking emergency contraception?
If they vomit they must return to have another tablet
Take a pregnancy test if her period is >3 days late
How long can the IUD (copper coil) be in situ for?
10 years
What is the COCP?
Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill
This contains oestrogen and progestogen
How effective is the COCP?
99% with perfect use
91% with typical use
What is ‘perfect use’ of a contraceptive?
The method is used correctly every time
What is ‘Typical use’ of a contraception?
What is seen in terms of failures by women using the method and accepting that the method has not been used perfectly every time.
What patient characteristics make it unlikely that someone will be prescribed the pill?
I. Smokers who are >35 II. 35< and stopped smoking <1 year ago III. overweight or obese (BMI >30) IV. Take certain medicines V. You're breastfeeding a baby <6 weeks old
What conditions make it unlikely that someone will be allowed to take the COCP?
I. Thrombosis (or if immediate family had thrombosis <45 years old)
II. Heart disease or stroke
III. SLE
IV. Heart abnormality or circulation disease (HTN)
V. Migraine aura
VI. Breast cancer (or a BRCA gene)
VII. Liver or gallbladder disease (active)
VIII. Diabetes with complications
IX. Immobile for long periods (or wheelchair user)
X. You’re at high altitude (>4500m) for more than a week
What age can the COCP be taken up until?
50
What are the advantages of taking the COCP (list 4)?
- Usually makes bleeding regular, lighter and less painful
- Gives you the choice to not have a ‘regular bleed’
- May help with premenstrual symptoms
- Reduces the risk of cancer of the ovary, uterus and colon
- Improves acne in some
- Reduce menopausal symptoms
- May reduce the risk of recurrent endometriosis after surgery
- Helps with PCOS symptoms
What are the disadvantages of using COCP (list 3)?
- Temporary side effects (headache, nausea, breast tenderness, mood swings)
- May increase BP
- No STI protection
- Breakthrough bleeding may occur (or spotting)
What are the risks of taking the COCP? (list 3)
- VTE - DVT, PE, MI or stroke possible
- Breast cancer risk slightly increases
- Cervical cancer risk slightly increases with prolonged use
How does the COCP work?
- Thickens the mucus plug at the cervix
- Thins the endometrium
How long does the user of a COCP need to use condoms for when starting treatment?
7 days
What advice would you give to an individual who has missed; ONE COCP?
Take the missed pill straight away and continue taking the rest of the pack as normal.