Emergency Contraception Flashcards
What are the indications for using emergency contraception?
- when no contraceptives have been used
- when a contraceptive method may have failed
What is the efficacy of emergency contraceptives?
80%
What is the mechanism of action of the levonorgestrel in plan B?
- it interferes with ovulation (prevents or delays ovulation is taken before ovulation)
- affects muscle contractility of the fallopian tubes, impairing oocyte transport and concentration of glycodelin A (an inhibitor of sperm binding)
- does not affect the endometrium or sperm implantation
- it delays the way that ova travels down the fallopian tubes and delays the sperm binding
Does plan B interfere with an established pregnancy?
- no
When in the cycle is taking plan B ineffective?
- when it is taken the day of or after ovulation
Does levonorgestrel have an effect if the sperm and the egg have already met?
no, it does not
In which subset of patients is levonorgestrel less effective?
- if the woman is weighing from 165 to 176 lbs – not at all effective for women weighing over 176 lbs
The effectiveness of levonorgestrel is dependent on the time it is taken after intercourse. What are the time frames and efficacies of this?
< 24 hours: 95%
25-48 hours: 85%
49-72 hours: 58%
What is the dose of levonorgestrel in plan B?
2 tablets of levonorgestrel 0.75 mg to be taken together for a single dose of 1.5 mg as soon as possible after unprotected sex
What are the adverse effects associated with using levonorgestrel?
nausea, vomiting, cramps, fatigue, breast tenderness
for nausea can take dimenhydrinate 30 minutes prior
When should a patient see a physician after taking levonorgestrel if they have not has their period?
21 days after
If vomiting has occurred less than _____ after taking the pill, then tell the patient that it is important that they take another 2 pills of levonorgesterol
2 hours
What is considered to be the most effective form of emergency contraception?
copper IUD
How long after unprotected sex can the copper IUD be inserted to still have benefits as an emergency contraceptive
7 days
- can remain in the uterus for 30 months after insertion
What is the mechanism of action of the copper IUD as an emergency contraceptive?
- causes inflammation of the uterus, as well as the copper ions are toxic to the sperm and oocyte
- it inhibits implantation
What is the mechanism of action of uliprisal acetate as a method of emergency contraceptive?
- inhibits or delays folicular rupture when given prior to the LH surge
- ineffective if given on day of the LH surgery (ovulation)
- endometrium is not affected
- requires an rx
- single dose of 30 mg, to be taken as soon as possible within 5 days after unprotected intercourse
- more effective than levonorgestrel especially at day 4 or 5
Ulipristal acetate may have less efficacy in women with a BMI over what?
35 kg/meter squared
What is the dose of medication in the Yuzpe method?
- 2 doses of 100 mcg ethinyl estradiol and 0.5 mg levonorgestrel given 12 hours apart
- it is less effective and more SE versus levonorgestrel and ulipristal
What is so finicky about yuzpe method?
- have to be taken exactly 12 hours apart
What is contained in mifegymiso?
200 mg of mifepristone (oral) and 800 micrograms of misoprostol which is taken 24 to 48 hours after mifepristone
Mifegymiso is indicated for pregnancy termination up to _____
49 days
What are the advantages associated with using a male condom?
- acts as a mechanical barrier
- prevents against STIs
- pregnancy prevention
- convenient, widely available, easy to use
- used only when needed
- no systemic effects
- inexpensive
- discreet