Fertility Control Flashcards
Methods of natural contraception…
- Rhythm method: estimating fertility window based on previous cycles - abstaining from sex during this period
- Billings method: identifying most fertile period by cervical mucosity and avoiding sex/ using barrier contraception during it
- Persona device and fertility apps can be used to identify correct time
- Withdrawal method
- Lactational amenorrhoea -most common method
Advantages and disadvantages of natural contraception…
Advantages:
- Natural therefore no side effects from medication
- Can also be used to plan pregnancy
Disadvantages:
- Not very reliable - heavily user dependent
- Need to keep daily records with Billings method
What are the different modes of combined hormonal contraceptive?
- EVRA patch = transdermal patch is used with 3 weeks on and 1 week off pattern
- NUVA ring = flexible, transparent ring which is in-situ for 21 days and removed for 7 days
What is the mode of action of combined hormonal contraception?
- Prevents ovulation
- Thickens cervical mucus in the neck of the womb
- Thins uterus lining - harder to implant
Advantages and disadvantages of combined hormonal contraception…
Advantages:
- Over 99% effective in providing contraception
- Convenient - do not have to think about taking a pill
- Reversible - normal fertility returns when stopping
- Periods become more regular and lighter
Disadvantages:
- Not suitable if very overweight or smoker > 35y/o
- Low risk of VTE, breast cancer
- Side effects= headaches, nausea, breast tenderness
Different types of combined pill…
- 21-day pills: take pill once a day, every day around the same time for 21 days, then 7 days with no pill - withdrawal bleed may occur
- Everyday pill: one pill taken each day for 28 days with no break between packs - (7 placebo pills)
Starting the combined pill at different points in the cycle…
- Ideally start COC on the first day of period - provides protection straight away and no other contraception is required
- COC started within first 5 days of the period - will still provide protection straight away and no further contraception required
- COC started after 5 days - will need to use barrier contraception for first 7 days of the pill
Contraindications for using COC…
- Pregnancy
- Smoker > 35 y/o
- Very overweight
- Previous VTE history
- Severe migraine with aura
- IHD or stroke
Use of COC after childbirth…
- Non-breastfeeding mothers should commence COC on day 21 after childbirth - if starting after day 21, need to use additional contraception for 7 days
- Breastfeeding mothers should wait 6 weeks after childbirth, and use barrier contraception in the meantime
What to do if you miss COC pill..
1 missed pill- at any point in cycle:
- Take the missed pill immediately, even if it means taking 2 pills in a day, then continue as normal
2 or more pills missed:
- Take last missed pill immediately, even if it means taking 2 pills in a day, leave any other missed pills an continue taking one daily as normal
- Use condoms / abstain until you have taken pill for consecutive 7 days
Advantages and disadvantages of taking COC…
Advantages:
- Does not interrupt sex
- Can make periods more regular and lighter
- Reduced risk of endometrial and ovarian cnacer
Disadvantages:
- S/Es= headache, nausea, mood swings
- Increases BP
- Increased risk of VTE and breast cancer
Advantages and disadvantages of POP…
Advantages:
- Over 99% effective
- Can be taken by women who cannot use COC (smokers>35y/o, hypertensives, breastfeeding mothers)
- Helps with painful periods
Disadvantages:
- Must take at same time everyday - within 2 hour window
- May cause functional ovarian cysts
- Hormonal problems: mood swings, weight gain, headaches
How often is the contraceptive injection given?
Depo-provera = 13 weeks Norethisterone = 8 weeks
Advantages and disadvantages of injection…
Advantages:
- Provides protection for long period of time
- May reduce heavy, painful bleeds
Disadvantages:
- Not easily reversible - side effects will last whole time of the injection
- Return of fertility may be delayed once injection has stopped
How is the implant administered and how long is it effective for?
Nexplanon = subdermal implant that is inserted under the skin during a small procedure .
Lasts for 3 years, after which the implant will need to be removed, and possibly replaced.