GUM Flashcards
CONTRACEPTION
What is the UKMEC?
UK Medical Eligibility Criteria to do with safe contraception use.
- UKMEC1 = no restriction in use (minimal risk).
- UKMEC2 = benefits generally outweigh the risks.
- UKMEC3 = risks generally outweigh the benefits.
- UKMEC4 = unacceptable risk, C/I.
CONTRACEPTION
What methods of contraception are most effective and why?
- Abstinence is only 100% effective method.
- Long-acting methods as not dependent on user to take regular action.
- Effectiveness is expressed as perfect use + typical use as it can be user dependent.
CONTRACEPTION
What are the least–most effective contraceptive methods (perfect/typical use)?
- NFP (≥95%, 76%)
- Condoms (98%, 82%)
- COCP/POP (>99%, 91%)
- PO-injection (>99%, 94%)
- PO-implant, coils + sterilisation (>99% both)
CONTRACEPTION What contraception should be avoided in... i) breast cancer? ii) cervical/endometrial cancer? iii) Wilson's disease?
i) Any hormonal contraception (use IUD or barrier methods).
ii) Avoid IUS.
iii) Avoid copper coil.
CONTRACEPTION
What advice should be given about contraception for perimenopausal women?
- Require contraception for 2y if <50y/o or 1 y if >50.
- HRT does not prevent pregnancy.
- COCP can be used up to age 50 + can treat perimenopausal Sx.
- Injection stopped before 50 due to risk of osteoporosis.
CONTRACEPTION
What advice should be given about contraception in under 20s?
- COCP + POP unaffected by age.
- Implant good choice of long-acting reversible contraception (UKMEC1).
- Injection UKMEC2 due to concerns about reduced BMD.
- Coils UKMEC2 as higher rate of expulsion.
CONTRACEPTION
What advice should be given about contraception after childbirth?
- Fertility not considered to return until 21d postnatally.
- Lactational amenorrhoea is >98% effective for up to 6m after if women fully breastfeeding + amenorrhoeic.
- POP + implant considered safe in breastfeeding + can start any time after birth.
CONTRACEPTION
What is the natural rhythm method?
- Woman monitors her menstrual cycle + only has sex when less fertile.
- Requires 3–12m of cycles to predict fertile time, partner commitment.
- 6d prior to ovulation (sperm live for 6d) to 2d after (ovum life) is fertile window.
BARRIER CONTRACEPTION
What is barrier contraception?
- Provide a physical barrier to semen entering the uterus.
- Only method that protect against STIs (but not 100%).
BARRIER CONTRACEPTION
What are condoms? What are some limitations?
- Latex barrier around the penis, using oil-based lubricants can damage latex + make them more likely to tear.
- Polyurethane condoms can be used in latex allergy.
BARRIER CONTRACEPTION
What are diaphragms + cervical caps?
- Silicone cups that fit over the cervix + prevent semen entering the uterus.
- Woman fits them before having sex + leaves in place for at least 6h after sex.
- Should be used with spermicide gel to further reduce risk of pregnancy.
- 95% perfect use but little protection to STIs.
BARRIER CONTRACEPTION
What are dental dams? What STIs spread via oral sex?
- Used during oral sex to provide barrier between mouth + vulva and the vagina or anus to prevent infections that spread via oral sex.
- Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HS1+2, HPV, E. coli, pubic lice, syphilis.
COCP
What is the COCP?
- Pill containing supraphysiological level of oestrogen (ethinylestradiol) AND progesterone (of varying types).
COCP
What is the mechanism of action of the COCP?
- Inhibits ovulation (primary mechanism).
- –ve feedback on hypothalamus/pituitary so suppression of GnRH/LH/FSH so anovulation.
- Progesterone thickens cervical mucus, inhibits proliferation of endometrium, reducing chance of successful implantation.
COCP
What is a withdrawal bleed? What is breakthrough bleeding?
- Endometrial lining is maintained in a stable state so when the pill is stopped, the lining breaks down + sheds causing a withdrawal bleed.
- This is not a menstrual period as it’s not part of the natural menstrual cycle.
- Unscheduled bleeding (spotting) may occur in extended use without a pill-free period.
COCP
What is the difference between monophasic and multiphasic pills?
- Monophasic contain the same amount of hormone in each pill, everyday formulations like microgynon, pack contains 7 inactive pills.
- Multiphasic pills have varying amounts of hormones to match the normal cyclical changes more closely.
COCP What pill is recommended... i) as first line? ii) in PMS? iii) in acne + hirsutism?
i) Pills with levonorgestrel or noresthisterone (microgynon or Leostrin) as lower VTE risk.
ii) Pills containing drospirenone as anti-mineralocorticoid + anti-androgen activity can help Sx (esp. w/ continuous use).
ii) Pills containing cyproterone acetate (co-cyprindiol) as anti-androgen effects but the oestrogenic effects give it higher VTE risk so usually stopped after 3m when Sx reduced.
COCP
What regimes are used for the COCP?
- 21d on 7d off.
- Tricycling 63d on (three packs), 7d off.
- Continuous use without a pill-free period.
COCP
What are the benefits of the COCP?
- Effective contraception, rapid return of fertility after stopping.
- Improvement in PMS, menorrhagia + dysmenorrhoea (acne in some).
- Reduced risk of endometrial, ovarian, colon cancer + benign ovarian cysts.
COCP
What are some side effects + risks with the COCP?
- Unscheduled bleeding common in first 3m.
- Breast pain + tenderness.
- Mood changes + depression.
- Headaches, HTN, VTE.
- Small raise in risk of breast + cervical cancer (risk normalises after 10y taking pill).
- Small raise in risk of MI + stroke.
COCP
What are the UKMEC4 criteria for the COCP?
- Uncontrolled HTN.
- Migraine with aura.
- > 35 smoking >15/day.
- Major surgery with prolonged immobility (stop 4w before major surgery)
- Hx of stroke, IHD, AF, VTE.
- Active breast cancer.
- Liver cirrhosis or tumours.
- SLE + antiphospholipid syndrome.
- Breastfeeding before 6w postpartum (UKMEC2 after).
COCP
What are the UKMEC3 criteria for the COCP?
- > 35 smoking <15/day.
- BMI >35kg/m^2.
- Controlled HTN.
- VTE FHx in 1st degree relatives.
- Immobility.
- Known carrier of BRCA1/2.
COCP
What are the important starting instructions for the COCP?
Rules for switching from POP to COCP?
- Start on day 1 = immediate protection.
- Start after day 5 = extra contraception for first 7d.
- Can switch from traditional POP at any time but 7d extra contraception.
- Can switch from desogestrel with no additional contraception as it inhibits ovulation.
COCP
What is a missed pill? What are the missed pill rules for one pill?
- When the pill is >24h, D+V is managed as missed pill.
- Take missed pill ASAP even if means 2 pills on same day, no extra protection required as long as back on track.
COCP
What are the missed pill rules for >1 pill?
What are the rules regarded unprotected sexual intercourse (UPSI)?
Take most recent missed pill ASAP even if means 2 pills on same day, extra contraception for 7d.
- Day 1–7 + UPSI = emergency contraception.
Day 8–14 + UPSI = ok.
Day 15–21 + UPSI = next pack back-to-back so skip pill free period.
POP
What is the POP?
- Pill containing only progesterone, taken continuously with fewer contraindications + risks compared with the COCP.
POP
What different types of POP are there and what are their mechanisms?
Traditional POP (norgeston) –
- Thickens cervical mucus.
- Alters endometrium so less accepting of implantation.
- Reduced ciliary action in fallopian tube.
Desogestrel POP (Cerazette) –
- Inhibits ovulation (main mechanism) + above.
POP
What are the instructions for starting the POP and why?
How do you switch between POPs?
- Start day 1–5 = immediate protection.
- Other times = 48h additional contraception to allow cervical mucus to thicken enough to prevent entry of sperm.
- Can switch between POPs with no extra contraception.
POP
What are the rules regarding switching from COCP to POP?
- Best time to change is days 1–7 of the hormone-free period after finishing the COCP pack as no additional contraception required.
- Any other time requires 48h contraception.
POP
What is the UKMEC4 criteria for POP?
- Active breast cancer.
POP
What is the main complaint/side effect of the POP?
What are some other side effects of the POP?
- Unscheduled bleeding common in first 3m (if persists exclude other causes like STIs, pregnancy, cancer).
- Changes to bleeding schedule one of primary adverse effects (40% regular bleeding, 40% irregular, prolonged or troublesome + 20% amenorrhoeic).
- Breast tenderness, headaches + acne.
POP
What are some risks of the POP?
- Increased risk of ovarian cysts, small risk of ectopic pregnancy with traditional POP due to reduced ciliary action, minimal increased risk of breast cancer (returns to normal 10y after stopping).
POP
What classes as a missed pill for POP?
What are the missed pill rules for the POP?
What are the rules about UPSI in for the POP?
- > 3h in traditional POP is a missed pill.
- > 12h for desogestrel-POP is a missed pill.
- Take pill ASAP but only 1 pill (even if >1 missed), continue with next pill as usual (even if it means taking 2 on same day), contraception for 48h.
- Sex since missing pill or within 48h of restarting = emergency contraception.
PROGESTERONE INJECTION
What is the progesterone only injection? What types are there (long and short acting)?
- Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate.
- Depo-Provera = IM.
- Sayana press = s/c (can be self-injected).
- Noristerat is alternative that contains noresthisterone + works for 8w so used as short-term interim contraception (e.g. after vasectomy).
PROGESTERONE INJECTION
What is the mechanism of action of the progesterone injection?
- Inhibits ovulation by inhibiting FSH secretion by the pituitary gland + prevents development of follicles in the ovary.
- Thickens cervical mucus + alters endometrium to make it less favourable for implantation.
PROGESTERONE INJECTION
What are the instructions for the progesterone injection?
- Day 1–5 = immediate protection.
- > day 5 = 7d of contraception.
- Injections every 12–13w, any longer = less effective.
PROGESTERONE INJECTION
What is the main side effect of the progesterone injection?
Changes to bleeding schedule main issue
- Bleeding often more irregular, heavier + last longer.
- Usually temporary, >1y of regular use most become amenorrhoeic.
- Exclude other causes of bleeding.
- Can use COCP for 3m if problematic bleeding.
- Short course (5d) of mefenamic acid can halt bleeding.
PROGESTERONE INJECTION
What are 3 unique side effects to the progesterone injection?
- Weight gain
- Reduced BMD (oestrogen maintains BMD + mostly produced by follicles in ovaries)
– Makes depot unsuitable for those >45 - Takes 12m for fertility to return after stopping
PROGESTERONE INJECTION
What are some general side effects of the progesterone injection?
- Acne.
- Reduced libido.
- Mood issues (depression).
- Headaches.
- Alopecia.
- Skin reactions at injection sites.
- Small rise in breast/cervical cancer risk.
PROGESTERONE INJECTION
What are the UKMEC3 + 4 criteria for progesterone injection?
- UKMEC4 = active breast cancer.
- UKMEC3 = IHD + stroke, unexplained vaginal bleeding, severe liver cirrhosis + liver cancer.
PROGESTERONE IMPLANT
What is the progesterone implant?
Which one is used in the UK and what age range?
- Small flexible plastic rod placed in upper arm beneath skin + above s/c fat that slowly releases progesterone into circulation.
- Nexplanon used in UK, 68mg of etonogestrel, licensed 18–40y/o.
PROGESTERONE IMPLANT
What is the mechanism of action for the progesterone implant?
- Inhibits ovulation.
- Thickens cervical mucus.
- Alters endometrium to make it less accepting to implantation.
PROGESTERONE IMPLANT
What are the instructions for the progesterone implant?
- Day 1–5 = immediate protection.
- > Day 5 = 7d contraception.
- Lasts 3y then needs replacing.
PROGESTERONE IMPLANT
What are the pros of progesterone implant?
- Effective + reliable.
- Can improve dysmenorrhoea + can make periods lighter or stop altogether.
- No weight gain, effect on BMD, no VTE risk, no restrictions for obese patients.
PROGESTERONE IMPLANT
What are the side effects of the progesterone implant?
- Problematic bleeding (20% amenorrhoeic, 25% frequent/prolonged bleeding, 33% infrequent, rest normal, can use COCP for 3m if problematic bleeding + no C/Is).
- Can worsen acne, no STI protection.
PROGESTERONE IMPLANT
What are the risks with the progesterone implant?
- Can be bent/fractured or impalpable/deeply implanted needing extra contraception until located (USS/XR), may need specialist removal.
- Very rarely can enter vessels + migrate through body to lungs.
PROGESTERONE IMPLANT
What is the UKMEC4 criteria for the progesterone implant?
- Active breast cancer.
COILS
What are the coils?
- Device inserted into uterus to provide contraception offering long-acting reversible contraception.
COILS
What are the instructions for insertion/removal of a coil?
- Screen for STIs before insertion.
- Women seen 3–6w after insertion to check the threads.
- Abstain from sex or use extra contraception for 7d before coil removed.
COILS
What are the risks of coil insertion?
What might non-visible threads indicate?
- Insertion risks (bleeding, pain on insertion [use NSAIDs], vasovagal reactions, uterine perforation, PID + expulsion rate highest in first 3m.
- Non-visible threads ?expulsion, ?pregnancy, ?uterine perforation > USS or XR, hysteroscopy/laparoscopy as last line.
COILS
What are the contraindications to the coils?
Can coils be used after birth?
- PID or infection, immunosuppression, pregnancy, unexplained bleeding, pelvic cancer, uterine cavity distortion (fibroids).
- Can be inserted either within 48h of birth or >4w after birth (UKMEC1) but not between (UKMEC3).
COILS
What is the copper IUD and its mechanism?
- Licensed for 5–10y after insertion depending on device + can be used as emergency contraception.
- Copper toxic to ovum + sperm, alters endometrium making it less favourable to implantation.
COILS
What are the benefits of the IUD?
- Reliable contraception.
- Insert at any time in cycle + immediate protection.
- No hormones so safe in VTE risk of Hx or cancer.
- May reduce risk of endometrial + cervical cancer.
COILS
What are the drawbacks of the IUD?
- Procedure with risks for insertion/removal.
- Can cause HMB/IMB which often settles.
- Some women have pelvic pain.
- No STI protection.
- Increased risk of ectopic pregnancies.
- Occasionally falls out.
COILS
What types of levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) coil are there?
What are the starting instructions for IUS?
- Mirena effective for 5y in contraception, 4y for HRT + licensed for menorrhagia.
- Levosert effective for 5y + licensed for menorrhagia.
- Up to day 7 = immediate protection.
- > Day 7 = extra contraception for 7d
COILS
What is the mechanism of action for the IUS?
- Progesterone component thickens cervical mucus.
- Alters endometrium making less hospitable + inhibits ovulation in small # of women.
COILS
What are the benefits of the IUS?
- Can make periods lighter or stop.
- May improve dysmenorrhoea or pelvic pain related to endometriosis.
- No effect on BMD, VTE, no restrictions in obese pts.
COILS
What are the drawbacks of the IUS?
- Procedure with risks for insertion/removal.
- Can cause spotting or irregular bleeding.
- Some women experience pelvic pain.
- No STI protection.
- Increased risk of ectopic pregnancies.
- Occasionally falls out.
- Increased incidence of ovarian cysts.
- Systemic absorption can lead to progesterone Sx (acne, headaches, breast tenderness).
COILS
What problematic bleeding can occur with the IUS?
- Irregular bleeding can occur particularly in first 6m.
- Exclude causes (STI, pregnancy, cervical smears up to date).
- COCP in addition for 3m can settle the bleeding.
COILS
What incidental finding might there be on a cervical smear in a woman with a coil?
- Actinomyces-like organisms (ALO).
- No treatment unless Sx (pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding) ?removal.
EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION
What 3 types of contraception can be used as emergency contraception?
- Copper IUD
- PO Ulipristal acetate (ellaOne)
- PO levonorgestrel (levonelle)
EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION For the copper IUD, answer the following... i) effectiveness? ii) time frame? iii) mechanism? iv) extra notes?
i) 99% regardless of time in cycle
ii) <120h of UPSI or 120h after earliest estimated date of ovulation
iii) Toxic to sperm + ovum so inhibits fertilisation + implantation.
iv) Keep in until at least next period
EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION
For the copper IUD, what are the pros and cons?
Pros
- Choice not affected by BMI, enzyme-inducing drugs or malabsorption.
- Can leave in as long-term contraceptive
Cons
- PID (especially if STIs)
- Normal risks with coil insertion
EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION For Ulipristal acetate, answer the following... i) dose? ii) effectiveness? iii) time frame? iv) mechanism? v) extra notes? vi) side effects?
i) Single 30mg dose
ii) Second most effective but decreases with time
iii) <120h
iv) Selective progesterone receptor modulator that inhibits ovulation
v) Vomiting within 3h then repeat dose
vi) Spotting + changes to next menstrual period, abdo/pelvic/back pain, mood changes, headaches, dizziness, breast tenderness
EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION
For Ulipristal acetate, what are the pros and cons?
Pros
- More effective than levonorgestrel
- Can be used >1 in one cycle
Cons
- Avoid breastfeeding for 1w (express but discard)
- Avoid in severe asthma
- Wait 5d before starting COCP or POP with 7 or 2d extra contraception needed
EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION For levonorgestrel, answer the following... i) dose? ii) effectiveness? iii) time frame? iv) mechanism? v) side effects?
i) Single 1.5mg dose (3mg if BMI >26kg/m^2)
ii) Least effective of group 84%
iii) <72h
iv) Stops ovulation + inhibits implantation
v) Spotting + changes to next menstrual period, diarrhoea, breast tenderness, dizziness, depressed mood
EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION
For Levonorgestrel, what are the pros and cons?
Pros
- Safe during breastfeeding (Avoid for 8h to avoid infant exposure though).
- COCP/POP can start instantly but with extra contraception for 7/2d
- Use more than once in a menstrual cycle
Cons
- Less effective
STERILISATION
What is sterilisation?
Is it offered on the NHS?
- Permanent surgical interventions to prevent conception but does not protect against STIs.
- Yes but the NHS does not provide reversal, these are private and have a low success rate.
STERILISATION
What is the process of female tubal occlusion?
- Laparoscopic under GA
- Occlusion of tubes using “Filshie clips” or fallopian tubes can be tied + cut/removed altogether either as elective or during c-section.
- Prevents ovum travelling along fallopian tube to the uterus + so sperm and ovum will not meet.
STERILISATION
How effective is female sterilisation?
What advice is needed after?
- 99% effective (1 in 200 failure rate).
- Alternative contraception until next menstrual period as ovum may have already reached uterus during that cycle.
STERILISATION
What is the process of male vasectomy?
- Cutting the vas deferens, preventing sperm travelling from the testes to join the ejaculated fluid so prevents sperm being released into the vagina.
- Relatively quick, less invasive and under LA.
STERILISATION
How effective is male sterilisation?
What advice is needed after?
- 99% effective (1 in 2000 failure rate).
- Alternative contraception required for 2m after.
- Test semen to confirm absence of sperm before it can be relied upon contraception, usually 12w after to allow clearance.
FEMALE INFERTILITY
What is infertility?
How many couples does it affect?
How common is conception?
- Failure to conceive after 1 year of regular (2–3/7) unprotected sex.
- 1 in 7 couples struggle to conceive naturally.
- 80% of couples <40 conceive within a year + 50% of those remaining will within 2.
FEMALE INFERTILITY
When should you refer a female to specialist services?
After >1y or…
- Female >35
- Menstrual disorder
- Previous abdo/pelvic surgery
- Previous PID/STI
- Abnormal pelvic exam
FEMALE INFERTILITY
What causes infertility in general?
- 40% factors in both partners
- 30% male factors
- Unexplained, ovulatory disorders, tubal damage.
- Less commonly uterine/peritoneal disorders.
FEMALE INFERTILITY
In terms of causes of female infertility, what are…
i) disorders of ovulation?
ii) tubal/uterine/cervical factors?
i) PCOS, POI, pituitary tumours, hyperprolactinaemia, Turner syndrome, Sheehan’s, previous radio/chemo.
ii) PID, sterilisation, Asherman’s, fibroids, polyps, endometriosis, uterine deformity
FEMALE INFERTILITY
What are some risk factors of infertility?
- Extremes of weight
- Increasing age
- Smoking
- Alcohol/drug use
FEMALE INFERTILITY
What are some first line investigations for female infertility?
- STI screens (particularly chlamydia).
- Ovulatory tests (mid-luteal progesterone levels, ovarian reserve testing)
- TFTs + prolactin if clinical suspicion
- Pelvic USS for PCOS or structural abnormalities
- Karyotyping
FEMALE INFERTILITY
In the ovulatory tests, what are you looking for in mid-luteal progesterone?
When would you test?
What results do you expect?
- Indication of ovulation
- 7d before end of cycle (usually day 21)
- <16 = anovulation, >30 is ovular
FEMALE INFERTILITY
What are the ovarian reserve tests?
- Serum FSH + LH on days 2–5 (high = poor ovarian reserve)
- Anti-mullerian hormone (released by granulosa cells in growing follicles so falls as eggs depleted)
- Antral follicle count on USS (Few suggest poor ovarian reserve)
FEMALE INFERTILITY
What further investigations can you do to assess for infertility?
- Hysterosalpingogram – no anaesthetic required, use in those with no risk factors.
- Laparoscopy + dye test (gold standard) –use in those with risk factors
FEMALE INFERTILITY
What pre-conception advice would you give?
- Intercourse 2–3 a week, regular smear tests, check rubella status.
- Take 0.4mg folic acid (or 5mg if high risk).
- Healthy BMI, no alcohol, drugs or smoking, control any co-morbidities.
FEMALE INFERTILITY
How would you manage anovulation?
- Weight loss
- Clomiphene (selective oestrogen receptor modulator on days 2–6 to inhibit oestrogen + cause more GnRH + so FSH + LH release) or letrozole (aromatase inhibitor) to stimulate ovulation.
- Gonadotrophins to stimulate ovulation if resistant to clomiphene
- Ovarian drilling may be used in PCOS
FEMALE INFERTILITY
How would you manage tubal disease?
- Laparoscopy/tomy adhesiolysis + ablation or resection of endometriosis
- Tubal catheterisation during HSG or selective salphingography
FEMALE INFERTILITY
How would you manage uterine factors?
What is the ultimate management, especially if unexplained?
- Surgery to correct polyps, adhesions or structural deformities
- IVF