Hormonal & Non-Hormonal Birth Control Options Flashcards
What was the first birth control pill?
Enovid
How did the first birth control pill work?
Created through a mix of synthetic hormones similar to natural progesterone and estrogen. It was found that introducing these synthetic hormones suppressed natural hormone production resulting in temporary infertility.
Does the pill regulate your cycle?
No, it shuts down their natural cyclical nature.
What are the harmful side effects of birth control?
Developing blood clots, gallstones, osteoporosis, nutritional deficiencies, and even breast cancer.
What is a Vasectomy?
Male version of sterilization that severs the Vasa Deferntia, which are tubes that connect with the testes to the urethra, preventing sperm from entering into semen when a male ejaculates.
What are the ways to perform a Tubal Ligation?
- Cauterization, sometimes referred to as Coagulation of the uterine tubes, uses an electrical current to burn and cut the uterine tube so that it is no longer connecting
- Severing may include cutting and tying the uterine tubes, which has a similar effect as cauterization
- Clamping or Banding the uterine tubes, which prevents egg flow from the ovary to the uterus and sperm from traveling up the uterine tubes
- Fimbriectomy: removes the portion of the uterine tube that connects to the ovary, which inhibits the fimbriae of the uterine tube from collecting ovulated eggs from the ovary.
What are the effects of tubal ligation?
Because the procedure is done to the tubes, and not the ovaries themselves, the procedure should not impact the ovary’s ability to ovulate and produce ovarian hormones. It may affect blood supply to the ovaries, which could impact their ability to function and produce hormones sufficiently. There may be an increase in menstrual disorders, including an increase in menstrual bleeding.
How effective is the pull out method?
When used effectively, 96%. Due to common human error, typical ussage or non-perfect use is between 70-80% effective.
Does pre-ejaculation contain sperm?
It may only contain sperm if the timing of sex occurs within a close timeframe of the previous ejaculation, which increases significantly if the male hasn’t urinated since.
What is a cervical cap?
Similar to a diaphram and must be fitted, much smaller in size and more difficult to use. Made from soft rubber that fits snugly over the cervix. Use with spermicide for proper effectiveness and must stay in place for at least 6-8 hours after intercourse.
Can be inserted up to 40 hours before sex.
What is a diaphragm?
A barrier contraceptive that was common until the 1960s.
The diaphragm can only be inserted at a max of 6 hours before intercourse. The diaprhragm must be left in for at least 6 hours after sex to let the spermicide do its job.
About 83% effective.
What is the sponge?
About as effective as the diaphragm but comes in only one size.
Doesn’t have to be removed and have more spermicide applied to it to have sex multiple times.
Can be inserted up to 24 hours before sex and must remain in for 6 hours after sex. Only single-use.
Less effective for women who have previously given birth.
What is the downside to spermicide?
It can disrupt the vaginal micobiome.
What do herbal abortifacients do?
Can be used once a pregnancy has been confirmed to help bring on a delayed period.
For a delayed period, herbs such as ginger, Tansy, Black Hosh, Motherwort, Osha Root and high doses of Vitamin C, which consist of emmenagogues.
What is the combination pill?
Contains both synthetic estrogens and progestins.
How does the combination pill work?
The combo works together to suppressed ovulation and inhibit implantation.
The low dose of estrogen is just enough to send a negative feedback to the hypothalamus, suppressing FSH. This interferes with follicle and egg development, inhibiting ovulation. The progestin keeps the endometrial lining from developing properly, which will impair the ability for a fertilized egg to implant.
Progestin stimulates the cerix to produce a thick mucus plug, inhibiting sperm from being able to successfully enter into the uterus and fallopian tubes.
How often is the combination pill taken?
Every 26 days roughly and then stopped, or a sugar pill is taken in replacement, which wil result in a withdrawal bleed that mimics a period.
What is the only way a true period can happen?
Following ovulation, which the pill is designed to inhibit.
What is the Nuvaring?
The vaginal ring which is a flexible piece of plastic that is inserted into the vagina and rests against the cervix.
The synthetic hormones are then absorbed through the vaginal wall. The nuvaring needs to be replaced monthly.
It is also a combination of synthetic estrogens and progestins.
What is the birth control patch?
AKA Ortho Evra
A patch that looks like a bandage that can be worn on the arm, back or abdomen. Hormones are released topically through the skin, needs to be replaced weekly.
It is also a combination of synthetic estrogens and progestins.
What is the mini-pill?
Only contains progestin.
Taken every day and are not stopped or replaced with a sugar pill.
Slightly less effective at preventing pregnancy, as they do not suppress FSH in the same ways, meaning ovulation is still possible on this contraceptive.
Who is the mini-pill often recommended for?
Lactating women to avoid estrogen form inhibiting prolactic and interfering with their ability to breastfeed.
Recomended to those who cannot take synthetic estrogens, such as those with a history of breast cancer or blood clotting disorders.
What is the IUD?
Intreuterine Device, inserted into the cervix and rests within the uterus.
They slow release progestin into the system.
Common brand names are Mirena, Skyla, Kyleena, and Liletta.
May be left in for 3-5 years before needing to be replaced.
Can be horrible pain during insertion.
