O+G- Contraception Flashcards
What are the only two methods of contraception that protect against STIs?
a) The combined oral pill and male condoms
b) The implant and the vaginal ring
c) Male condoms and Femidom
d) Merina and copper coil
c) Male condoms and Femidom
Which method of contraception can last 5-10 years?
a) The implant
b) Sterilisation
c) The copper coil
d) The Mirena coil
c) The copper coil
Which methods should not be recommended as an effective method of contraception?
a) Combined oral contraceptive pill
b) The withdrawal method
c) The rhythm method and fertility tracking
d) Male condom
b) The withdrawal method
c) The rhythm method and fertility tracking
What is contraception?
It is a means of preventing pregnancy and/or STIs using different methods. For some parts of the world where maternal mortality is still high, lack of access to contraception is a matter of life and death
Contraception can also be used for?
Contraception can also be used for other things such as to improve acne or to lighten, regulate or make periods less painful
What is a female condom?
A barrier that is similar to male condom. It has two rings either end. The end with the small ring should be inserted into the vagina before sexual intercourse. The large ring at the other end should cover the area around the vagina and the penis should be inserted into it. Femidoms also protect both partners against STIs. Not as popular as male condoms.
What are the advanatges for barrier methods: condoms?
- Both can be used by everyone! If a partner has a latex allergy, polyurethane condoms can be used instead
- Both provide STI protection for both partners
- Widely available (femidoms are less available than male condoms)
- Both involve no serious side effect
What are the disadvanatges for barrier methods: condoms?
• Both can be seen as an interruption to sex
Sperm can still enter the vagina even with the use of either condom in situations such as:
- The condom splits
- The wrong size is used
- Too much or too little lubricant is used
- If the penis touches the vagina before a condom is used (pre-ejaculation fluid can contain sperm)
- Femidom can be pushed too far into vagina and the penis can accidentally enter the sides of the vagina rather than the condom itself
Contraception
diaphram and caps
WHat are they?
These are another barrier method. These must be inserted into the vagina before sexual intercourse and must remain in situ for at least 6 hours afterwards (no longer than 24 hours).
The cervical cap fits over the cervix and the latex dome of the diaphragm holds it between the pubic bone and the sacral curve, covering the cervix. Often told to be used with spermicide containing nonoxynol-9 which attacks the acrosomal membranes of the sperm, immobilising them, but it is now not recommended as nonoxynol can damage the vaginal epithelium
Advanatages of diaphragm and caps
- 92-96% effective with perfect use
- Only has to be used during sex
- No serious health risks
Disadvanatages of diaphragm and caps
- Using spermicide can be messy and some people are sensitive to it
- Takes time to learn how to use them
- Avoid using during a period – risk of toxic shock syndrome!
- Very limited STI protection – better to use condom!
- Can be uncomfortable to insert and interrupts sex
What does combines oral contraceptive pill (COCP) contain?
Contains ethinyloestradiol (an oestrogen) and progestogen
What is combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP) contain?
The combined pill exerts a negative feedback effect on gonadotropin (FSH/LH) release via hypothalamopituitary axis, preventing ovulation. The combined pill also thins the endometrium and thickens cervical mucus, thus impeding sperm and preventing implantation
What to expect with combines oral contraceptive pill (COCP)
One pill is to be taken for 21 days at the same time everyday to be most effective. After 21 days, there is a 7 day break, a withdrawal bleed is expected during this break. Pill packets can be taken ‘back to back’ if it is more convenient but break through bleeds can happen.
It is best to start taking the pill on the 1st day of a period as it will protect against pregnancy immediately. If the patient decides to start taking the pill at any other point during the menstrual cycle another method of contraception should be used (such as a condom) for the first 7 days.
What are the different types of COCP
Monophasic 21 day pills
- Phasic 21 day pills
- Everyday pills (ED)
Which COCP is the most common?
Monophasic 21 day pills
Examples of Monophasic 21 day pills
Microgynon, Yasmin and Marvelon
What are phasic 21 day pills
give an example
– contains different coloured sections within the pack. Each coloured section contains pills with a different amount of hormones. It is vital these are taken in the right order.
An example is Logynon
What is an everyday pill (ED)
give an example
– within the pack there are 21 active pills and 7 inactive “dummy” pills. With this pack, a pill is taken everyday for 28 days, no break!!! Some women may prefer to use this to get into the habit of taking a pill everyday.
An example is Microgynon ED
Containdications for COCP?
- If he patient might be pregnant
- If they are over 35 and smoke or over 35 and stopped smoking less than a year ago
- Past history of thrombosis, heart disease, stroke, hypertension, migraines with aura, breast cancer or BRCA positive, liver or gallbladder disease
- Not to be used in first 6 weeks of breastfeeding as it can suppress lactation
- BMI over 40
Advantages of COCP
- >99% effective with perfect use
- Usually makes periods lighter, less painful and more regular (improving dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia)
- Can help with PMS
- Can improve acne
- Protective - proven to reduce the risk of ovarian, endometrial and colon cancer
- Can reduce the risk of fibroids, ovarian cysts and endometriosis
Disadvantages of COCP?
- Side effects: can increase blood pressure, risk of venous thrombosis, arterial thrombosis, MI and stroke (risk greatest during 1st year taking it), depression. Major complications are very rare! Benefits outweigh risks!
- Research suggests there is a small increased risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer or cervical cancer due to the long term use of oestrogen and progestogen
- Does NOT protect against STIs
- Breakthrough bleeds and spotting are common in the first few months of use
Is there a link between weight gain and CoCP
There is no link between the COCP and gaining weight! Weight can change throughout menstrual cycle due to fluid retention
Progestogen only pill is also known as?
mini pill
What is a progestogen only pill
only contains progestogen. >99% effective if taken same time everyday.
- Makes cervical mucous hostile to sperm and prevents ovulation in 50% of women. Can also reduce cilia activity in the fallopian tubes
- Patient takes a pill everyday with no break in between packs. 28 pills per pack. Starting it is the same as COCP.
Contraindications fro progesterone only pill? POP
Still contraindicated if past history of thrombosis, liver disease or breast cancer
What is the different tyoes of POP:
- Traditional POP – e.g. Micronor
- Desogestrel POP – a higher dose of 3rd generation progesterone which inhibits ovulation in 95% of cycles, more effective and has a 12hour window instead of 3hours (traditional) for missed pills e.g. Cerazette and Cerelle