OBGYN Flashcards
What is involved in female hormone testing for infertility? What do they indicate?
- Serum LH and FSH on day 2 to 5 of the cycle
- Serum progesterone on day 21 of the cycle (or 7 days before the end of the cycle if not a 28-day cycle).
- Anti-Mullerian hormone
- Thyroid function tests when symptoms are suggestive
- Prolactin (hyperprolactinaemia is a cause of anovulation) when symptoms of galactorrhea or amenorrhoea
High FSH = poor ovarian reserve
High LH = ?PCOS
Anti-Mullerian hormone indicates ovarian reserve
What imaging investigations can be done in female infertility?
- Ultrasound pelvis to look for polycystic ovaries or any structural abnormalities in the uterus
- Hysterosalpingogram to look at the patency of the fallopian tubes
- Laparoscopy and dye test to look at the patency of the fallopian tubes, adhesions and endometriosis
What is the management of anovulation?
- weight loss in PCOS
- clomifene (stimulates ovulation)
- letrozole 2nd
- gonadotrophins if resistant to clomifene
- ovarian drilling in PCOS
- metformin if insulin sensitivity and obesity
What is the management of tubal factors?
- Tubal cannulation during a hysterosalpingogram
- Laparoscopy to remove adhesions or endometriosis
- In vitro fertilisation (IVF)
What is a suitable contraception in someone with breast cancer?
Avoid hormonal contraception, use copper coil or barrier method
What is a suitable contraception in someone with cervical or endometrial cancer?
Avoid intrauterine system e.g. Mirena coil
What is a suitable contraception in someone with Wilson’s disease?
Avoid copper coil
What are some contraindications for COCP?
- Uncontrolled hypertension (particularly ≥160 / ≥100)
- Migraine with aura
- History of VTE
- Aged over 35 smoking more than 15 cigarettes per day
- Major surgery with prolonged immobility
- Vascular disease or stroke
- Ischaemic heart disease, cardiomyopathy or atrial fibrillation
- Liver cirrhosis and liver tumours
- Systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid syndrome
- Breastfeeding before 6 weeks postpartum
How long after menopause is contraception still required?
2 years in women under 50 and 1 year in women over 50
What contraception should not be used in women over 50 and why?
progesterone injection (Depo-Provera) due to risk of osteoporosis
How long should amenorrhoeic women keep taking POP?
- until FSH > 30 IU/L on 2 tests 6 wks apart then cont contraception for 1 more year OR
- 55 years of age
How long before fertility returns after childbirth?
21 days
lactational amenorrhoea is 98% effective for up to 6 months (if fully breastfeeding)
What contraception can be used after childbirth?
POP and implant are safe at any time
Copper coil or Mirena coil can be inserted either within 48hrs of birth or 4 weeks after but not in between
COCP should be avoided in breastfeeding before 6 weeks post partum
How does COCP prevent pregnancy?
- Preventing ovulation (this is the primary mechanism of action)
- Progesterone thickens the cervical mucus
- Progesterone inhibits proliferation of the endometrium, reducing the chance of successful implantation
How do oestrogen and progesterone affect the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary?
They suppress the release of GnRH, LH, and FSH through negative feedback.
Why are pills containing drospirenone (e.g., Yasmin) used for premenstrual syndrome?
Drospirenone has anti-mineralocorticoid and anti-androgen effects that help with bloating, water retention, and mood changes.
What COCP is used for treating acne and hirsutism, and why is its use limited?
Dianette (containing cyproterone acetate); it has a higher risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and is usually stopped after acne control.
What are the three common regimes for taking the COCP?
21 days on, 7 days off; 63 days on, 7 days off (tricycling); continuous use without a pill-free period.
How should the COCP be started to provide immediate contraceptive protection?
On the first day of the menstrual cycle.
What is the protocol when switching from a traditional progesterone-only pill to the COCP?
Extra contraception (e.g., condoms) is required for 7 days.
What are common side effects in the first three months of COCP use?
Unscheduled bleeding, breast pain, mood changes, headaches, and hypertension.
What are the long-term risks associated with COCP use?
Small increased risk of venous thromboembolism, breast and cervical cancer, myocardial infarction, and stroke.
What are some benefits of the COCP?
Effective contraception, rapid return of fertility, and reduced risks of endometrial, ovarian, and colon cancer.
What BMI level is a relative contraindication (UKMEC 3) for the COCP?
A BMI above 35.
What should be done if a woman misses one pill?
Take the missed pill as soon as possible, and no extra contraception is required if the other pills are taken correctly.
What should be done if more than one pill is missed (72 hours since the last pill)?
Take the most recent missed pill and use additional contraception (e.g., condoms) for 7 days.
When is emergency contraception required after missing more than one pill?
If more than one pill is missed between day 1 – 7 of the packet and unprotected sex has occurred.
What is the only UKMEC 4 contraindication for using the POP?
Active breast cancer.
What are the two types of progestogen-only pills?
Traditional POP (e.g., Norgeston, Noriday) and desogestrel-only POP (e.g., Cerazette).
What is the time limit for taking the traditional POP and still being protected?
It must be taken within 3 hours of the scheduled time.
What is the time limit for taking the desogestrel-only POP and still being protected?
It can be taken up to 12 hours late and still be effective.
How do traditional progestogen-only pills work?
By thickening the cervical mucus, altering the endometrium, and reducing ciliary action in the fallopian tubes.
What is the primary mechanism of action of the desogestrel-only pill?
Inhibiting ovulation
(+thickening the cervical mucus, altering the endometrium, and reducing ciliary action in the fallopian tubes)
When does the POP provide immediate protection from pregnancy?
When started between day 1 to 5 of the menstrual cycle.
How long does it take for the POP to thicken cervical mucus enough to prevent sperm entry?
48 hours.
When switching from a COCP to a POP, when can the POP be started without extra contraception?
If the woman has taken the COCP consistently for more than 7 days or is on days 1-2 of the hormone-free period.
What is the most common side effect of the POP?
What other side effects can occur with the POP?
Changes in the bleeding schedule (unscheduled bleeding).
Breast tenderness, headaches, and acne.
What are the risks associated with the traditional POP?
Increased risk of ovarian cysts, small risk of ectopic pregnancy, and minimal increased risk of breast cancer.
What should be done if a POP is missed?
Take the missed pill as soon as possible, continue with the next pill at the usual time, and use extra contraception for 48 hours.
How often is the DMPA/progesterone-only injection given?
Every 12 to 13 weeks.
How long can it take for fertility to return after stopping the DMPA?
Up to 12 months.
What are the two versions of DMPA used in the UK?
Depo-Provera (intramuscular) and Sayana Press (subcutaneous, self-injectable).
What is the UK MEC 4 contraindication for DMPA?
Active breast cancer.
Name a few UK MEC 3 conditions where DMPA use is cautioned.
Ischaemic heart disease, stroke, unexplained vaginal bleeding, severe liver cirrhosis, liver cancer.
Why is osteoporosis a concern with DMPA?
It decreases bone mineral density due to suppressed estrogen production.
At what age is DMPA UK MEC 2, and when should women consider switching to an alternative?
MEC 2 for women over 45 years, and switching should occur by age 50.
What is the main action of the DMPA injection? What other mechanisms contribute to DMPA’s contraceptive effects?
Inhibition of ovulation by suppressing FSH secretion from the pituitary gland.
Thickening cervical mucus and altering the endometrium.
What is the lifetime risk of developing breast cancer for women?
Approximately 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.