OCP Counselling Flashcards
what to ask on sexual history for OCP
previous and present use of contraception, compliance and SEs experienced
sexual orientation and practices
present and past number of partners, concurrent partners
current relationship–> monogamous, health and age of partner
STIs now and in the past (consider screening for current symptoms)
possibility of current pregnancy
what to ask on OB/GYN history when counselling about contraception
age of menarche
menstrual cycle length, regularity, total days, amount of bleeding
PMS, other menstrual sx
dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain, dysfunctional uterine bleeding
date of last pap and pelvic exam, past abnormal paps and gynecological procedures
GTPAL
current breastfeeding
childbearing goals and attitude towards accidental pregnancy
what to ask specifically on PMHx for OCP counselling
HTN
liver disease
thromboembolic disease–> IHD, CVA, DVT/PE
cancer–breast, uterine, ovarian
migraines with aura or focal neuro findings
what other meds might interact with the OCP
anticonvulsants
antibiotics
what to ask about on family history when counselling contraception
clotting disorders/VTE/PE
breast, uterine, ovarian, liver cancer
is a gyne exam necessary to prescribe contraception
no–only do if suspect STI or if gyne exam is due
pap test if due
what investigations should be done if planning to prescribe contraception
beta hcg if suspect pregnancy or if planning IUD
STI testing if high suspicion, patient requests or planning IUD
absolute contraindications to the IUD
pregnancy
unexplained abnormal vaginal bleeding
cervical, uterine or salpingeal infection, current or recurrent PID or STIs in last 3 months
immediately post septic abortion
malignant trophoblastic disease
copper allergy or wilsons disease (for copper IUD)
current breast cancer (for hormonal IUD)
severely distorted uterine cavity
how effective is the IUD
99.9%
what are the pros of the IUD
most effective reversible form of contraception
lasts 5 or more years
copper IUDs can be emergency contraception within 7 days
hormonal IUD improves menorrhagia and dysmenorrhea
cons of IUD
small risk of uterine perforation (0.6-1.6/1000), pain or dysmenorrhea
irregular bleeding is common in first few months and decreases over time
possible risk of PID around month of insertion
small risk of expulsion (more during first year)
r/o ectopic pregnancy if becomes pregnant with IUD
absolute contraindications of OCP, ring and patch
previous PE, DVT, CVA, CAD
smoker older than 35 (more than 5 cigs/day)
current breast, endometrial, cervical ca
unexplained abnormal vaginal bleeding
cirrhosis, other liver disease
pregnancy
less than 6 weeks post partum if breastfeeding
uncontrolled HTN about 160/100
migraines with aura
complicated valvular disease
DM with retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy
how effective are the OCP, ring, patch
99.9% if used perfectly–user failure rates are 3-8%
pros of OCP, ring, patch
improved cycle regulation, decreased menstrual flow, improved acne and hirsutism, improved dysmenorrhea and PMS
decreased risk of ovarian, endometrial and colon cancer
decreased risk of benign breast disease, fibroids and ovarian cysts
cons of OCP, ring, patch
must take pill daily and at same time
irergular bleeding common for first few cycles and tends to improve with time
slight increase in VTE risk compared to non users, highest in first year of use
common SEs: nausea, breast tenderness, headache
increased risk of weight and mood changes–not supported by evidence but anecdotally