Passmedicine - Contraception Flashcards
Which criteria guides the use of contraceptions?
UK medical eligibility criteria (UKMEC)
What is UKMEC 1?
A condition for which there is no restriction for the use of the contraceptive method
What is UKMEC 2?
Advantages generally outweigh the disadvantages
What is UKMEC 3?
Disadvantages generally outweigh the advantages
What is UKMEC 4?
Represents an unacceptable health risk
Give examples of UKMEC 3 for the COC?
> 35 years old + smoking <15 cigs/day
BMI >35
FH of thromboembolic dx in 1st degree relatives <45y
Controlled HTN
Immobility, e.g. wheelchair use
Carrier of known gene mutations associated with breast cancer (e.g. BRCA1/2)
Current gallbladder dx
Give examples of UKMEC 4 for the COC?
>35y old + smokes >15 cig/day Migraine with aura Hx of TE dx or thormbogenic mutation Hx stroke/IHD Breastfeeding <6w post-partum Uncontrolled HTN Current breast cancer Major surgery with prolonged immobilisation
What UKMEC is DM for the COC?
If diagnosed >20 years ago is 3/4 depending on severity
What UKMEC is breastfeeding 6w-6m post-partum for the COC?
2
How much oestrogen is in the COC and what form of oestrogen is it?
30-35micrograms of ethinylestradiol
What further action is needed if you miss 1 COC at any time in the cycle?
Take last pill even if it means two pills in 1 day, then continue taking pills as normal
NO ADDITIONAL CONTRACEPTION REQUIRED
What further action is needed if you miss 2 COC?
Take the last pill (even if that’s 2 pills in 1 day), then continue taking pills as normal
If 2+ COC pills are missed in week 1 of the cycle is additional contraception required?
Consider emergency contraception if she has had unprotected sex in pill free interval or week 1
If 2+ COC pills are missed in week 2 of the cycle is additional contraception required?
After 7 consecutive days of taking the COC there is no need for contraception
If 2+ COC pills are missed in week 3 of the cycle is additional contraception required?
Yes
Finish the pills in current pack, then start next pack (i.e. omit pill free interval)
When is a pill considered missed?
Once it has been 24h since the pill should have been taken
True or false:
theoretically the COCP protects from pregnancy if taken 7 days on and off
True
IUD = ?
Copper coil
IUS = ?
Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (mirena)
How effective are the IUD/IUS?
> 99%
What is the primary mode of action of the IUD?
Prevents fertilisation by causing decreased sperm motility + survival
What is the primary mode of action of the IUS?
Levonorgestrel prevents endometrial proliferation + causes cervical mucus thickening
How long does it take for the IUD to be an effective contraceptive once inserted?
Immediately
How long does it take for the IUS to be an effective contraceptive once inserted?
7 days
What problems are associated with IUDs?
Makes periods heavier, longer + more painful
What problems are associated with IUSs?
Initial frequent bleeding + spotting for the first 6m is very common
What are additional benefits of IUS?
Periods become lighter, with less dysmenorrhoea and some women may become amenorrhoeic
What are risks with intrauterine contraceptives?
Uterine perforation (higher in breastfeeding women)
If fall pregnant more likely to be ectopic than if not using an IUS/IUD
Infection (PID in 1st 20d after insertion)
Expulsion
When is expulsion of an intrauterine contraceptive most likely?
In first 3 months
What is the risk of expulsion with an intrauterine contraceptive?
1 in 20
How much levonorgesterol is in the jaydess coil?
13.5g
How much levonorgesterol is in the mierna coil?
52mg
How long is the jaydess coil licensed for?
3 years
How long is the mirena coil licensed for?
5 years
How much levonorgesterol is in the kyleena coil?
19.5mg
How long is the kyleena coil licensed for?
5 years
What is the downside to using kyleena instead of mirena?
Less chance of amenorrhoea
How effective is the COC?
> 99% if taken correctly
What are the risks of COC you must counsel women about before they start using it?
Small risk of blood clots
V. small risk of heart attacks and strokes
Increased risk of breast cancer and cervical cancer
What advice should you give re. using additional contraception when starting the COC?
If started within first 5 days of cycle - no need for additional contraception
If started after that - need alternative contraception for the first 7 days
At what time should you take the COC every day?
At the same time every day
How should the COC be taken?
Can be taken 21d on, 7d off or can tricycle or can take continuously
Is sex during the pill free period safe whilst on the COC?
Only if the next pack is started on time
When might efficacy of the COC be reduced?
If vomiting within 2h of taking pill
Medications that induce diarrhoea/vomiting
Medications that induce liver enzymes, e.g. rifampicin
What is a complete CI to the insertion of a copper coil?
PID
What are the two methods of emergency contraception available in the UK?
Emergency hormonal contraception
Cooper IUD
What are the two emergency hormonal contraceptives?
Levonorgestrel
Ulipristal
What kind of drug is ulipristal?
A progesterone receptor modulator
What is the mode of action of levonorgestrel?
Stops ovulation + inhibits implantation
When should levonorgestrel be taken?
ASAP - efficacy reduces with time
Must be taken within 72h of unprotected sex
What dose is given of levonorgestrel for emergency contraception?
1.5mg single dose
double dose if BMI >26 or wt >70kg
What are adverse effects of levonorgestrel?
(nb these aren’t v. common)
Vomiting, current menstrual cycle disturbance
If vomiting occurs within _____ hours of the dose of levonorgestrel, it should be taken again.
2
Which of the emergency hormonal contraceptives can be used more than once in a menstrual cycle?
Levonorgestrel
Can hormonal contraception be started immediately after using levonorgestrel for emergency contraception?
Yes
What is the market name for ulipristal?
EllaOne
What dose of ulipristal is taken as an emergency contraceptive?
30mg
When does ulipristal have to be taken by?
No later than 120h after intercourse
Can you use hormonal contraception straight after ulipristal?
No - restart 5d after having it as it can reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraception
In pts with which condition should you exercise caution in prescribing ulipristal?
Severe asthma
Can ulipristal be prescribed more than once in 1 cycle?
Yes (previously thought no though)