Women's Health Flashcards
Compare between the various barrier techniques for the prevention
of pregnancy.
Male condoms:
CI: allergy to latex/rubber
Adv: STI protection
Disadv: High user failure rate
* Poor acceptance
* Possibility of breakage
Female condoms:
CI: allergy to polyurethane, Hx of Toxic shock syndrome
Adv: STI protection, Can be inserted ahead
of time
Disadv: very High user failure rate
* Dislike ring hanging outside vagina
Diaphragm with spermicide/cervical cap:
CI: allergy to latex/rubber/spermicide,Recurrent UTIs, History of TSS, Abnormal gynaecologic anatomy
Adv: cheap, reusable
Disadv: High user failure rate, Low protection against STIs, Increased risk of UTI, Cervical irritation
Describe the mechanism of action of the birth control pill.
Progestins -> thickening cervical mucus
to prevent sperm penetration, slowing
tubal motility (delay sperm transport),
and inducing endometrial atrophy
* Progestins block LH surge + estrogen
suppresses FSH release => prevent
ovulation
* Progestins provide most of contraceptive
effect, estrogen mostly to stabilize the
endometrial lining and provide cycle
control
Identify the contraindications of oral contraceptive therapy.
- Current breast CA/ recent history of
breast CA within 5 years - Hx of DVT/PE, acute DVT/PE and pts
with DVT/PE and on anticoagulant
therapy - Major surgery with prolonged
immobilization - < 21 days postpartum with other risk
factor - <6 weeks postpartum if
breastfeeding - Thrombogenic mutations
- SLE with + or unknown APLA
- Migraine with aura
- SBP > 160mmHg / DBP > 100mmHg
- HTN with vascular disease
- Current/History of ischemia heart
disease - Cardiomyopathy
- Smoking ≥ 15 sticks/day AND age ≥
35yo - History of cerebrovascular disease
- Diabetes >20 yrs or w/complications
Categorise the various non-oral, device-based, hormonal contraceptive options available to patients.
Transdermal
Contraceptives
* Both estrogen and progestin
component
* Typical use failure rate 7% ≈ COC
* Not as effective in patients
weighing > 90 kg
* Applied once weekly for 3 weeks
followed by 1 patch-free week
MOA ≈ COCs
* SE: Similar to COC + application
side reactions
Vaginal Rings
* Both estrogen and progestin
component
* Typical use failure rate 7% ≈
COC
* Used for 3 weeks then
discarded
* Unlike diaphragms/ cervical
caps, precise placement not
an issue as hormones are
absorbed
* SE: Similar to COC + tissue
irritation + risk of expulsion /VTE
Progestin Injections
* Depo-Provera® (depot medroxyprogesterone
acetate, DMPA)
* IM injection every 12 weeks
* Good for adherence issues but need regular
doctor visit
* Typical use failure rate 4% < COC
* Return to fertility might be delayed
* Will have variable breakthrough bleeding esp
the first 9 months (most freq SE)
* 50% become amenorrheic after 12 months
* 70% after 2 years
ADR: * Weight gain – more than other types of contraceptives
* Short term bone loss -> bone mineral density (BMD) ↓
* Bottomline = risk-benefit analysis
* Avoid in older women
* Avoid if have other
osteoporosis risk factors
eg long term steroids
* If >2 years, evaluate
other options too
Long acting reversible contraception (LARC):
Effects quickly reversible upon removal
* Despite benefits, not commonly used => invasiveness
Intrauterine devices (IUDs)
* MOA: inhibition of sperm migration, damage ovum, damage/disrupt transport
of fertilized ovum. If with progestin -> endometrial suppression, thicken mucus
* Should NOT be inserted if pregnant, current STI, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding,
malignancy of genital tract, uterine anomalies or uterine fibroids
* General risks: uterine perforation, expulsion, pelvic infection
Levonorgestrel IUD
* Menstrual flow decreased
* Typically spotting, amenorrhea
* Ideal if concomitant menorrhagia
* 5 years
Copper IUD
* Heavier menses/bleeding (compared to
levonorgestrel)
* Ideal if concomitant amenorrhoea
* 10 years
* Can be used as emergency
contraception
Subdermal Progestin Implants:
Single 4 cm long implant, containing 68 mg of etonogestrel
* Lasts for 3 years
* Irregular bleeding pattern - with continued use; amenorrhea
(22%), prolonged bleeding (18%), spotting (34%) and
frequent bleeding (7%)
Summarize the considerations in choosing which birth control method to use.
Androgenic SE:
Acne, oily skin, hirsutism
Factors favoring lower doses of EE (20-25 mcg):
- Adolescence
- Underweight (< 50 kg)
- Age > 35 years
- Peri-menopausal
- Fewer side effects
Factors favoring higher doses of EE
(30-35 mcg)
Obesity or weight > 70.5 kg
* Early to mid cycle breakthrough
bleeding/spotting
* Tendency to be non-adherent
Why do we need higher progestational
activity?
- Late cycle breakthrough bleeding
- Painful menstrual cramps
Adv of monophasic and multiphasic COC
Monophasic COC
Same amounts of estrogen & progestin in every pill:
* Less confusing, less
complicated missed-doses
instructions
Multiphasic COC
Variable amounts of estrogen and progestin
* Tend to have lower progestin
overall -> lesser side effects
Conventional cycle COC
21 days active pill + 7 day
placebo = 28 days
newer: 24 days active pill + 4 day
placebo = 28 days –> to reduce hormone fluctuations between cycles, less SE
Initiating a COC
First Day Method
* Start on first day of menstrual cycle
* No backup contraceptive required if on first day
Sunday Start
* Start on first Sunday after menstrual cycle
begins
* Require backup contraceptive for at least 7d
* May provide weekends free of menstrual periods
Quick start
* Start now
* Require backup contraceptive for at least 7 days and potentially until the next menstrual cycle begins
Factors in selecting a COC
- Hormonal content required
- Convenience
- Adherence level
- Tendency for oily skin, acne, hirsutism
- Medical conditions (eg premenstrual syndrome, dysmenorrhea)
CIs - breast cancer/VTE Hx
Extra-contraceptive benefits
- Relief from menstrual related problems
- Improvement in menstrual regularity
- Better for Acne
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
- Iron-deficient anemia
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Reduced risk from ovarian & endometrial cancers
- Reduced risk of ovarian cysts, ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory
diseases, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, benign breast disease
Breast Ca considerations
Healthy & young => benefit of pregnancy prevention > risk
* Age > 40 => avoid
* Family history/ risk factors of breast CA => avoid
* Current/ recent hx of breast CA (within 5 years) => STOP