Contraception Flashcards
Describe the rhythm method of contraception
One commonly practiced method of contraception is to avoid intercourse near the time of ovulation. The difficulty with this method of contraception is predicting the exact time of ovulation.
It is usually stated that avoidance of intercourse for 4 days before the calculated day of ovulation and 3 days afterward prevents conception. However, such a method of contraception can be used only when the periodicity of the menstrual cycle is regular.
What is the failure rate of rhythm method of contraception?
The failure rate of this method of contraception, resulting in an unintentional pregnancy, may be as high as 20 to 25 percent per year.
Describe hormonal suppression of fertility - “The Pill”
It has long been known that administration of either estrogen or progesterone, if given in appropriate quantities during the first half of the monthly cycle, can inhibit ovulation. The reason for this is that appropriate administration of either of these hormones can prevent the preovulatory surge of LH secretion by the pituitary gland, which is essential in causing ovulation.
Why does administration of estrogen or progesterone prevent the preovulatory surge of LH secretion?
It has been suggested that immediately before the surge occurs, a sudden depression of estrogen secretion by the ovarian follicles probably occurs, which might be the necessary signal that causes the subsequent feedback effect on the anterior pituitary that leads to the LH surge.
The administration of sex hormones (estrogens or progesterone) could prevent the initial ovarian hormonal depression that might be the initiating signal for ovulation.
What is the failure rate of hormonal supression of fertility using various forms of “The Pill”?
The failure rate, resulting in an unintentional pregnancy is about 8 to 9 percent per year.
How many women are infertile?
About 5 to 10 percent of women are infertile
What is the general reason for infertility of females?
Occasionally, no abnormality can be discovered in the female genital organs, in which case it must be assumed that the infertility is due to either abnormal physiological function of the genital system or abnormal genetic development of the ova themselves.
What is the most commen cause of female sterility?
The most commn cause of female sterility is failture to ovulate. This failure can result from hyposecretion of gonadotropic hormones, in which case the intensity of hormonal stimuli is simply insufficient to cause ovulation, or it can result from abnormal ovaries that do not allow ovulation.
Describe the difference between hormonal systemic and non-systemic contraception
!!!
Name the four types of contraception
- Behavioral (natural)
- Hormonal
- Barrier
- Permanent sterilization
What is behavioral contraception?
Behavioral contraception also called natural family planning is when you abstrain from sex or use barrier methods during the calculated fertile time.
What is hormonal contraception?
Hormonal contraception contain estrogen and progesterone, or progesterone only. They prevent pregnancy by blocking the release of eggs from the ovaries (ovulation), thinning the lining of the uterus, or thickening the mucus in the cervix to help keep sperm from reaching the egg.
How can hormonal contraceptives be administered?
Hormonal contraceptives may be administeret orally, injected under the skin, placed on the skin as a patch, or placed in the vagina or uterus.
What is the mini-pill?
The mini-pill is a hormonal contraception that contains progestin but no estrogen.
How does the mini-pill work?
Mini-pill primarily work by thickening the cervical mucus, effectively preventing sperm from entering the uterus.
To work effectively, they must be taken at a certain time every 24 hours. Missing even one pill can greatly reduce effectiveness.
Describe the combination oral contraceptives (COCs)
The combination oral contraceptives contain a combination of estrogen and progestin, and work by preventing ovulation, thinning the endometrium and thickens the cervical mucus to prevent sperm from gentting into the uterus.
How are the hormone levels different from normal to usage of combination oral contraceptives?
Combination oral contraceptives can be divided into two types of pills - what is the difference in hormone levels between the two of them?
Combination oral contraceptives can be divided into two types of pills - what is the difference?
Monophasic pills provide the same level of hormones throughout the pill cycle
Triphasic pills induce a steady state of hormones, but at 3 different levels during the cycle
What is important to remember when taking birth control pills?
When taking the birth control pills, it is important to remember:
- Once a day at the same time everyday
- Use condoms for first moth
- Use condoms when on antibiotics
- Use condoms for 1 week if you miss a pill or take one late
- The pill offers no protection from STDs
Why does some take the progestin-only contraceptives instead of combination oral contraceptives?
Progestin-only contraceptives is commonly used by nursing mothers, because estrogen reduces milk production, and women with pre-existing risk of blood clots also use these because combination oral contraceptives gives a slight increase in the risk of blood clots.
What is a vaginal ring?
A vaginal ring (NuvaRing) is a ring inserted into the vagina that releases a low dose of a progestin and an estrogen over 3 weeks.
What is “the patch”?
“The patch” is a contraceptive patch that is applied to the skin and gradually releases synthetic estrogen and progestin hormones to prevent pregnancy.
What are the general mechanism of emergency contraceptive pills?
- Alters endometrium: Prevens the endometrium from preparing to receive an egg, so even if an egg has already been released, it can’t embed itself in the lining.
- Influences cervical fluid: Thickens cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching the uterus.
- Stops ovulation: Prevens the release of an egg from the ovaries by making the body think it’s already occured.
How do spermicides work?
Spermicides chemically kills sperm in the vagina and can be utilized in different forms:
- Jelly
- Foam
- Suppository
It is only 76% effective when used alone, but it should be used in combination with another methos such as condoms
What is a female condom?
A female condom works just like the male condom, but are inserted in the vagina and thereby blocks sperm from entering cervix
What is a diapgrahm?
Diaphragm is a latex barrier placed inside the vagina during intercourse. It is inserted up to 18 hours before intercourse and can be left in for a total of 24 hours. Spermicide is also inserted in order to kill th sperm.
What is a cervical cap?
A cervical cap is a latex barrier inserted in the vagina before intercourse. It must be filled with spermicidal jelly prior to use, and can be left in the body for up to a total of 48 hours.
What is intrauterine devices?
Intrauterine devices are T-shped objects placed in the uterus to prevent pregnancy. It must be inserted during period and a natual childburd is required to use intrauterine devices. They are extremely effective without using hormones > 97%.
How does Copper T work?
Copper as an intrauterine device acts as spermicide and blocks the egg from implanting.
- It can prevent pregnancy for up to 10 years after insertion
- 99,2% effective
How does progestasert work?
Progestasert releases hormones over a one year time frame and thereby thickens mucus and blocking egg from implanting.
- 98% effective
Describe the tubectomy
Tubectomy is sterilization in the female by ligation of the tubae uterinae
Describe the vasectomy
Vasectomy is sterilization in the male by ligation of vas deferens
List up the contraceptives from most effective to least effective
