E1 Contraception Flashcards
(55 cards)
what is contraception?
- the prevention of conception by the use of birth control devices or methods
- a way for individuals to prevent a pregnancy that may not be wanted due to social, financial, cultural or any other reason
- can be permanent or temporary
- can be hormonal or non-hormonal
explain the difference between male and female condoms
male: stop a man’s semen coming into contact with his sexual partner
female: worn inside the vagina to prevent semen getting into the womb
what is a contraceptive diaphragm?
- cup made of silicone that is inserted into the vagina to cover the cervix
- better if used with spermicide
- little STI protection
describe the IUD
- small T-shaped device made of plastic and copper
- causes thickening of cervical mucus so harder for sperm to reach egg
- can stop fertilised egg from being implanted
- inserted by a doctor or nurse and can remain in situ for up to 10 years
- do not protect against STIs
what may need to be considered if an anaemic patient wants an IUD?
- diet
- IUD can lead to heavier menstrual bleeds
what is the fertility awareness method for contraception?
- method of contraception where a woman monitors and records different fertility signals during her menstrual cycle
- takes 3-6 months to establish
- doesn’t protect against STIs
describe male sterilisation
- vasectomy
- surgical procedure to cut or seal the tubes that carry a man’s sperm
- no STI protection
describe female sterilisation
- fallopian tubes are blocked / sealed to prevent the eggs reaching the sperm
- no STI protection
mode of action of oestrogen
Oestrogen suppresses Ovulation
mode of action of progestogen
Progestogen Prevents sperm reaching egg and Prevents implantation
as a whole, what does hormonal contraception do to prevent pregnancy?
- thins endometrial lining
- suppresses ovulation
- thickens cervical mucus
what does the combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP) contain?
- both oestrogens and progestogens
- in case one fails, there is a fallback option
what are monophasic 21 day combined contraceptive pills?
- fixed amount of hormones
- 21 active pills then 7 days pill-free
what are monophasic 28 day combined contraceptive pills?
- fixed amount of hormones
- 21 active pills than 7 dummy pills
- improves compliance
what are phasic COCPs?
- variable amounts of hormones according to stage of cycle
- 21 day and 28 day varieties
- helpful for breakthrough bleeding with monophasic pill
- no withdrawal bleed
what 2 adaptations are there for taking the COCP to avoid pill free intervals?
- ‘back to backing’
- tri-cycling
what are the 4 UKMEC risk factors?
category 1
category 2
category 3
category 4
what is meant by the UKMEC category 1 risk factor?
a condition for which there is no restriction for the use of the method
what is meant by the UKMEC category 2 risk factor?
a condition where the advantages of using the method generally outweigh the theoretical or proven risks
what is meant by the UKMEC category 3 risk factor?
a condition where the theoretical or proven risks usually outweigh the advantages of using the method. the provision of a method requires expert clinical judgement and / or referral to a specialist contraceptive provider, since use of the method is not usually recommended unless other more appropriate methods are not available or not acceptable
what is meant by the UKMEC category 4 risk factor?
a condition which represents an unacceptable health risk if the method is used
risks of COCP
- migraines
- DVT (deep vein thrombosis)
- cancer (breast and cervical)
describe the risk of migraines with COCP. what else has an increased risk?
- must use COCP with caution
- contraindication if new onset or migraine with aura
- increased (relative) risk of ischaemic stroke
describe the risk of DVT with COCP
- 3-3.5 fold increased (relative risk) VTE risk
- lower than VTE risk in pregnancy
- risk highest on initiation