Outline of hormonal contraceptives Flashcards
What hormone is progestogen the synthetic form of?
Progesterone
Which 2 hormones are contained in combined hormonal contraception?
Oestrogen
Progestogen
Define combined hormone contraception in terms of which hormones are used and the 2 primary mechanisms of action?
Contraceptive containing oestrogen and progestogen (synthetic progesterone)
Works by preventing LH surge so that ovulation cannot occur
Works by inhibiting FSH so that follicular development is prevented
What are 2 ways in which various combined contraceptive oral pills can differ in formulation?
Dosages of oestrogen and progestogen
Administration schedule
Explain the 2 types of administration schedule for taking the combined oral contraceptive pill?
Monophasic: Each pill has same dose of hormones
Multiphasic: Pills contain different doses of hormones throughout menstrual cycle (eg. triphasic pills are supplied in 3 different strengths to take in the month)
How is the combined contraceptive patch administered?
Thin transdermal (drugs delivered across skin) patches that are administered weekly for 3 weeks of the menstrual cycle and not administered for the remaining week
How are hormones delivered by the combined vaginal ring?
Ring inserted into vagina to deliver hormones directly through vaginal epithelium and into bloodstream
How often is the combined vaginal ring changed within the menstrual cycle?
Ring changed weekly for 3 weeks of menstrual cycle and not inserted for remaining week
What is the primary mechanism of action of progestogen-only contraception?
Thickens cervical mucus to prevent penetration by sperm in the upper reproductive tract
What are the 2 secondary mechanism of actions of progestogen-only contraception?
Inhibiting implantation by thinning endometrium
Inhibiting ovulation by preventing LH surge
What are the 4 types of progestogen-only pill that are available in the UK, and how often are they administered?
Drospirenone pill administered for 24 days and placebo is administered for remaining 4 days
Norethindrone/levonorgestrel/
desogestrel pill administered daily
What administration route is used to administer progestogen-only injectables, and how often are they administered?
Deep IM injection every 8-13 weeks depending on formulation
Describe the contraceptive implant in terms of its material, insertion site and how often it is replaced?
Small plastic rod inserted under skin of arm that is replaced every 3 years
Describe the Intrauterine System (IUS)/hormonal coil in terms of its material, insertion site and how often it is replaced?
Plastic T-shaped coil inserted into uterus that is replaced every 3-8 years depending on type
What are the 4 types of progestogen-only contraception?
Implant
IUS/hormonal coil
Injectable
Oral pill
