Contraception

Question 1

What is contraception?

Answer 1

• Conception = implantation of fertilized zygote
• Prevention of conception – can prevent ovulation, fertilization/sperm meeting egg, or implantation (less common)

Question 2

Health Benefits of Contraception

Answer 2

• Barrier effect • Condoms reduce transmission of infectious agents1
• Endometrial cancer
• Risk significantly reduced with combined hormonal contraception (CHC), depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), and IUCs2-5

•Ovarian cancer

• Risk reduced by CHC3,6,7
• Even in women with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations8

Question 3

Other Benefits

Answer 3

•Withdrawal bleeding and dysmenorrhea

-Regulated and reduced with use of CHC

•Menstrual blood loss in menorrhagia

-Reduced with use of CHC, DMPA, and levonorgestrel IUC

•Acne

-Treated with CHC

•Perimenopause

-Lighter, predictable bleeding; vasomotor symptom relief; positive effect on bone mineral density; progestin IUC allows for systemic estrogen

Question 4

LARC Method Bleeding Patterns

Answer 4

• Irregular bleeding/spotting is most common side effect
• Copper-T IUC may cause heavier, longer bleeding and cramping
• Amenorrhea may develop with LNG IUC and implant – Many women may perceive this as a health benefit
• Early discontinuation due to changes in bleeding patterns
• Anticipatory counseling about expected side effects may help women continue method