How should the combined contraceptive patch be used?
- no patch 4th week (withdrawal bleed)
What to do if the patch change is delayed at the end of week 1 or 2?
What to do if the patch removal is delayed at the end of week 3?
What to do if patch application is delayed at end of patch free week?
additional barrier contraception for 7 days following any delay at start of new patch cycle
Advantages of using a COCP:
Disadvantages of using a COCP:
What are the UKMEC 3 conditions which mean that disadvantages outweigh the advantages when using the COCP?
->35yo and smoking <15 cigarettes/day
-BMI >35
-FHx thromboembolic disease in first degree relatives <45yo
-controlled hypertension
-immobility e.g. wheel chair use
-carrier of known gene mutations associated with breast cancer e.g. BRCA1/2
-current gallbladder disease
(diabetes)
UKMEC 4 conditions which represent unacceptable health risk when taking the COCP:
->35yo and smoking >15 cigarettes/day
-migraine with aura
-Hx thromboembolic disease or thrombogenic mutation
-Hx stroke or ischaemic heart disease
-breast feeding <6 weeks post partum
-uncontrolled HTN
-current breast cancer
-major surgery with prolonged immobilisation
(diabetes)
How effective is the COCP if taken correctly?
> 99%
Is intercourse during the pill free period safe?
only if next pack is started on time
When might the efficacy of the pill be reduced?
What should be done if 1 pill is missed at any time in the cycle?
- no additional contraceptive protection needed
What should be done if 2 or more pills are missed in week 1?
emergency contraception considered if unprotected sex in pill free interval or week 1
What should be done if 2 or more pills are missed in week 2?
after 7 consecutive days of taking COCP there is no need for emergency contraception
What should be done if 2 or more pills are missed in week 3?
Why might COCP be used for contraception in women >40yo?
Warnings for women >40yo taking depo-provera:
- associated with small loss in bone mineral density which is recovered after discontinuation
When should non-hormonal contraception be stopped in women?
- >-50yo: after 1 year of amenorrhoea
How should the COCP be stopped in older women?
- switch to non-hormonal or progestogen only method
How should depo-provera be stopped in older women?
- switch to non-hormonal method and stop after 2 years of amenorrhoea OR switch to progestogen only method
How should the implant/POP/IUS be stopped in older women?
- if amenorrhoeic, check FSH and stop after 1 year if >=30u/L or stop at 55yo
Which contraception method can be used alongside HRT?
POP as long as HRT has progestogen component
What is the MOA of the COCP?
inhibits ovulation
What is the MOA of the POP and a common side effect?
- irregular bleeding