1
Q
How many pregnancies are unplanned?
A
Up to 51%!
2
Q
What is contraception?
A
Methods to prevent pregnancy.
3
Q
Why is education about contraceptives so important?
A
Because incorrect use of contraceptives has a very high rate of failure!
This could lead to an unwanted pregnancy.
4
Q
If used correctly, do contraceptives still have a failure rate?
A
Yes, all contraceptives have a failure rate. No matter how perfectly someone uses a contraceptive, the woman can still become pregnant.
Failure rates range from 0.15% - 28% when used correctly.
5
Q
What factors should be taken into account when deciding which type of contraception to use?
A
- how often intercourse will occur
- long term vs. short term use
- understanding how to use
- consistency of use
- any health conditions that may prevent usage
6
Q
What are the 2 main types of contraception?
A
- Non-hormonal
- Hormonal
7
Q
What are some non-hormonal types of contraception?
A
- spermicide
- male and female condom
- diaphragm
- cervical cap
- sponge
8
Q
What is a condom?
A
A barrier method placed over the penis or inside the vagina to physically prevent sperm from getting into the vaginal canal and through the cervix.
9
Q
What are the 3 types of materials that condoms can be made from?
A
- latex
- synthetic
- lambskin (natural)
10
Q
Which 2 types of condoms are best at preventing pregnancy and STIs such as HIV?
A
- latex
- synthetic
11
Q
Which type of condom is only good at preventing pregnancy but not STIs such as HIV?
A
Lambskin (natural) condoms
12
Q
Why are lambskin (natural) condoms bad at preventing STIs such as HIV?
A
Small virus particles, such as HIV, can get through the lambskin because the material is very porous.
13
Q
What is the failure rate of a male or female condoms?
A
About 20%
14
Q
What type of lubricants should NOT be used with condoms?
A
Do NOT use lubricants such as massage oil, baby oil, lotions and/or petroleum jelly.
These lubricants can tear the condom.
15
Q
What type of lubricants can be used with condoms?
A
Water-soluable lubricants.
These will not break a condom.
16
Q
What are spermicides?
A
Chemicals that kill sperm.
17
Q
What substances can spermicides come in?
A
- jelly
- foam
- film
- suppository
18
Q
With what other barrier methods are spermicides typically used?
A
- diaphragm
- cervical cap
- sponge
Can be used with condoms also.
19
Q
What is a female condom?
A
It prevents sperm from getting through the cervix.
It is bigger than a male condom.
20
Q
When can a female condom be inserted?
A
Up to 8 hours before intercourse.
21
Q
How long should a diaphragm, cervical cap, or sponge be left in place after intercourse?
A
At least 6 hours after the last intercourse.
22
Q
What should be used along with a diaphragm, cervical cap or sponge in order to prevent pregnancy?
A
Spermicide
23
Q
What is the difference between a diaphragm and cervical cap?
A
- A diaphragm is dome-shaped and bigger, usually for those that have been previously pregnant due to a bigger cervix.
- A cervical cap is smaller, and usually for those that have never been pregnant due to a smaller cervix.
Both need a doctor’s prescription.
24
Q
What 2 types of female barrier contraception methods need to be fitted and placed by a healthcare provider?
A
- Diaphragm
- Cervical cap
Each woman has a different sized vaginal canal and cervix, and it must fit perfect to prevent sperm from entering.
25
Does a **cervical cap** need to be fitted and placed by a healthcare provider?
Yes!
26
Does a **diaphragm** need to be fitted and placed by a healthcare provider?
Yes!
27
Does a **sponge** need to be fitted and placed by a healthcare provider?
NO!
However, there are no options to buy a sponge over the counter at this time in the United States. They are available in Canada at drug stores.
## Footnote
*Updated Oct 2025*
28
Why does a woman who has previously been pregnant (parous) have a **higher failure rate** when using a diaphragm, cervical cap or sponge?
**Because the cervix has been stretched** and sperm is more likely to get through.
29
What is **natural family planning**?
A **non-pharmacological and non-invasive** technique to avoid pregnancy.
30
What is the **calendar method** or **rhythm method** of natural family planning?
A method used to either avoid pregnancy or get pregnant by knowing when ovulation is occurring.
31
When is the calendar method (rhythm method) **most reliable**?
When the woman has a **regular menstrual cycle**.
32
If using the calendar method (rhythm method), and the woman has a 28 day menstrual cycle, when does the woman have a **low** risk of getting pregnant?
Day 1-7 and Day 21-28
## Footnote
**Day 1 is the first day of bleeding in a menstrual cycle.**
33
If using the calendar method (rhythm method), and the woman has a 28 day menstrual cycle, when does the woman have a **high risk** of getting pregnant?
Day 9-17
## Footnote
*Ovulation occurs at about day 14.*
34
When is a woman at **high risk** of getting pregnant in regard to cervical mucus?
When the cervical mucus is **clear and very stretchy**.
## Footnote
*This allows the sperm to more easily enter through the cervix.*
35
What is the **lactational amenorrheic method** of preventing pregnancy?
This method is used when the woman **exclusively breastfeeds**, which prevents ovulation.
36
When is the lactational amenorrheic method of pregnancy most **effective**?
* during the first 6 months of breastfeeding
* when the woman exclusively breastfeeds
* when the baby breastfeeds at least once every 6 hours
37
When is a woman at high risk of getting pregnant in regard to **body temperature**?
If the woman's **body temperature drops and then quickly increases**.
## Footnote
*This means that ovulation is most likely occurring.*
38
When checking for ovulation, what type of **thermometer** is used to measure body temperature?
Basal body thermometer
39
When is **temperature obtained** when doing basal body temperature monitoring for ovulation?
**Every morning**, before getting out of bed.
40
What is the **withdrawal method** of birth control?
When the penis is removed from the vagina **before ejaculation occurs**.
41
Why is the withdrawal method of birth control **unreliable**?
There can be millions of sperm in the **pre-ejaculate fluid**.
42
What are the **hormonal types** of birth control?
1. certain IUDs
2. patch
3. injection
4. ring
5. oral contraceptives (pills)
6. implant
43
Where on the **body** do oral contraceptives, injection, patch and implants work in order to prevent pregnancy?
In the **ovaries** by interfering with hormone production.
44
Where on the **body** do IUDs (intrauterine device) work in order to prevent pregnancy?
In the **uterus**.
45
How do IUDs **work** to prevent pregnancy?
IUDs cause **local absorption of hormones** which causes the uterine lining to become **atrophic** and decreases the flow of blood. This makes it hard for the egg to implant into the uterine wall.
46
How does a **cervical ring** work to prevent pregnancy?
The cervical ring goes under the cervix and causes the **cervical mucus to become thick** so the sperm can't travel well into the uterine cavity.
47
What **2 hormones** are in the combined oral contraceptive?
1. progestin
2. estrogen
48
How does **progestin and estrogen** work to prevent pregnancy?
Increased progestin and estrogen prevents the HPO cycle from starting.
## Footnote
*The HPO cycle are the steps that make ovulation occur.*
49
Why is progestin and estrogen (hormonal contraceptives) so **effective** at preventing pregnancy?
* Progestin **thins the lining of the uterus** (fetus can't implant)
* Estrogen causes **thickening of cervical mucus** (sperm can't get through)
* Both progestin and estrogen work on the pituitary to **suppress LH and FSH** in the ovaries (prevents ovulation)
50
What are the **contraindications** for taking progestin and estrogen for birth control?
* migraines with aura
* uncontrolled hypertension
* history of DVT/PE
* smoking
## Footnote
*There is an increase in stroke and clots.*
51
How **late** can a client be in taking a combined oral contraceptive and have it still work?
They can be **24 hours late** and the oral contraceptive will still work.
52
What hormone is in the **mini** oral contraceptive pill?
Progestin only
## Footnote
*Safe for breastfeeding and estrogen-averse.*
53
At what **time of day** does the the mini pill (progestin only) need to be taken in order to work?
It needs to be taken at the **exact same time every day** or else it doesn't work.
54
What types of cancer/cysts/fibroids is there a **decreased risk** of getting when taking oral contraceptives?
* breast cancer
* endometrial cancer
* ovarian cancer
* fewer uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts
55
What benefits occur with the **menstrual cycle** when taking oral contraceptives?
* more predictable
* less bleeding (and less anemia)
* less dysmenorrhea (painful periods)
56
What benefit occurs with **PMS** (premenstrual syndrome) when taking oral contraceptives?
PMS is less severe.
57
What benefit occurs with the **skin and hair** when taking oral contraceptives?
There is less acne and hirsutism.
58
What diseases is there a **decreased risk** of getting when taking oral contraceptives?
* Rheumatoid arthritis
* Osteoporosis
59
Where is the contraceptive patch **placed** on the body?
* upper body
* lower abdomen
* buttocks
60
Where should the contraceptive patch **never** be placed?
Never place on the breasts.
61
How does the **contraceptive patch** work?
Progestin and estrogen is absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the skin.
62
How **often** is a contraceptive patch placed?
* A patch is placed once a week for 3 weeks
* Then week 4 is no patch which is when the menstrual period starts
63
How does the **contraceptive ring** work?
The ring is placed directly into the vagina and **progestin and estrogen** is absorbed directly.
64
How **long** is a contraceptive ring kept in the body?
* The ring is placed and kept inserted for 3 weeks
* Then week 4 the ring is removed which is when the menstrual period starts
65
What is **emergency contraception**?
A method that's used to **prevent pregnancy** from starting.
## Footnote
*It is not for routine use.*
66
Why would **emergency contraception** be used?
1. original contraception failed
2. rape
3. other personal reasons
67
**When** does emergency contraception need to be used?
Within **72 hours** of unprotected intercourse.
## Footnote
*The sooner that it's taken, the more effective it is.*
68
When using emergency contraception what is the risk of pregnancy **reduced** by?
Risk of pregnancy is reduced by **80%**.
69
What are the **types** of emergency contraception?
* oral contraceptives
* copper IUD
70
What are **Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives**?
| (LARC)
LARCs are contraceptives that are **used for a long time**, but can be removed so that the client can become fertile again.
71
What are **3 types** of long-acting reversible contraceptives?
1. IUDs (intrauterine device)
2. injections
2. implants
72
Where is the **contraceptive implant** usually placed?
## Footnote
*The implant is also known as Nexplanon®.*
In the **arm**.
73
What **hormone** is in the contraceptive implant?
Progestin only
## Footnote
*Safe for breastfeeding and estrogen-averse.*
74
How **long** can a contraceptive implant be kept in the arm?
3-5 years
75
What is the **failure rate** for a contraceptive implant?
0.5% failure rate
76
What are the **3 types** of IUDs?
1. Mirena® (hormonal)
2. Skyla® (hormonal)
3. Paragard® (non-hormonal)
77
Where is an IUD **placed**?
In the **uterus**
78
How **long** does the IUD stay in the uterus?
**3-6 years** (depending on the type)
79
What **hormone** is in the Mirena IUD?
Levonorgestrel
| (a type of progestin)
## Footnote
*Mirena® IUD is also known as levonorgestrel IUD.*
80
If a woman is breastfeeding can they have an Mirena IUD placed?
Yes, Mirena IUD is safe for breastfeeding because there is no estrogen in it.
## Footnote
*Estrogen can suppress milk supply.*
81
What is the **failure rate** of Mirena® IUD?
Less than 1%
## Footnote
*A very low failure rate!*
82
Are there any hormones in a copper IUD?
## Footnote
*Brandname of the copper IUD is Paragard®.*
No!
## Footnote
*A copper IUD is hormone-free.*
83
How **long** is the copper IUD good for?
Up to 10 years!
84
Can the copper IUD be used as an **emergency contraceptive**?
Yes
85
What are the **disadvantages** of using a copper IUD?
Because there are no hormones:
* no menstrual cycle control
* heavier bleeding can occur
86
What **hormone** is in the injection shot contraceptive?
## Footnote
*This is also known as the Depo shot.*
Progestin only
## Footnote
*Because there is no estrogen, this is good for someone who is breastfeeding.*
87
How **often and where** is the injection shot contraceptive given?
Once every 3 months by intramuscular route.
88
What will the client get before every contraceptive injection shot (or any hormonal contraceptive)?
A **pregnancy test** to make sure they are not pregnant before getting the shot (or the hormonal contraception).
89
What are **2 permanent** contraceptive options?
1. Female sterilization (tubal occlusion)
2. Male sterilization (vasectomy)
90
What is a **tubal occlusion**?
When the fallopian tubes are **cut, tied or, burned** as a surgical procedure to prevent sperm and an egg from meeting.
91
How **long** does it take for a tubal occlusion to be effective in order to prevent pregnancy?
**Immediately** after the surgery.
92
What is the **failure rate** for tubal occlusion?
Less than 1%
## Footnote
*There is still a chance of pregnancy.*
93
What is a **vasectomy**?
When the **vas deferens is cut** to prevent the sperm from reaching the urethra.
94
How **long** is the wait before all the sperm is cleared out after a vasectomy and pregnancy is no longer likely to occur?
Up to 12 weeks!
95
What is the **failure rate** for a vasectomy?
0.15% failure rate
96
If sexually active, what are the **best** methods to prevent pregnancy?
* IUD
* implant
* sterilization
97
What is the **#1 way** to prevent pregnancy and STIs (sexually transmitted infections)?
Abstinence
| (not having any type of sex at all)
98
What **contraceptives** prevent STIs?
male or female **condoms**
99
What contraception can you **buy at the store** and do not need a prescription?
condoms
Nursing Reproductive Health
flashcards
Decks in class (4)
# Cards
