Methods of Contraception Made Easy (Contraceptive Methods Explained)

Summary

This video explores various contraceptive methods, categorizing them into short-term and long-term, as well as hormonal and non-hormonal options. It covers popular methods like the combined oral contraceptive pill, progesterone-only pills, intrauterine systems, and implants, detailing their mechanisms, effectiveness, and possible side effects. The video also discusses barrier methods like condoms and diaphragms, as well as natural family planning and the copper coil. The benefits, contraindications, and risks of each method are thoroughly explained to help individuals make informed decisions about contraception.

Takeaways

• 😀 Contraception methods can be divided into short-term vs long-term and hormonal vs non-hormonal options.
• 😀 Combined oral contraceptive pills (COCs) work by inhibiting ovulation and thickening cervical mucus, with a typical pregnancy rate of around 9%.
• 😀 COCs can be monophasic (same hormone dose in each pill) or phasic (varying hormone levels). They also help in treating acne and conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome.
• 😀 The mini-pill (progesterone-only pill) primarily thickens cervical mucus and thins the endometrium, with a typical pregnancy rate of 9%. It is often used for those who cannot take COCs.
• 😀 Long-acting hormonal methods include the intrauterine system (IUS), which releases progesterone to prevent conception, with pregnancy rates under 1%. It can last 3-8 years and reduce menstrual bleeding.
• 😀 The progesterone implant is another long-acting method with a 0.05% pregnancy rate, which works by inhibiting ovulation and thickening cervical mucus.
• 😀 Progesterone injections (e.g., Depo-Provera) are a long-term option given every 3 months, with a perfect use pregnancy rate of 0.2%. It may cause weight gain and bone mineral density reduction.
• 😀 Barrier methods, such as condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps, prevent sperm from reaching the cervix, with typical use pregnancy rates ranging from 12% to 21%. They also help reduce STI transmission.
• 😀 Natural family planning relies on tracking ovulation signs and has a relatively high failure rate, with a 24% pregnancy rate per year, especially in women with irregular cycles.
• 😀 The copper intrauterine device (IUD) is a non-hormonal, long-term contraceptive with less than 1% pregnancy rate, and can also serve as emergency contraception when inserted within 5 days of unprotected sex.

Q & A

What is the main distinction between short-acting and long-acting contraceptive methods?

Short-acting contraceptives require regular use (daily, weekly, or monthly), whereas long-acting contraceptives, such as IUDs and implants, provide protection for an extended period (3-10 years) with minimal user dependence.

How does the combined oral contraceptive pill work?

The combined oral contraceptive pill contains estrogen and progesterone, which inhibit ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, and alter the endometrium to prevent implantation.

What are the differences between monophasic and phasic combined oral contraceptive pills?

Monophasic pills contain the same amount of hormones in each pill, while phasic pills have varying hormone levels that need to be taken in a specific order.

What are the effectiveness rates of the combined oral contraceptive pill?

With perfect use, the combined pill has a 0.3% failure rate per year, but with typical use, the failure rate increases to around 9%.

What are some common contraindications for using the combined oral contraceptive pill?

Contraindications include a history of venous thromboembolism, migraine with aura, breast cancer, liver disease, uncontrolled hypertension, smoking over age 35, and breastfeeding within 6 months postpartum.

What is the main mechanism of action of the progesterone-only pill (mini pill)?

The progesterone-only pill works by thickening cervical mucus, making it less permeable to sperm, and thinning the endometrium, which can also prevent implantation in some cases.

What are the advantages of the progesterone-only pill?

The mini pill is suitable for individuals who cannot use combined pills, such as those with hypertension or who are breastfeeding, and offers similar effectiveness to the combined pill.

How does the intrauterine system (IUS) prevent pregnancy?

The IUS, such as the Mirena coil, works by releasing progesterone, which thickens cervical mucus and thins the endometrium, preventing implantation. It also provides long-term contraception without daily user dependence.

What are the potential side effects or risks associated with the progesterone implant?

The progesterone implant can cause changes in menstrual bleeding, increased risk of breast cancer, and is less effective in individuals weighing over 70 kg.

What is the mechanism of action of the copper intrauterine device (IUD)?

The copper IUD releases copper ions that are toxic to sperm and induce an inflammatory response in the uterus, which prevents implantation and fertilization. It is also effective for emergency contraception if inserted within 5 days after unprotected sex.

How does the progesterone injection work and how often should it be administered?

The progesterone injection works by inhibiting ovulation and thickening cervical mucus. It is administered every three months, providing long-acting contraception with no user dependence during the interval.

What are the main disadvantages of barrier contraceptive methods, such as condoms?

The main disadvantage of barrier methods is that perfect use is rarely achieved, leading to higher failure rates compared to other methods. Male condoms have a 16% failure rate with typical use, while female condoms have a 21% failure rate.

What is the effectiveness of Natural Family Planning, and who is it suitable for?

Natural Family Planning has a relatively high failure rate, with a 24% conception rate per year. It is most suitable for individuals with regular menstrual cycles, but not ideal for those with irregular cycles or those impacted by stress or illness.