Oral Contraception Maria G Peralta PBSC BSN Program

Oral Contraception Maria G. Peralta PBSC BSN Program March 24, 2015

Avoiding unwanted pregnancies is a smart decision. Before you become sexually active ask yourself… What oral contraception are on the market? Are there any side effects? What happens in the case of unprotected sex? Can I take an emergency oral contraceptive?

Types of oral contraceptives

Cyclessa, Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo & Yasmin These pills are taken for 28 days and then you start the new packet. The first 21 pills have the medications that deliver low dose of hormones which in turn keep you from becoming pregnant. The last 7 seven pills are placebos (they have no medication) and are taken so as to not break the habit of taking your pill every day, at the same time (Murphy, 2003).

In case of a missed dose… Possible Side effects… DO NOT PANIC: v Breast tenderness If you happen to miss your dose, read the package label for instructions. Depending on how many pills or how many times the pill was missed, there may be a need to use other contraception with these pills. v Nausea v Irregular bleeding v Menstrual cramps v Bloating v Acne v Migraines v Arterial thromboembolism v Deep vein thrombosis (Murphy, 2003)

Contraindications. Do not take if… History of: v Kidney problems v Liver dysfunction v Adrenal insufficiency v Deep Vein Thrombosis v Stroke v Breast cancer v Endometrial cancer v >35 years of age v Heavy smoker (15 cigarettes or more per day) (Murphy, 2003)

Seasonale These pills are taken for 91 days and then you start the new packet. The first 84 pills have the medications that deliver low dose of hormones which in turn keep you from becoming pregnant. The last 7 seven pills are placebos (they have no medication) and are taken so as to not break the habit of taking your pill every day, at the same time (Kartoz, 2004).

In case of missed dose… Possible Side effects… DO NOT PANIC: v Severe allergic reactions If you happen to miss your dose, read the package label for instructions. Depending on how many pills or how many times the pill was missed, there may be a need to use other contraception with these pills. v Breast discharge/lumps v Chest pain v Mood changes v Persistent vaginal spotting v Vaginal irritation/odor v Fainting v Arterial thromboembolism v Deep vein thrombosis (Kartoz, 2004)

Contraindications. Do not take if… History of: v Kidney problems v Liver dysfunction v Adrenal insufficiency v Deep Vein Thrombosis v Stroke v Breast cancer v Endometrial cancer v >35 years of age v Heavy smoker (15 cigarettes or more per day) (Murphy, 2003)

What happens in the case of unprotected sex? Can I take an emergency oral contraceptive?

Preven & Plan B These pills are taken on a specific timetable after having unprotected sex. The 1 st pill is usually taken 72 hours after sexual intercourse. These pills work to stop ovulation from occurring. These pills will not harm or abort a fertilized egg that has implanted itself into the uterine wall. (Kartoz, 2004).

Possible Side effects… v Nausea v Vomiting v Headache v Abdominal pain v Fatigue v Dizziness v Breast tenderness v Spotting v Increased or decreased menstrual flow (Kartoz, 2004)

Think about it… v Each female has the right to choose the contraception that best suits her needs. v Please visit you medical doctor or gynecologist when you decide on using oral contraceptives. v Make sure to give a thorough history of when your menstrual period started, any past or current sexual activity and any sexually transmitted diseases. v The doctor will not judge your answers; being truthful about your sexual history is very important. v Make sure to ask questions.

References Kartoz, C. R. (2004). New options for teen pregnancy prevention. The american journal of maternal/child nursing, 29(1), 30 -35. Lindberg, C. E. (2003). Emergency contraception for prevention of adolescent pregnancy. The american journal of maternal/child nursing, 28(3), 199 -2004. Murphy, P. A. (2003). New methods of hormonal contraception. The nurse practitioner, 28(2), 11 -21.