Contraception in Special Populations - Cardio Care Choices
WHO MEC: 1 (Use), 2 (Generally use), 3 (Risks > Adv.), 4 (Do not use).
| Condition | CHCs | POPs | DMPA Inj. | Implants | IUDs (Cu/LNG) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HTN (BP ≥160/100 mmHg) | MEC 4 | MEC 1 | MEC 3 | MEC 1 | MEC 1 |
| HTN (BP 140-159/90-99 mmHg) | MEC 3 | MEC 1 | MEC 2 | MEC 1 | MEC 1 |
| DM with vascular disease | MEC 3/4 | MEC 2 | MEC 3 | MEC 2 | MEC 1/2 |
| VTE (Current/History) | MEC 4 | MEC 2 | MEC 3 | MEC 2 | MEC 1 |
| IHD/Stroke (History) | MEC 4 | MEC 2/3 | MEC 3 | MEC 2/3 | MEC 1/2 |
| Complicated Valvular HD | MEC 4 | MEC 1/2 | MEC 2 | MEC 1/2 | MEC 1/2/4* |
| Migraine with Aura | MEC 4 | MEC 2 | MEC 2/3 | MEC 2 | MEC 1 |

⭐ Combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs) are WHO MEC 4 (unacceptable health risk) for women with current VTE.
Contraception in Special Populations - System Savvy Selections
- Epilepsy:
- Enzyme-inducing AEDs (phenytoin, carbamazepine) ↓ hormonal efficacy. Use DMPA, IUDs, or barrier methods.
- Lamotrigine levels ↓ by estrogen; monitor seizure control.
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE):
- APLA+ or active severe disease: Avoid estrogen-containing contraceptives (CHCs) due to thrombosis risk.
- Progestin-only pills (POPs), DMPA, implants, IUDs generally safe.
- HIV/AIDS:
- Antiretroviral therapy (ART) interactions (e.g., some PIs/NNRTIs) can alter hormonal contraceptive levels. Verify specific ART regimen.
- Dual protection (condoms + effective contraception) essential.
- Liver Disease:
- Acute or severe decompensated liver disease: Hormonal methods contraindicated (MEC 4).
- Mild, chronic stable liver disease: Most methods acceptable (MEC 1 or 2).
- Breast Cancer:
- Current or past history: All hormonal contraception contraindicated (MEC 4).
- Copper IUD is a safe, effective option.
⭐ Lamotrigine levels can be significantly ↓ by estrogen-containing contraceptives, potentially leading to loss of seizure control; dose adjustments or alternative contraception may be needed.
and Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) interactions with hormonal contraceptives including UKMEC categories for various conditions like epilepsy, HIV, liver disease)oka
Contraception in Special Populations - Age & Stage Adapters
- Adolescents: Confidentiality, consent vital. LARC suitable. Assess Tanner stage.
- Postpartum & Breastfeeding:
- Non-Breastfeeding: CHC: Avoid <21 days (↑VTE). POPs/Implants/DMPA: Immediate. IUD: <48h or >4wks.
- Breastfeeding:
- LAM: 📌 (Amenorrhea, Exclusive BF, <6mo).
- POPs/Implants/DMPA: Preferred, immediate.
- CHC: Caution <6mo (WHO 2/3); may ↓milk.
- IUD: <48h or >4wks.
⭐ Exclusively breastfeeding, <6 months postpartum: CHCs generally avoided/caution (WHO 2/3) due to milk supply effects; POPs preferred.
- Perimenopausal (>40yrs): Assess CV risk for CHCs. CHCs: vasomotor/bone benefits. Consider POPs/non-hormonal. DMPA: bone density.
Contraception in Special Populations - Backup & Beyond Basics
Emergency Contraception (EC)
, Ulipristal Acetate (UPA-EC), Copper IUD (Cu-IUD) including dose, timing, efficacy, and key considerations for NEET PG)
| Method | Dose | Timing (Window) | Efficacy | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LNG-EC | 1.5 mg (or 0.75 mg x2) | Up to 72-96h | ↓ over time | N/V; ↓ efficacy if BMI ↑ |
| UPA-EC | 30 mg | Up to 120h | > LNG | May delay menses; hormonal contraception interaction |
| Cu-IUD | Inserted by MD | Up to 5 days (120h) | >99% | Most effective; long-term; PID risk (rare) |
Post-MTP/Abortion Contraception
- Immediate start of most methods (pills, injectables, implants, IUDs) post-abortion is safe.
- Cu-IUD: Insert immediately if no sepsis or severe trauma to genital tract.
High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways
- Combined Hormonal Contraceptives (CHCs): Contraindicated in smokers >35 years, migraine with aura, uncontrolled hypertension, and history of VTE.
- Progestin-Only Pills (POPs): Preferred in breastfeeding women and those with estrogen contraindications.
- Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) (Copper/LNG): Highly effective LARCs, suitable for nulliparous and adolescents.
- Epilepsy with EIAEDs (enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs): Use Depo-Provera (DMPA) or IUDs due to ↓ CHC/POP efficacy.
- Complicated Valvular Heart Disease (VHD): Avoid CHCs; POPs or IUDs are safer alternatives.
- Emergency Contraception (EC) in obesity (BMI >25-30): Ulipristal acetate or Copper IUD preferred over levonorgestrel due to higher efficacy.
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