Contraception in Special Populations

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Contraception in Special Populations - Cardio Care Choices

WHO MEC: 1 (Use), 2 (Generally use), 3 (Risks > Adv.), 4 (Do not use).

ConditionCHCsPOPsDMPA Inj.ImplantsIUDs (Cu/LNG)
HTN (BP ≥160/100 mmHg)MEC 4MEC 1MEC 3MEC 1MEC 1
HTN (BP 140-159/90-99 mmHg)MEC 3MEC 1MEC 2MEC 1MEC 1
DM with vascular diseaseMEC 3/4MEC 2MEC 3MEC 2MEC 1/2
VTE (Current/History)MEC 4MEC 2MEC 3MEC 2MEC 1
IHD/Stroke (History)MEC 4MEC 2/3MEC 3MEC 2/3MEC 1/2
Complicated Valvular HDMEC 4MEC 1/2MEC 2MEC 1/2MEC 1/2/4*
Migraine with AuraMEC 4MEC 2MEC 2/3MEC 2MEC 1

WHO MEC: Contraception for Special Populations

⭐ 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) Emergency Contraception Methods Comparison, Ulipristal Acetate (UPA-EC), Copper IUD (Cu-IUD) including dose, timing, efficacy, and key considerations for NEET PG)

MethodDoseTiming (Window)EfficacyConsiderations
LNG-EC1.5 mg (or 0.75 mg x2)Up to 72-96h↓ over timeN/V; ↓ efficacy if BMI ↑
UPA-EC30 mgUp to 120h> LNGMay delay menses; hormonal contraception interaction
Cu-IUDInserted by MDUp 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.

Practice Questions: Contraception in Special Populations

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Flashcards: Contraception in Special Populations

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Absolute contraindications to combined oral contraceptive use: Undiagnosed _____ bleeding

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Absolute contraindications to combined oral contraceptive use: Undiagnosed _____ bleeding

vaginal

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