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Side Effects and Complications of Contraceptives

Side Effects and Complications of Contraceptives

Side Effects and Complications of Contraceptives

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Oral Contraceptives - Pill Perils & Predicaments

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Injectables & Implants - LARC Landmines & Lessons

  • DMPA (Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate)
    • SE: Menstrual irregularities (amenorrhea/spotting), weight gain, mood changes.
    • ⚠️ Reversible BMD ↓ (prolonged use > 2 yrs).
    • Delayed fertility return (avg 9-10 mo).

    ⭐ DMPA is associated with a significant delay in return to fertility (average 9-10 months). Intramuscular DMPA injection site

  • Etonogestrel Implant (e.g., Nexplanon)
    • SE: Irregular bleeding (most common), headache, acne, weight gain, local site reactions. Arm anatomy and contraceptive implant placement

IUDs - Coil Complications & Cautions

FeatureCopper IUD (Cu-IUD)Levonorgestrel IUD (LNG-IUS)
Menstrual Bleeding↑ Heavier, prolonged menses, dysmenorrhea, intermenstrual bleeding/spotting↓ Amenorrhea, oligomenorrhea, spotting (initially then ↓)
Hormonal EffectsNone systemicHeadache, acne, mood changes (less systemic than pills)
Other IssuesPID risk (highest first 20 days), expulsion, perforationFunctional ovarian cysts (usually resolve spontaneously)
  • Period late/abnormal bleeding
  • Abdominal pain, pain with intercourse
  • Infection exposure, abnormal discharge
  • Not feeling well, fever, chills
  • String missing, shorter, or longer

⭐ LNG-IUS can be used to treat heavy menstrual bleeding and provides endometrial protection.

Other Methods - Barrier Bumps & Sterilization Snags

  • Barrier Methods (Condoms, Diaphragms)
    • Issues: Local irritation, allergy (latex), UTIs (diaphragm), Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) risk (prolonged diaphragm/cap use).
  • Sterilization (Tubal Ligation, Vasectomy)
    • Issues: Surgical risks (infection, bleeding, anesthesia).
    • Failure leads to pregnancy; female sterilization failure carries high ectopic risk.

      ⭐ Failure of female sterilization carries a high risk (e.g., 30-50%) of subsequent ectopic pregnancy.

    • Post-Tubal Ligation Syndrome (PTLS): Menstrual changes, pelvic pain.
    • Post-Vasectomy Pain Syndrome (PVPS): Chronic testicular pain.
  • Emergency Contraception (EC)
    • Issues: Nausea, vomiting, headache, fatigue, menstrual irregularities (spotting, changed timing).

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • OCPs/CHCs: Key risks: venous thromboembolism (VTE), hypertension. Avoid in smokers >35 (↑ arterial thrombosis).
  • Progestin-only Pills (POPs): Irregular bleeding common; risk of functional ovarian cysts.
  • DMPA (Injectable): Causes weight gain, delayed fertility return, ↓ bone mineral density (long-term).
  • Implants: Main side effect: irregular menstrual bleeding.
  • Copper IUDs: Cause heavier menses, dysmenorrhea; ↑ PID risk (insertion).
  • Levonorgestrel IUDs: Initially irregular bleeding, then amenorrhea; may cause ovarian cysts.

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