Understanding Contraception

Information about the most common methods of birth control for

administrative staff in healthcare settings

Introduction

• From the very first interaction, the patient should know that her contraceptive knowledge and choice is our priority

• Each staff member plays an important role in a woman’s contraceptive visit and should have a working knowledge of all forms of birth control

• “Know what you don’t know”—refer patient to counselor or clinician if she asks you a question beyond your training level

Hi! I’d like to make an

appointment to get on birth

control.

Okay, so you’re interested in getting

on the pill…let me see when we can get you

in…

PATIENT

MEDICAL RECEPTIONIST

One assumption could affect her entire family planning visit!

Objectives

Equip administrative staff with working knowledge of contraception by:

• Reviewing the most common, reversible contraceptive methods

• Preparing them for frequently asked questions about each method

Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC)

• Most effective reversible contraception

• Over 99% effective, or 3 out of 1000 women will get pregnant in the first year

• Includes 2 intrauterine devices (IUDs) and a subdermal arm implant

• Fertility returns once device is removed

• Considered first-line options for all women, including teens

Hormonal IUD (Mirena®)

• Over 99% effective• Inserted by a clinician into uterus• Lasts up to 5 years—can have it removed sooner• T-shaped device made out of plastic• Releases small dose of the hormone progestin primarily

into the uterus • May experience some irregular bleeding

– Greatest 3-6 months after insertion– After this time, periods become much lighter, much shorter– 20% of women stop having their period after the first year

A Sample of Frequently Asked Questions: Hormonal IUD

Question Answer

I’ve never been pregnant before. Can I still use an IUD?

Absolutely! Many women who have never been pregnant use IUDs. At the time of your visit you and your clinician can decide if the IUD is a good method for you.

Can I use tampons with an IUD?

Sure. We encourage women to wait 24 hours after their IUD insertion to use tampons. This will allow some time for the strings to soften and make it less likely for the accidental removal of your IUD.

Is it safe to stop having a period with the hormonal IUD ?

It is completely healthy and safe to stop having a period when using the hormonal IUD. This IUD makes the uterine lining very thin; there is nothing built up that needs to shed

Non-Hormonal IUD (Copper IUD or ParaGard®)

• Over 99% effective • Inserted by a clinician into uterus• Lasts for up to 10 years-can have it removed sooner• T-shaped device made out of plastic and copper—

contains no hormones• May experience some spotting for the first few months

after insertion• Some women experience heavier or crampier periods

– Greatest 3-6 months after insertion– May get better over time

A Sample of Frequently Asked Questions: Copper IUD

Question Answer

How soon after the copper IUD is placed is it effective?

The copper IUD is effective immediately once it is placed. That’s why it can also be used as emergency contraception. However, many clinicians recommend using a condom during the first 21 days after insertion to prevent infection. In fact, barrier methods like condoms are always recommended to prevent infection.

It’s been a month and I’m having heavy, crampy periods. Is there anything I can do?

You can take over-the-counter ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) or Naprosyn(Anaprox or Aleve) to help with the cramping. Feel free to give us a call back if that doesn’t help.

Will my partner feel the strings during sex?

The strings usually get soft and lay next to your cervix so it should not be a problem for you or your partner during sex.

Implant (Implanon®/Nexplanon®)

• Over 99% effective • A small single rod, about the size of a matchstick,

placed by a clinician on underside of arm• Releases the hormone progestin• Unable to see the rod, should be able to feel it• Lasts up to 3 years—can have it removed sooner• May experience irregular bleeding– some women have irregular bleeding for a month, six

months, a year, or even the entire three years – some women have no bleeding at all– Unable to predict who will experience irregularity

A Sample of Frequently Asked Questions: Implant

Question Answer

I just had my implant placed. How long do I need to use a condom for back up

protection ?

You should use a back up method of birth control for a week after getting the implant placed. Remember, the implant will not protect you from sexually transmitted infections, so you can continue to use condoms for protection from sexually transmitted infections.

Why an I having all of this irregular bleeding?

It can be normal to experience irregular bleeding with the implant. This method releases a small amount of progesterone that keeps the lining of the uterus thin. Although it may be somewhat annoying, it is not harmful. If the bleeding persists for a long time and is bothersome, discuss this with your clinician. There are some medications that may help.

Will people know I’m using the implant?The implant is about the size of a matchstick. You should be able to feel the implant under your skin but you usually can’t see it. Most likely, no one will know unless you tell them.

Birth control shot (Depo-Provera®)• 94% effective, meaning that 6 out

of 100 women will become pregnant in the first year with typical use

• Shot given in muscle of butt or arm• Must be given every 3 months by

health care provider• May experience some irregular

bleeding – usually improves after third injection– 50% of women stop having their period

after the first year

A Sample of Frequently Asked Questions: Birth Control Shot

Question Answer

I just had my first birth control shot. How long do I need to use a condom for back up protection?

You should use condoms for a week after getting your shot. Remember, the shot will not protect you from sexually transmitted infections, so you can continue to use condoms for protection from sexually transmitted infections.

My mom said it is not safe to not have a period. My body needs to clean itself out.

It is completely healthy and safe not to have a period when using the birth control shot or “Depo.” The shot makes the lining of your uterus very thin, so there is nothing built up that needs to shed.

How often do I need to return to get a shot?

You should return to the clinic every 3 months (12-14 weeks) to get your shot.

Pills, Patch, and Vaginal Ring• 91% effective, meaning that 9 out of

100 women will become pregnant in the first year with typical use

• Combined hormonal contraceptives—contain both estrogen and progestin

• Side effects may include the following: – nausea– headache– moodiness– breast tenderness

Combined HormonalBirth Control Pills

• Contains the hormones estrogen and progestin• To be most effective, a pill needs to be taken every

day at the same time• On the 4th week, a woman takes a row of placebo

pills—this is the week a woman has her period

Patch (Ortho-Evra®)

• Apply the patch on the skin of the upper arm, shoulder, upper back, abdomen, hip or buttock. Do not place on genitals or breasts

• Replace patch on the same day of every week• Don’t wear a patch on the 4th week—this is the

week a woman will have her period • Should check it every day for placement

Vaginal Ring (NuvaRing®)

• Inserted by patient high into vagina. • Leave in for 3 weeks then remove for the 4th week—

this is the week a woman will have her period• Comfortable for both partners during sex• May remove for up to 3 hours in a 24-hour period

then rinse off with cool water and reinsert

A Sample of Frequently Asked Questions: Pills, Patch and Ring

Question Answer

I just started my pill/patch/ring. How long do I need to use a condom for back up protection?

You should use a back up method of birth control for a week after starting your method. Remember, these methods will not protect you from sexually transmitted infections, so you can continue to use condoms for protection from sexually transmitted infections.

What should I do if I miss a pill?

You should take the pill as soon as you remember and use a back up method for seven days. If you had sex and did not use a condom, you may want to consider taking emergency contraception.

Progestin-Only Pills

• 91% effective, meaning that 9 out of 100 women will become pregnant in the first year with typical use

• Contains the single hormone progestin• To be most effective, a pill needs to be taken every

day at the same• Take an active pill every day of the month• If you are 3 or more hours late taking your pill, you

must use a back-up method, such as condoms for 48 hours

A Sample of Frequently Asked Questions: Progestin-Only Pills

Question Answer

Will I be able to predict or schedule my bleeding times?

Probably not. You may experience irregular bleeding with POPs, such as spotting in between periods, or may stop having your period altogether. This is completely normal.

How do I take a POP?

You should use a back up method of birth control , such as condoms, for a week after starting POPs. With POPs it is also important to take the pill at the same time every day to make it most effective. You also will not have a “pill –free” week or a placebo week. When you finish with one pack you simply start another pack. If you are late taking you POP or if you miss a day, take a pill when you remember, take your next pill on time, and use a back-up method of birth control for one week.

Condoms

• 82% effective meaning 18 out of 100 women will become pregnant the first year with typical use

• Only use one condom at a time• Never use the same condom twice• Always look for an expiration date • Never use an expired condom• Can be purchased without a prescription• Only method that protects against STIs

A Sample of Frequently Asked Questions: Condoms

Question Answer

What can I do if I’m allergic to latex? You can use latex-free condoms or female condoms.

The condom broke when we were having sex. What should we do?

You can take emergency contraception up to five days after an act of unprotected sex, although the sooner you take it the better. You may also want to make an appointment to get tested for sexually transmitted infections.

Emergency Contraception (EC)• Two types

– EC Pills (Examples include; Plan B®, Next Choice®, ella®)• Plan B® or Next Choice® available over the counter • ella® available with a prescription

– Copper IUD (ParaGard®)• needs to be inserted by a clinician

• Pills most effective when taken ASAP after unprotected sex– can be taken as much as 120 hours or 5 days after

• Copper IUD can be placed up to 5 days after unprotected sex and can continue to use as highly effective contraception

A Sample of Frequently Asked Questions:Emergency Contraception

Question Answer

Is emergency contraception the same as the abortion pill?

No, emergency contraceptive pills prevent or delay the release of an egg, and thus prevent the sperm and egg from coming together (or fertilization). Emergency contraceptive pills will not harm a pregnancy that has already occurred.

Where can I get emergency contraception? Anyone can purchase emergency contraceptive pills without a prescription from a pharmacy.

When should I take emergency contraception?

You can take emergency contraception up to five days after an act of unprotected sex, although the sooner you take it the better. The copper IUD is actually the most effective form of emergency contraception. The copper IUD can be placed up to five days after unprotected sex and you can continue to use it to provide highly effective contraception.

Hi! I’d like to make an appointment to

get on birth control.

Great! In our practice, we make sure women are aware of all of

their birth control options, especially the most effective,

reversible long-acting methods, which includes 2 IUDs and the

implant. Let’s get you scheduled for your appointment with our

contraceptive counselor.

PATIENTMEDICAL RECEPTIONIST

One informed statement can affect her entire family planning visit!