Contraceptives Overview and Client Assessment

Contraceptives Overview

• Contraceptives, or birth control methods, prevent or reduce the likelihood of pregnancy.
• They work by inhibiting ovulation, blocking fertilization, or hindering implantation of a fertilized egg.
• Pregnancy tests are necessary to confirm that a woman is not pregnant before starting contraceptives.

Client Assessment

• Assess obstetric history, past sexually transmitted diseases, and previous pregnancy outcomes.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of past family planning methods used.
• Discuss and understand the client's needs, preferences, and feelings about family planning.
• Gather information on sexual practices, frequency, number of partners, and allergies to latex.

Natural Family Planning Methods

• Natural methods avoid chemicals or foreign devices, appealing to those with religious beliefs or cost concerns.
• Abstinence: Total abstention from sexual intercourse, with a 0% failure rate; most effective against STIs but has low compliance.

Calendar Method (Rhythm Method)

• Involves avoiding intercourse during fertile days calculated from a recorded menstrual cycle (3–4 days pre and post-ovulation).
• Ideal fail rate: 5%; typical fail rate: 25%.

Basal Body Temperature (BBT) Method

• Requires daily morning temperature measurements; significant rise indicates ovulation.
• Abstain from intercourse for three days post-ovulation.
• Ideal fail rate: 9%; typical fail rate: 25%.

Cervical Mucus Method

• Relies on the observation of cervical mucus, which becomes thin and slippery during ovulation.
• Abstinence required during fertile mucus days.
• Typical fail rate: 25%.

Symptothermal Method

• Combines BBT and cervical mucus observation.
• Abstain for three days after temperature rise or peak mucus change.
• Ideal fail rate: 2%.

Ovulation Detection

• Over-the-counter kits detect luteinizing hormone surge 12–24 hours before ovulation.
• Accuracy rate: 98%–99%.

Lactation Amenorrhea Method

• Exclusive breastfeeding can suppress ovulation.
• Not effective if breastfeeding is not exclusive; needs alternative methods after three months.

Coitus Interruptus (Withdrawal)

• The male withdraws before ejaculation but has a 75% effectiveness due to pre-ejaculate fluid containing sperm.

Hormonal Contraceptives

• Alter menstrual cycle hormones to prevent ovulation.

Oral Contraceptives

• Contain estrogen and progesterone; must be taken consistently.
• Initial 7 days require backup contraception if started mid-cycle.
• Side effects: nausea, weight gain, headaches, and more.
• Contraindications include breastfeeding, age over 35, certain medical conditions.

Transdermal Patch

• Patch delivers hormones through the skin for three weeks, with a week for menstruation.
• Worn on clean, dry skin and can withstand bathing/swimming.

Vaginal Ring

• Silicon ring releasing hormones for three weeks; inserted vaginally and removed for menstrual cycle.
• Effectiveness similar to oral contraceptives.

Subdermal Implants

• Rod implants under the skin lasting 3–5 years; effectiveness near 99%.

Hormonal Injections (Depo Provera)

• Administered every 12 weeks; provides almost 100% effectiveness.
• Risk of decreased bone density; calcium intake and exercise advised.

Intrauterine Device (IUD)

• T-shaped device preventing fertilization; effective for 5–7 years and requires professional fitting.
• Monthly checks on menstruation flow and string position are necessary.

Chemical Barriers

• Such as spermicides, which only kill sperm and can’t prevent STIs; ideal fail rate of 80%.

Diaphragm

• Rubber disk fitted over the cervix must be used with spermicide; ideal fail rate: 6%.

Cervical Cap

• Similar to diaphragm but stays in place for up to 48 hours.

Male Condoms

• Latex or synthetic sheath preventing sperm entry and can prevent STIs; ideal fail rate: 2%, typical fail rate: 15%.

Female Condoms

• Designed for women, pre-lubricated and disposable; fail rate: 12%–22%.

Surgical Methods

• Highly effective surgical birth control methods include vasectomy for men and tubal ligation for women.
• Vasectomy: Ties or cuts vas deferens with 99.5% effectiveness; temporary backup contraception advised.
• Tubal Ligation: Occludes fallopian tubes with similar effectiveness; menstrual cycles continue.

Conclusion

• Various contraceptive methods empower individuals to make responsible family planning choices, essential for managing population growth.

This quiz provides an overview of contraceptives and their mechanisms in preventing pregnancy. Additionally, it covers important aspects of client assessment, including obstetric history and previous pregnancy outcomes. Test your knowledge on these essential topics in reproductive health.