Discussion About Contraception. 500 words
Posted: July 7th, 2022
Discussion About Contraception. 500 words in your initial post, 2 references in APA format 7th edition. No plagiarism, please.
Please describe a contraception of your choice, how to educate the patient regarding the contraception, and common risks (if any)
Contraception is an essential aspect of family planning, which enables individuals to prevent unwanted pregnancies and control their reproductive health. There are several types of contraception, including barrier methods, hormonal methods, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and permanent methods. In this discussion, I will focus on hormonal contraception, specifically the combination oral contraceptive pill (COCP).
The COCP is a type of hormonal contraceptive that contains a combination of estrogen and progestin hormones. It works by preventing ovulation, thickening the cervical mucus to block sperm from reaching the egg, and thinning the lining of the uterus to prevent implantation of a fertilized egg. The COCP is highly effective when taken correctly, with a failure rate of less than 1% per year.
To educate patients about the COCP, healthcare providers should discuss the benefits and risks of the medication, as well as the appropriate usage and dosing instructions. The provider should also assess the patient’s medical history to determine if the COCP is a safe and appropriate choice. Patients should be informed that the COCP does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and that a barrier method such as condoms should be used in conjunction with hormonal contraception to reduce the risk of STI transmission.
The COCP is generally safe and well-tolerated by most users, but there are some potential risks associated with its use. These risks include an increased risk of blood clots, stroke, heart attack, and breast cancer. However, the absolute risk of these complications is small and varies depending on the patient’s individual risk factors. Patients who smoke, are over the age of 35, have a history of blood clots or certain types of cancer, or have uncontrolled high blood pressure should not use the COCP.
In conclusion, the COCP is a highly effective hormonal contraceptive that can be an excellent choice for patients who are looking to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Healthcare providers should educate patients about the risks and benefits of the medication, as well as provide appropriate dosing and usage instructions. Patients should also be informed of the potential risks associated with the use of the COCP and should be screened for contraindications prior to initiating therapy. Overall, hormonal contraception is an essential tool in modern family planning that allows individuals to control their reproductive health and plan their families accordingly.
References:
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2020). Hormonal contraception. Retrieved from https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/hormonal-contraception
World Health Organization. (2019). Medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use. (5th ed.). Retrieved from https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/978-92-4-155051-2