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Medication Management, Women's Health
Novel treatment paradigms for oral contraception
The oral contraceptive pill (OCP) is the most commonly used method of contraception and may also be prescribed for a range of other indications. The combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP), containing both oestrogen and progestogen is highly effective but may be associated with a range of adverse effects. The traditional progestogen only pill (POP) is […]
DURATION
1 hr
PROFESSION
Physician
# OF CREDITS
2
ACCREDITATION
RACGP CPD Program
EXPIRY DATE
2022-12-31
The oral contraceptive pill (OCP) is the most commonly used method of contraception and may also be prescribed for a range of other indications.
The combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP), containing both oestrogen and progestogen is highly effective but may be associated with a range of adverse effects. The traditional progestogen only pill (POP) is generally associated with fewer adverse effects but the window of opportunity for taking a missed pill is shorter than for the COCP (3 hour versus 24 hours). The new POP formulation, drospirenone, has a 24 hour window for taking a missed pill and has shown efficacy while being associated with minimal adverse effects.
Most women in Australia access contraception via their GPs. As such, GPs have an important role to play in providing patients with information about the available contraceptive options, while individualising prescriptions appropriately and providing guidance to optimise OCP efficacy.
This educational activity was developed by MDBriefCase at the request, and with funding from Besins.
Faculty
Professor Rodney Baber AM
Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (USYD)
Sydney, New South Wales
Dr Therese Foran
Sexual Health Physician
Sydney, New South Wales
Learning objectives
Upon completion of this continuing education program participants will be better able to:
- Describe the mechanism of action of different oral hormonal contraceptive agents
- Outline the differences between the combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP) and the progestogen only pill (POP)
- Identify patients for whom a POP would be appropriate
- Review the options within the class of POP contraceptives
- Counsel patients about contraindications and risk profiles of different oral hormonal contraceptives
Accreditation
This Active Learning Module has been approved by RACGP CPD Program for 2 CPD points.
Activity no. 315257