Short-term contraceptive methods

Short-term hormonal contraceptives

Before initiating hormonal contraceptives:

• Check blood pressure

• Perform vaginal examination (to check normal size of uterus)

• Check for contraindications such as deep vein thrombosis

Follow up:

• Instruct women to always inform the doctor or nurse that they are on contraceptives while attending clinic or hospital

• Women on oral contraceptives need regular physical check-ups including blood pressure measurement every six months

• Check blood sugar and hypertension every six months

Withdrawal of contraceptives is needed in:

• Pregnancy

• Severe headaches especially associated with visual disturbances

• Numbness or paresis of extremities

• Unexplained chest pain or shortness of breath

• Severe leg pains

• Deep vein thrombosis

Recommended short-term hormonal contraceptives

• Ethinyloestradiol + norgestrel (FDC) (PO) 0.03 mg / 0.3 mg 24 hourly

  
  

  OR

• Ethinyloestradiol + levonorgestrel (FDC) (PO) 0.03 mg / 0.15 mg 24 hourly

  
  

  OR

• Ethinyloestradiol + desogestrel (FDC) (PO) 0.03 mg / 0.15 mg 24 hourly

  
  

  OR

• Medroxyprogesterone acetate (IM) 150 mg every three months

  
  

  OR

• Levonorgestrel (PO) 0.03 mg 24 hourly

Important notes

• Take the first pill on the 5th day of menstruation and then continue every day without interruptions

• Avoid use in women with severe hypertension and women without proven fertility

Post-coital contraception

Applicable mostly after rape and unprotected sexual intercourse where pregnancy is not desired. Within 3 days (72 hours) of unprotected sexual intercourse, give:

• Levonorgestrel (PO) 1.5 mg stat

  
  

  OR

• Levonorgestrel (PO) 0.75 mg 12 hourly, 2 doses

  
  

  OR

• Copper T 380A intrauterine contraceptive device may also be used

Important note

• Emergency contraception should not be used as a routine method of contraception

• Clients should be advised to use regular effective contraceptive methods of their choice

Barrier methods (condoms)

• Male condoms

• Female condoms

Correct use of both male and female condoms is required with every act of sexual intercourse for greatest effectiveness.

Important note

Condoms are the only contraceptives that can protect against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.