Who s The Daddy? What You Should Know About OTC Contraception By: Vona Broughton, BS Public Health & Kevin McCarthy, RPH This program has been brought to you by PharmCon PharmCon is accredited by the accreditation counsel for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education
Who s The Daddy? Speaker: Vona Broughton received her BS degree in Health Promotion from Coastal Carolina University in Conway, SC. She then joined PharmCon as the Assistant Director of Continuing Education, where she coordinates CE programs on location nationwide, as well as moderates CE webinar programs. Her primary interests include women's health (contraception, breast cancer as well as other cancers, menstruation), eating disorders, nutrition, as well as an array of international health issues. Speaker Disclosure: Miss Broughton has no actual or potential conflicts of interest in relation to this program. This program has been brought to you by PharmCon PharmCon is accredited by the accreditation counsel for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education Legal Disclaimer: The material presented here does not necessarily reflect the views of Pharmaceutical Education Consultants (PharmCon) or the companies that support educational programming. A qualified healthcare professional should always be consulted before using any therapeutic product discussed. Participants should verify all information and data before treating patients or employing any therapies described in this educational activity.
Who s The Daddy? Accreditation: Pharmacists 798-000-08-070-L04-P Pharmacy Technicians 798-000-08-070-L04-T Target Audience: Pharmacists & Technicians CE Credits: 1.0 Credit hour or 0.1 CEU for pharmacists/technicians Expiration Date: 8/15/2011 Program Overview: Counseling the patient who seeks advice on over the counter contraception can often result in an awkward encounter, especially if the pharmacist is not fully knowledgeable in the latest products on the market. In addition, advice and counseling on this topic must be done professionally and with sensitivity to avoid embarrassment to either party. Objectives: 1. Identify several available birth control methods, specifically over the counter options. 2. Provide an update on the birth control method options including mechanisms of action, efficacy, safety, and tolerability. 3. Describe the role pharmacists can have in identifying, educating and counseling patients seeking contraceptives. This program has been brought to you by PharmCon
Objectives: Identify several available birth control methods, specifically over the counter options. Provide an update on the birth control method options including mechanisms of action, efficacy, safety, and tolerability. Describe the role pharmacists can have in identifying, educating and counseling patients seeking contraceptives.
What Are Contraceptives? Definition: A substance or device capable of preventing pregnancy.
Note: Birth control methods are NOT substitutes for prevention methods against sexually transmitted diseases or infections. PREVENTION IS MUCH EASIER THAN A CURE!!!
Fast Facts: Some birth control methods are more effective than others. No method, other than abstinence, is 100% effective. Many factors influence effectiveness of any method available. Best method is individual choice and should be discussed with healthcare provider.
Choosing a Birth Control Method: Choose contraception like you choose a partner carefully. It is a choice know your options. Become informed about STDs and risk of pregnancy. Partners should choose together.
How Does Conception Occur? =
Busting Birth Control Myths A female can t get pregnant the first time Douching, showering, or bathing can prevent pregnancy A female cannot get pregnant if male pulls out
More Myths Busted A female can t get pregnant if she has sex during her period Birth control pills cause cancer Use saran wrap or a balloon if a condom is unavailable
Myths continued Pregnancy is prevented by jumping up and down or placing seeds in the vagina Having sex standing up works as contraceptive Not having an orgasm can be a great method of birth control The tighter the condom, the more protection
What to Consider: Frequency of sexual relations Number of partners Communication with partner Availability of options Overall health and history contraceptive family
A Few More Items to Consider Health risks & side effects Does it fit your lifestyle? What are your intentions? Your comfort level
What Are My Choices? Tubal Ligation Tubal Microinserts Male Sterilization Vaginal Sponge Male Condom Female Condom Spermicides (Vasectomy) Diaphragm Withdrawal Outercourse Cervical Cap
Failure Rates for Birth Control Methods When Used Correctly (Number of pregnancies per 100 women per year) Male condom alone 11 Female condom alone 21 Diaphragm with spermicide 17 Cervical cap with spermicide 17 to 23 Sponge with spermicide 14 to 28 Spermicide alone 20 to 50 Oral contraceptives 1 to 2 Contraceptive patch* 1 to 2 Vaginal contraceptive ring 1 to 2 Hormone shots less than 1 Hormone shots less than 1 IUD less than 1 Periodic abstinence 20 Surgical sterilization (female) less than 1 Surgical sterilization (male) less than 1 *Contraceptive patch is less effective in women weighing more than 198 pounds. Information from U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Birth Control Guide.
OTC Options: Male Condom Female Condom Spermicides Vaginal Sponge Emergency contraception
Male Condom Made of a thin sheath of latex or natural animal membrane and place over penis. Prevents pregnancy and STIs. Available readily in stores and clinics.
Advantages of Male Condom 85%- 98% effective No adverse health effects Available OTC/ low cost Easy to use Protects against diseases and pregnancies Easily reversible
Disadvantages of Male Condom Lower efficacy than other non-barrier methods Lack of spontaneity Depends on cooperation of male partner
Counseling Message Counseling on condom use should be tailored to each patient s individuals needs, risk factors, and lifestyle.
Female Condom FDA approved First woman-controlled birth control method that protects against STIs. Lubricated inside and out 79%- 92% effectiveness One time use only Do not use with male condom
Risks and Side Effects Female Condom Safe to use (better for latex allergies) Made of polyurethane Sensitivity to spermicides
Advantages of Female Condom Protects against STIs and pregnancy Available OTC Less interruption Less allergies Easily reversible
Disadvantages of Female Condom Less discreet Uncomfortable insertion Noisy Somewhat lower effectiveness than other non-hormonal methods
Counseling Message Just like any birth control method, counseling on condom use should also be tailored to each patient s individual needs, risk factors, and lifestyle.
Vaginal Sponge Covers the cervix One time use only Effective about 24 hours Risk of TSS 60%-91% effective
Risks and Side Effects of Vaginal Sponge Sensitivity to spermicide TSS if left inserted too long Yeast infection may occur Vaginal dryness
Advantages and Disadvantages of Vaginal Available OTC Relatively discreet Easily reversible Sponge Disadvantages Not for parous women Risk of TSS and yeast infection
Counseling Message This method is best for nulliparous women. Women should be aware of risk of TSS and should be counseled on protecting themselves against STIs.
Gas, foam, cream, or suppositories that kill sperm Purchased in grocery store or drug store About 70%- 75% effective used alone Often combined with other methods Spermicide
Risks and Side Effects Not effective against STDs when used alone May irritate vagina and surrounding skin Recurrent UTIs for females
Advantages and Disadvantages of Disadvantages Does not protect against STDs Messy Allergies/ irritations Spermicides Advantages Can be obtained easily Relatively discreet Easily reversible
Counseling Message Can be used alone for pregnancy prevention. Are easy to use & are available without prescription. Do not protect against STIs & can increase the risk of vulvovaginal irritation and vaginal infection.
Emergency Contraception For emergency situation only Definition Morning after pill Prevents pregnancy Rape, unplanned sex, contraception malfunction
Emergency Contraception Plan B Only Emergency Contraceptive pill in U.S. Sold to women over age 18 without prescription Sold in pharmacies and clinics without a prescription if over age 18. Reduces pregnancy risk by 75-95%
Risks and Side Effects of EC Nausea/ Vomiting Abdominal pain Fatigue Headache Tender breasts
Advantages of EC Back up plan Available OTC any time Prevents abortion/ costs less 75% -95% effective
Disadvantages of EC Under 18 needs prescription Side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and fatigue, etc. Does not prevent STDs
Counseling Message Patients need to know that emergency contraceptives are for emergency use only and should not be used on a regular basis. If problems are encountered or if questions arise about this product, physician or pharmacist should be contacted immediately.
Conclusion Choose contraception wisely Understand the facts Counseling should be tailored to individual Seek info from healthcare provider
Life is tough enough without having someone kick you from the inside. ~Rita Rudner