Contraception Treatments, Essay Example

Introduction

The 25 year-old female presented in the case study is likely to seek a birth control method that will enable her to experience fewer and less frequent cramping episodes around and during the time of her period. This is perhaps the most important criteria for birth control because it provides her with a means of alleviating her cramps, which have become increasingly difficult to manage and appear to be worsening over time. Given the fact that that she has presented with a normal gynecologic exam and currently has a single sex partner, the most appropriate method is an intrauterine contraceptive known as Mirena (Mirena-us.com, 2014). This device, also known as an intrauterine device (IUD) is used to reduce cramping and to improve periods (Mirena-us.com, 2014). The device, which is inserted into the uterus, may be placed for up to a five-year period and provides contraceptive protection for as long as needed (Mayo Clinic, 2014). If the female sought to become pregnant in the future, the device may be removed and fertility will return at a normal rate (Mayo Clinic, 2014).

Analysis

Educating the female regarding this contraceptive method is important because it will provide her with the benefits of the method, as well as its disadvantages. The primary benefits include no change to existing hormone levels, and women are not required to remember to take oral birth control pills on a daily basis (Planned Parenthood, 2014). Furthermore, this form of contraception is likely to be over 99 percent effective in protecting women against the risk of pregnancy (Planned Parenthood, 2014). These factors are relevant because they support the choice of Mirena as a viable form of birth control, not only to prevent pregnancy, but also to lighten periods and reduce the incidence of cramping for many women who experience heavy cramps (Planned Parenthood, 2014).

Nonetheless, Mirena must be used with caution, due to possible side effects, which may include possible drug interactions with insulin and Coumadin, along with abdominal pain, ovarian cysts, possible headache, and depression or mood swings (RxList, 2014). It is also important to note that some patients may experience severe abdominal pain that may represent a tubal pregnancy, for which immediate medical attention must be sought (RxList, 2014). Therefore, these possible side effects should be explained to the patient so that she is aware of them before making the final decision to use Mirena. However, in spite of these side effects, this form of birth control is generally safe and effective for many patients who seek to alleviate cramping and have lighter periods in the future.

Conclusion

For the selected case study patient, it is important to provide her with the options that will best suit her health situation and specific needs in a birth control method. Therefore, the patient must be provided with the resources that are necessary to make an informed decision that will have a positive impact her birth control choices. Mirena is the most viable option for the patient because her cramping experiences have become increasingly difficult to manage and require a form of treatment that will enable the patient to experience a greater quality of life. This is likely to be a key factor in choosing Mirena as a viable birth control option for the patient, in spite of its side effects. It is important to keep the client well-informed regarding this birth control method and to monitor her through routine gynecological examinations in order to address any possible risks to her health that might occur in the future.

References

Mayo Clinic (2014). Mirena (hormonal IUD). Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/mirena/basics/why-its-done/prc-20012867

Mirena-us.com (2014). Frequently asked questions. Retrieved from http://www.mirena-us.com/frequently-asked-questions/

Planned Parenthood (2014). The IUD at a glance. Retrieved from http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/birth-control/iud-4245.htm

RxList.com (2014). Mirena side effects center. Retrieved from http://www.rxlist.com/mirena-side-effects-drug-center.htm