8.12 Spotlight Application

Sierra is a 30-year-old female who visits the women’s health clinic seeking information on long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) options. Sierra is interested in exploring reliable contraceptive methods that offer extended coverage without daily maintenance. In discussing her contraceptive needs further, Sierra reveals that her irregular menstrual cycles have been a source of frustration, causing occasional disruptions to her daily activities. She expresses concerns about unpredictable bleeding patterns and severe dysmenorrhea during her periods, impacting her overall quality of life. Sierra, otherwise healthy, maintains an active lifestyle and is not currently taking any medications.

Sierra states she is considering intrauterine contraception and wants to understand her options.

Reflective Question: Compare the mechanisms of action, duration of effectiveness, and potential side effects of LNG-IUCs (e.g., Mirena) and copper-containing IUCs (e.g., Paragard). How might the differences in these devices align with Sierra’s contraceptive needs and concerns about irregular bleeding?

Sierra states she is also considering contraceptive implants.

Reflective Question: Compare the mechanism of action, duration of effectiveness, and potential side effects of Nexplanon with those of intrauterine contraception devices. How might these differences influence Sierra’s decision-making process, given her concerns about menstrual irregularities?