ABOG Complex Family Planning key terms

The proportion of people using a contraceptive method who become pregnant during the first year of use when the method is used inconsistently or incorrectly in real-world conditions.

Contraceptive methods-intrauterine devices and subdermal implants-that provide continuous pregnancy prevention without requiring user action and have high effectiveness across typical use.

A single-rod subdermal implant that releases etonogestrel for up to three years, primarily inhibiting ovulation; insertion and removal require a trained clinician and local anesthesia.

An intrauterine device whose copper surface creates a spermicidal inflammatory environment; it prevents pregnancy for up to ten years and can serve as emergency contraception.

An intrauterine system that releases levonorgestrel, thickening cervical mucus and thinning the endometrium; available in several doses and durations and also treats heavy menstrual bleeding.

A daily pill containing an estrogen and a progestin that prevents ovulation mainly by suppressing gonadotropin secretion; it also thickens cervical mucus and thins the endometrium.

An oral contraceptive containing only a progestin; it prevents pregnancy by thickening cervical mucus and, depending on formulation, inhibiting ovulation, and requires consistent daily timing.

An injectable progestin given intramuscularly or subcutaneously every twelve to thirteen weeks; it suppresses ovulation and may reduce bone mineral density while providing discreet contraception.

Methods used after unprotected intercourse to prevent pregnancy, including levonorgestrel pills, ulipristal acetate, and the copper intrauterine device; effectiveness depends on method and timing.

A protocol for initiating a hormonal contraceptive immediately, regardless of menstrual cycle day, after reasonable pregnancy testing and with instructions for backup contraception as needed.

CDC guidance that classifies medical conditions and patient characteristics into four categories to indicate whether a contraceptive method is safe to use.

A US Medical Eligibility Criteria category indicating that use of a contraceptive method poses an unacceptable health risk; the method should not be used in that condition.

Medications such as rifampin and certain anticonvulsants that speed hepatic metabolism of steroid hormones and can reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives.

A headache disorder with reversible neurologic symptoms that raises ischemic stroke risk; estrogen-containing contraceptives are generally contraindicated, while progestin-only and intrauterine methods are preferred.

A regimen using mifepristone followed by misoprostol to end an early pregnancy, usually up to ten weeks gestation, with additional misoprostol doses and follow-up as needed.

A progesterone receptor antagonist that blocks progesterone action, destabilizing an early pregnancy and increasing uterine sensitivity to prostaglandins; used for medication abortion and miscarriage management.

A synthetic prostaglandin E1 analog that causes uterine contractions and cervical ripening; used in abortion, miscarriage management, and cervical preparation before procedures.

A procedure that removes uterine contents by suction through a cannula, commonly used for first-trimester abortion and miscarriage; cervical preparation may be performed beforehand.

A second-trimester abortion procedure involving cervical preparation and removal of fetal and placental tissue with suction and instruments; it is associated with low complication rates when performed by trained clinicians.

Use of osmotic dilators or misoprostol before a procedural abortion to soften and dilate the cervix, reducing injury risk and making the procedure easier.

Provision of a contraceptive method immediately after an abortion or miscarriage, including intrauterine devices, implants, and hormonal methods, to reduce the risk of a rapid repeat pregnancy.

An abortion complicated by uterine or pelvic infection, with fever, pelvic pain, and abnormal bleeding or discharge; treatment includes antibiotics, uterine evacuation, and support for sepsis if present.

A nonviable intrauterine pregnancy before twenty weeks gestation, including embryonic or fetal demise and anembryonic gestation; management may be expectant, medical, or surgical.

Waiting for spontaneous passage of pregnancy tissue after early pregnancy loss, with follow-up to confirm completion and access to medical or surgical treatment if needed.

Using misoprostol, with or without mifepristone, to stimulate uterine contractions and expel pregnancy tissue after early pregnancy loss; follow-up confirms completion.

Generally defined as two or more failed clinical pregnancies; evaluation may include uterine anatomy, parental genetics, antiphospholipid antibodies, and other selected tests.

A pregnancy implanted outside the endometrial cavity, most often in the fallopian tube; it can rupture and cause life-threatening hemorrhage, requiring urgent treatment.

A folate antagonist used to treat selected ectopic pregnancies by inhibiting trophoblast proliferation; candidates should be hemodynamically stable with low hCG and reliable follow-up.

A positive pregnancy test without a visible intrauterine or extrauterine pregnancy on transvaginal ultrasound; serial hCG measurements help determine whether the pregnancy is viable, failing, or ectopic.

Administration of a medication such as digoxin or potassium chloride to cause fetal demise before a later abortion, often to meet legal requirements or ease the procedure.

A framework asserting the right to have children, not have children, and parent children in safe and healthy environments, while addressing structural inequities that shape reproductive autonomy.

A process of giving accurate information about benefits, risks, alternatives, and the right to refuse, then confirming that the patient voluntarily agrees to a plan.

A collaborative process in which clinicians and patients exchange information about treatment options and patient preferences and together agree on a plan of care.

A clinician's refusal to provide a legal service, such as abortion or contraception, because of moral or religious beliefs; policies must balance this against patient access and professional duties.

A federal program that funds family planning services for low-income and uninsured people; federal law prohibits use of Title X funds for abortion.

A legislative provision that bars federal funds, including Medicaid, from covering abortion except in cases of rape, incest, or endangerment of the woman's life.

The Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act requires Medicare-participating hospitals to provide stabilizing treatment for emergency medical conditions, including pregnancy emergencies that may require abortion.

An FDA-required safety program for certain medications; mifepristone's REMS requires prescriber and pharmacy certification and historically restricted dispensing, affecting access to medication abortion.