Contraceptive Care Specialty Pharmacist Module One: Female Reproductive Physiology

In this module of “A Pharmacist’s Guide to the Safe and Effective Management of Contraceptive Care,” the anatomy and physiology of the female reproductive system will be examined. Knowledge of this system will allow for recognition of the specific action sites of the available contraceptive methods as well as the etiology behind adverse effects and contraindications. The functions of the reproductive organs, the menstrual cycle, and the processes of fertilization and implantation will be reviewed. Finally, the hormonal changes occurring during pregnancy are discussed to allow for the pharmacist to have a complete knowledge of the process of not only contraception but conception.