2.4 - The artificial control of fertility

Question 1

What two hormones might the contraceptive pill (oral contraceptive) contain?

Answer 1

Oestrogen and progesterone

Question 2

What is the advantage of progesterone-only contraceptive pills?

Answer 2

They have fewer side effectd

Question 3

How does the contraceptive pill prevent pregnancy?

Answer 3

It inhibits (prevents) the production of FSH so no eggs mature

Question 4

In what circumstance would a woman have fertility treatment?

Answer 4

If she could not produce mature eggs

Question 5

What two hormones are given in fertility treatment and why?

Answer 5

FSH, which causes eggs to mature, and LH, which stimulates ovulation

Question 6

What are two advantages to contraceptive pills?

Answer 6

• They can help to reduce family size and therefore reduce poverty in some areas
• They allow women to plan their pregnancies

Question 7

What are two disadvantages to contraceptive pills?

Answer 7

• They can cause side effects

- Some people objects to their use for religious and ethical reasons

Question 8

What are two advantages to fertility treatment?

Answer 8

• Fertility drugs can help infertile couples having IVF

- IVF helps couples to have a baby

Question 9

What are three disadvantages to fertility treatment?

Answer 9

• IVF is an expensive process
• Some people think it is unethical when older women have babies by IVF
• Extra embryos produced may be stored or destroyed