4.5.3.5 Contraception Flashcards
Types of contraception:
- hormonal
- non-hormonal - barrier method, chemical method
How can fertility be controlled?
fertility can be controlled by a variety of hormonal and non-hormonal methods of contraception
Hormonal contraceptive methods:
- oral contraceptive pill
- contraceptive implant
- IUD (intrauterine device)
- injection
- skin patch
Chemical contraceptive methods:
- Spermicide
Barrier contraceptive methods:
- surgical methods
- condoms
- diaphragms
Other contraceptive methods:
- abstinence during ovulation
How does the oral contraceptive pill work?
contain hormones to inhibit FSH production so that no eggs mature
Advantages of oral contraceptive pill:
- can also be used to reduce symptoms of PMS - as it can regulate the body’s hormonal level
- simple and easy to use
Disadvantages of oral contraceptive pill:
- pill taken daily otherwise body’s natural hormones will take over and an egg could be unexpectedly released
- side effects - e.g. thrombosis. high BP
How does a contraceptive implant work?
- tiny tube is inserted under the female’s skin by a doctor and can last for approx. 3 years
- the implant then slowly releases progesterone - inhibits the maturation and release of eggs for a number of months or years
Advantages of contraceptive implants:
- effective method of contraception
- lasts for around 3 years
Disadvantages of contraceptive implants:
- does not protect against STI’s
- requires a small procedure to be fitted and removed
How do IUD’s work?
- IUD’s are small devices that are inserted into the uterus by a doctor
- last for 3-5 yrs and can be removed at any time
- prevent the implantation of an embryo or release a hormone
- slowly release progesterone to thicken cervical mucus and prevent the build-up of the uterus lining
- come contain copper, which helps to reduce the likelihood of embryo implantation
Advantages of IUD’s:
highly effective
Disadvantages of IUD’s:
- can cause disruption of periods in females
- needs fitting by doctor
How does an injection for contraception work?
slow release progesterone to inhibit the maturation and release of eggs for a number of months or years
How does a skin patch work?
slow release progesterone to inhibit the maturation and release of eggs for a number of months or years
How does spermicide work?
chemical that kills or disables sperm to prevent them from fertilising an egg
Advantages of spermicide:
readily available
Disadvantages of spermicide:
- not very effective
- risk of side-effects
- no protection against STI’s
How do surgical contraceptive methods work?
- aka male and female surgical sterilisation
- males have their sperm ducts cut and tied (vasectomy)
- females have their oviducts cut and tied + require general anaesthetic as it is a more intrusive procedure
Advantages of surgical contraceptive methods:
- effective, permanent contraception
- no risk of human error
Disadvantages of surgical contraceptive methods:
- permanent procedure
- women need general anaesthetic
How do condoms work?
collect semen prevent the sperm reaching the egg and fertilising it
Advantages of condoms:
- readily available
- give protection against STI’s
- can be used with spermicide
Disadvantages of condoms:
- some people allergic to latex so need to use latex-free condoms
- ineffective and let sperm through if they become damaged
How do diaphragms work?
- a thin rubber cap placed over the cervix, preventing sperm from entering
- prevents sperm reaching the egg
- give protection against STI’s
Advantages of diaphragms:
- can be combined with other methods e.g. spermicide
- protection against STI’s
Disadvantages of diaphragms:
need to be fitted by a doctor as if placed incorrectly can still allow sperm through and result in pregnancy
How does abstinence during ovulation work?
abstaining from intercourse when an egg may be in the oviduct
Advantages of abstaining during ovulation:
no side-effects
Disadvantages of abstaining during ovulation:
very unreliable
How do oral contraceptives moods control fertility?
contain hormones to inhibit FSH production so that no eggs mature
How can injection, implant or skin patches control fertility?
slow release of progesterone to inhibit maturation and release of eggs for a number of months of years
How can barrier methods control fertility?
e.g. condoms and diaphragms - prevent sperm from reaching an egg
How can IUDs control fertility?
IUDs prevent the implantation of an embryo or release a hormone
How can spermicidal agents control fertility?
spermicidal agents which kill or disable sperm
How can abstinence control fertility?
Abstaining from intercourse when an egg may be in the oviduct
How can surgical methods control fertility?
Surgical methods of male or female sterilisation
