B11.7 - The Artificial Control Of Fertility Flashcards
How can oestrogen be used to reduce fertility?
If oestrogen is taken everyday, to keep its level permanently high, it inhibits the production of FSH and so after a while egg development and production stop
Why can progesterone be used to reduce fertility?
Progesterone stimulates the production of a thick mucus which prevents any sperm reaching the egg
What are the pros and cons of combined oral contraceptive pills (contains oestrogen + progesterone)?
It is over 99% effective, however can cause side effects like headaches and nausea, also doesn’t protect against std
How does the contaceptive patch work?
It contains oestrogen and progesterone and is stuck to the skin, lasting 1 week
Give some examples of contraceptives
- oral contraceptives that contain hormones to inhibit FSH production so that no eggs mature
- injection, implant or skin patch of slow release progesterone to inhibit the maturation and release of eggs for a number of months or years
- barrier methods such as condoms and diaphragms which prevent the sperm reaching an egg
- intrauterine devices which prevent the implantation of an embryo or release a hormone
- spermicidal agents which kill or disable sperm
- abstaining from intercourse when an egg may be in the oviduct
- surgical methods of male and female sterilisation.
How does the contraceptive implant work?
It is inserted under the skin of the arm and releases continuous progesterone
How does the contraceptive injection work?
It contains progesterone lasting 2-3 weeks
How does an intrauterine device work? IUd
It is inserted inti the uterus to kill sperm and prevent implantation of fertilised eggs
How do barrier contraceptives work?
They stop sperm forom being bale to reach the egg
How does a diaphragm work?
It is a shallow plastic cup fitting over the cervix to form a barrier, needing to be used with spermicide
How does sterilisation work?
Sterilisation involves cutting or tying fallopian tubes or the sperm duct
