B5 Hormones For Fertility And Contraception Flashcards
Name two ways we use hormones in reproduction.
To treat infertility
As contreceptives
What does infertile mean?
It means they can’t reproduce naturally.
How can low levels of FSH affect a women’s fertility?
If FSH is too low to cause the follicle to develop and their eggs to mature.
This means that no ovulation takes place.
How can ovulation be stimulated in infertile women?
FSH and LH can be injected to stimulate ovulation.
What does IVF stand for?
In vitro fertilisation
Briefly outline what IVF is
Eggs are collected from the woman’s ovaries and fertilised in the lab using a mans sperm.
Once the embryos are tiny balls of cells, one or two of them are transferred to the woman’s uterus to improve the chance of pregnancy.
Why are LH and FSH given before egg collection?
To stimulate egg production and ovulation, so more than one egg can be collected, improving the chance of successful fertilisation.
How are hormones used as contraceptives? 6
Injection Implant Intrauterine system (IUS) Mini pill Combined pill Patch
What hormone does contraceptive injection use?
Progesterone
What hormone does the combined pill use?
Progesterone and oestrogen
What hormone does contraceptive implant use?
Progesterone
What hormone does intrauterine system (IUS)?
Progesterone
What hormone does the contraceptive patch use?
Progesterone and oestrogen
What hormone does the mini pill use?
Progesterone
How does progesterone work as a contraceptive?
It stimulates production of thick cervical mucus at the entrance of the uterus, making it less likely sperm will get through and reach an egg.
Thins the lining of the uterus to reduce the chance of a fertilised egg implanting.
Prevents ovulation by inhibiting the production of FSH and LH
How can progesterone and oestrogen hormones be used as contraceptives?
Stimulates the production of thick cervical mucus, making it less likely that any sperm will get through and reach an egg.
Thins the lining of the uterus, reducing the chance of a fertilised egg implanting.
Prevents ovulation by inhibiting the production of FSH
How effective are hormonal contraceptive methods, if used correctly?
99% effective
Which contraceptive methods use progesterone and oestrogen?
Combined pill and patch
Which contraceptive methods use just progesterone?
Injection, implant, intrauterine system (IUS), mini pill
How long does the injection last?
3 months
How is an implant used and how long does it work for?
It is implanted under the skin of the arm.
Effective for 3 years
How is intrauterine system (IUS) and how long does it work for?
A t shaped piece of plastic inserted into the uterus.
Effective for 3-5 years
How often does the mini pill have to be taken?
Every day
How often does the combined pill have to be taken?
Every day for 21 days, followed by 7 days no pill
How does a patch work?
Worn on the skin in a 4week cycle.
Replaced once a week for 3 weeks, then no patch for a week
Explain how hormones may be used to promote a natural pregnancy in an infertile women? (3 marks)
The hormones FSH and LH (1 mark) can be injected by women with naturally low FSH levels (1 mark) to stimulate ovulation (1 mark)
