B5 Hormones For Fertility And Contraception

Question 1

Name two ways we use hormones in reproduction.

Answer 1

To treat infertility

As contreceptives

Question 2

What does infertile mean?

Answer 2

It means they can’t reproduce naturally.

Question 3

How can low levels of FSH affect a women’s fertility?

Answer 3

If FSH is too low to cause the follicle to develop and their eggs to mature.

This means that no ovulation takes place.

Question 4

How can ovulation be stimulated in infertile women?

Answer 4

FSH and LH can be injected to stimulate ovulation.

Question 5

What does IVF stand for?

Answer 5

In vitro fertilisation

Question 6

Briefly outline what IVF is

Answer 6

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.

Question 7

Why are LH and FSH given before egg collection?

Answer 7

To stimulate egg production and ovulation, so more than one egg can be collected, improving the chance of successful fertilisation.

Question 8

How are hormones used as contraceptives? 6

Answer 8

Injection
Implant
Intrauterine system (IUS)
Mini pill
Combined pill
Patch

Question 9

What hormone does contraceptive injection use?

Answer 9

Progesterone

Question 10

What hormone does the combined pill use?

Answer 10

Progesterone and oestrogen

Question 11

What hormone does contraceptive implant use?

Answer 11

Progesterone

Question 12

What hormone does intrauterine system (IUS)?

Answer 12

Progesterone

Question 13

What hormone does the contraceptive patch use?

Answer 13

Progesterone and oestrogen

Question 14

What hormone does the mini pill use?

Answer 14

Progesterone

Question 15

How does progesterone work as a contraceptive?

Answer 15

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

Question 16

How can progesterone and oestrogen hormones be used as contraceptives?

Answer 16

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

Question 17

How effective are hormonal contraceptive methods, if used correctly?

Answer 17

99% effective

Question 18

Which contraceptive methods use progesterone and oestrogen?

Answer 18

Combined pill and patch

Question 19

Which contraceptive methods use just progesterone?

Answer 19

Injection, implant, intrauterine system (IUS), mini pill

Question 20

How long does the injection last?

Answer 20

3 months

Question 21

How is an implant used and how long does it work for?

Answer 21

It is implanted under the skin of the arm.

Effective for 3 years

Question 22

How is intrauterine system (IUS) and how long does it work for?

Answer 22

A t shaped piece of plastic inserted into the uterus.

Effective for 3-5 years

Question 23

How often does the mini pill have to be taken?

Answer 23

Every day

Question 24

How often does the combined pill have to be taken?

Answer 24

Every day for 21 days, followed by 7 days no pill

Question 25

How does a patch work?

Answer 25

Worn on the skin in a 4week cycle.

Replaced once a week for 3 weeks, then no patch for a week

Question 26

Explain how hormones may be used to promote a natural pregnancy in an infertile women? (3 marks)

Answer 26

The hormones FSH and LH (1 mark) can be injected by women with naturally low FSH levels (1 mark) to stimulate ovulation (1 mark)