birth control

Question 1

Types of birth control

Answer 1

Chemical
Natural
Barrier
Surgical

Question 2

Why is birth control important

Answer 2

limit population growth
Keep family size small
To protect against STDs

Question 3

Abstinence

Answer 3

Natural

Avoiding sexual intercourse completely

Question 4

Rhythm method

Answer 4

Natural
avoiding sexual intercourse during the fertile period of the menstrual cycle when ovulation occurs
the exact time ovulation happens can be worked out by monitoring body temperature and quality of cervical mucus
this is the least reliable method of birth control

Question 5

IUD/IUS

Answer 5

Chemical
an intrauterine device or intrauterine system is a small device fitted inside the uterus by a doctor or nurse
it releases sex hormones which thicken the mucus produced in the cervix, making it difficult for sperm to swim into the uterus
it also thins the lining of the uterus, making it more difficult for a fertilised egg to implant
an IUD also interferes with passage of sperm through the uterus, in this way it is acting as a barrier method of birth control

Question 6

Contraceptive pill, implant, injection

Answer 6

Chemical
may contain just progesterone or a mixture of progesterone and oestrogen
very effective when taken regularly
the hormones can also be delivered from a small skin implant or an injection, both of which last several months and increase the effectiveness as they remove the risk of forgetting to take a pill regularly

Question 7

Condom

Answer 7

Barrier
latex sheath worn over the penis
prevents sperm entering the vagina as ejaculate remains in condom
also protects against STIs

Question 8

Femidom

Answer 8

Barrier
latex sheath inserted into the vagina
prevents entry of sperm into the vagina

Question 9

Diaphragm

Answer 9

Barrier
a rubber cap that fits over the entrance to the cervix
prevents entry of sperm into uterus
often used with a spermicide (cream which kills sperm)

Question 10

Vasectomy

Answer 10

Surgical
the sperm ducts are cut, meaning that no sperm is present in the semen when ejaculation occurs
very effective but difficult to reverse

Question 11

Female sterilisation

Answer 11

Surgical
the oviducts are cut or tied off, preventing eggs from reaching the uterus or sperm from reaching the eggs
very effective but difficult to reverse

Question 12

How do contraceptive pills work

Answer 12

They work by mimicking some of the hormone levels during pregnancy
By raising the levels of progesterone and oestrogen, the uterus lining is maintained and development of another egg cell is prevented
This means that sex at any time of the month cannot cause pregnancy as no egg is released to be fertilised