Co-ordination and Control: Controlling Fertility

Question 1

role of oral contraceptives

Answer 1

inhibit FSH so no eggs mature

Question 2

types of oral contraceptives

Answer 2

• mini-pill: progesterone only

- combined pill: progesterone and oestrogen

Question 3

early problems with combined pill

Answer 3

first types of these pills contained too much oestrogen which caused side effects such as thrombosis

Question 4

pros of mini pill

Answer 4

• fewer side effects

- doesn’t raise blood pressure

Question 5

cons of mini pill

Answer 5

• doesn’t control periods

- have to take it same time everyday

Question 6

pros of combined pill

Answer 6

• lighter periods

- reduces PMS

Question 7

cons of combined pill

Answer 7

• has side effects: headaches, vomiting

- increases blood pressure

Question 8

What are fertility drugs?

Answer 8

drugs given to women who have a low level of FSH so are unable to mature eggs

Question 9

stages of IVF

Answer 9

• fertility drugs given to mother to mature eggs
• eggs collected from mother
• eggs fertilised with sperm from father in lab
• eggs develop into embryos
• one or two embryos are inserted back into womb

Question 10

pros of IVF

Answer 10

hopefully lead to a pregnancy

Question 11

cons of IVF

Answer 11

• reaction to drugs

- multiple birth

Question 12

What to do with spare embryos?

Answer 12

• freeze
• donate
• use for training embryologists