contraception

Question 1

Contraception (def.)

Answer 1

deliberate prevention of pregnancy

Question 2

Temporary abstinence (Behavioural method)

Answer 2

Depends on refraining from intercourse during days around ovulation
Depends on how regular their menstrual cycle is
Not reliable → women may once in a while ovulate at an unexpected time period
Methods of detecting ovulation → changes in cervical mucus and changes in body temperature

Question 3

Withdrawal method (Behavioural method)

Answer 3

Penis is withdrawn moments before ejaculation → sperm is not released in the vagina → reduced chances of pregnancy
Not reliable → sperm is released during intercourse, not only during ejaculation
No protection against STI

Question 4

Sterilization surgery → prevent sperm from reaching an egg (Surgical method)

Answer 4

Tubal ligation: oviducts are cut and often tied off
Vasectomy: sperm ducts are cut, preventing sperm from reaching the urethra
Very reliable
Permanent

Question 5

Barrier methods → prevent sperm from reaching an egg (Physical methods)

Answer 5

1. Diaphragms (used with gel or cream): dome-shaped rubber caps that cover the cervix, preventing sperm from entering cervix; spermicide inside diaphragm kills sperm
   - Larger than cervical caps (cover cervix + surrounding area) → more suitable for women who have given birth once
2. Cervical caps: cover the cervix, preventing sperm from entering cervix; spermicide inside cervical caps kills sperm
3. Condoms: sheaths usually made of latex, that fit over the penis or within the vagina

Question 6

Intra-uterine device (Physical method)

Answer 6

Comes with copper or hormones
Presence of foreign body within uterus provokes an immune response against sperms and eggs → means that uterus has an immune response that destroys sperms and eggs
Copper in some IUDs enhances this immune response
IUDs with hormones can also inhibit ovulation
Most IUDs come with a thin thread that sticks out of the cervix to aid in easy removal
Even if fertilisation takes place, the blastocyst will not be able to implant itself
No protection against STIs

Question 7

Birth control hormones (Chemical method)

Answer 7

Birth control pills: contains two hormones that are chemically similar in oestrogen and progesterone

Question 8

Effect of pills

Answer 8

Decrease release of FSH and LH (negative feedback) → low levels of FSH prevent follicle maturation while low levels of LH prevent ovulation
Thickens the mucus at the cervix and prevents entry of sperms from cervix into uterus so no sperm is available for fertilisation
Makes the endometrium thinner and prevents implantation by blastocyst
Menstruation still occurs but it is usually lighter and shorter because the corpus luteum has not grown (due to low levels of LH)
Must be taken everyday (one pill/day for 21 days)