Contraception

Question 1

Periodic abstinence

Answer 1

Abstaining from sexual intercourse for 4 days either side of ovulation, Calculated as a women is fertile for 3-5 days per menstrual cycle but an egg can survive for 2 days after its ovulated and sperm can survive 4 days in the female

Question 2

How can women detect ovulation

Answer 2

Rythm method, mucus method, temperature method

Question 3

Rhythm method

Answer 3

Assumes a regular 28 day cycle with ovulation on day 14

Question 4

Mucus method

Answer 4

Used to predict the fertile window, ovulation causes cloudy and thick mucus that is inhospitable to sperm, day of ovulation- mucus is stringy, sexual intercourse is considered safe when there is no mucus and it has been 3 days since thin clear mucus

Question 5

Temperature method

Answer 5

Basal temperature used to determine the day of ovulation, temp is taken first thing in the morning as to not alter it from the vagina, ovulation is accompanied by a sharp drop in temp then a rise

Question 6

Coitus interruptus

Answer 6

Removal of the penis just prior to male orgasm, some sperm may still enter the female reproductive tract in pre-ejaculatory fluid, 30% pregnancy rate

Question 7

Mechanical barriers

Answer 7

Male condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, female condom

Question 8

Male condom

Answer 8

Thick latex rubber rolled onto erect penis prior to intercourse, If used correctly they prevent sperm entering the vagina and protect against STIs

Question 9

Diaphragm

Answer 9

Rubber cap that fits across the top of the vagina, used with spermicides

Question 10

Cervical cap

Answer 10

Smaller than a diaphragm, fits over the cervix, must stay in position for 6 hours after intercourse, used with spermicides

Question 11

Female condom

Answer 11

Lubricated sheath that fits over the cervix and extends down the vaginal canal to the outside, effective contraceptive device and protects against STIs

Question 12

Spermicides

Answer 12

Creams, gels, sprays, pessaries, Contain a chemical that immobilizes sperm, Some react with moisture in the vagina to form CO2 bubbles that provide a physical barrier to sperm, 70% effective

Question 13

Hormonal contraceptives

Answer 13

Combined pill, mini pill, injectables, implants, intrauterine devices

Question 14

Combined pill

Answer 14

Contains synthetic progesterone and estrogen, First available in 1961, Works by: preventing ovulation due to the hormones, causing cervical mucus to be thick meaning sperm can’t swim through it and altering to the lining of the uterus so implantation cannot occur, Taken daily- if missed hormone levels drop and there is no protection

Question 15

The mini pill

Answer 15

Contains only synthetic progesterone, Works by: thinning the lining of the uterus so that implantation cannot occur, thickens the mucus (doesn’t prevent ovulation)

Question 16

Injectables

Answer 16

Synthetic progesterone injected into the body, Lasts 12 weeks, Same principle as mini pill (ovulation still occurs)

Question 17

Implants

Answer 17

Implantation- match stick sized plastic rod containing synthetic progesterone, which diffuses out slowly over three years, Vaginal rings- left in vagina for 3 weeks and then removed for 1 week, progesterone and estrogen diffused out, prevents ovulations, causes mucus in cervix to thicken to block sperm, changes the lining of the uterus to prevent implantation

Question 18

Intrauterine devices

Answer 18

Small devices made of plastic or copper that are inserted into the uterus by a doctor

Question 19

Hormonal IUDs

Answer 19

Made of a plastic frame that slowly releases progesterone, makes endometrium thin and not suitable for implantation, changes mucus to be thick, can prevent ovulation, effective for 5 years

Question 20

Copper IUDs

Answer 20

Made of plastic with a copper wire around it, copper affects the movement of sperm and changes the endometrium so it’s not suitable for implantation, can be used as an emergency form of contraception as sperm can remain in the vagina for 5 days

Question 21

Morning after pill

Answer 21

High dose progesterone tablet, Taken up to 72 hours after unprotected intercourse, Prevents or delays ovulation (if ovulation has already occurred the pill doesn’t help), Side effects include nausea and vomiting, spot bleeding

Question 22

Sterilization

Answer 22

Vasectomy- vas deferens severed, Tubal ligation- fallopian tubes severed and tied