contraception

Question 1

Types of non-hormonal

Answer 1

Vasectomy and surgery for women

condoms/diaphragms

Copper IUD

Heat/pH treatments to kill sperm

Question 2

Mechanism of oral pills

Answer 2

Contains oestrogen (ethinyloestradiol, mestranol) and progesterone (norethisterone, levonorgestrel, etc…)

Estrogen inhibits the release of FSH (to suppress development of ovarian follicle).

Progesterone inhibits LH surge, inhibiting ovulation. This also alters the cervical mucous, making sperm passage less likely.

Minipill only contains progesterone: only inhibits LH surge

The heightened progesterone (and oestrogen) trick the pituitary gland into thinking the woman is already pregnant.

Question 3

Role of FSH and LH

Answer 3

They are needed to develop a mature ovarian follicle (FSH) and for ovulation (LH).

Question 4

Side effects of oral contraceptives.

Answer 4

Can cause weight gain, irregular bleeding, nausea, flushing, dizziness, skin changes (acne), amenorrhea (lack of menstruation), loss of fertility, can cause reduce glucose tolerance (especially in POC)

Some studies have linked combined pill with increased risk of breast cancer

Question 5

Emergency contraceptives examples

Answer 5

morning after pill: contains high dose oestrogen and levonorgestrel.

Mifepristone (also an abortive pill) can be taken up to 72 hours after sex

Question 6

Long term hormonal contraceptives examples

Answer 6

medroxyprogesterone which is given as an IM or as a transdermal patch.

Levanorgestrel can be an impregnated IUD or subcutaneous implant.

Question 7

Examples of male contraceptives

Answer 7

vasectomy

Test and progesterone based drugs in clinical trial.

Kisspeptin based hypothalamus-pituitary-testes suppressors.

Thermal treatment

Testing RARalpha inhibitor (necessary in the formation of sperm), with high success in animal models.