Contraception Flashcards
What is the role of oestrogen in the menstrual cycle in the early/middle follicular phase, before ovulation?
It has a negative effect on the anterior pituitary and hypothalamus, thus producing negative feedback
What else has a negative effect on the anterior pituitary during the early/middle follicular phase?
Inhibin
What is the role of oestrogen at ovulation?
It has a positive effect on the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary, causing the LH surge
What dose is progesterone at in the early/middle follicular phase (before ovulation)?
Moderate/high doses
What does progesterone do at moderate/high doses in the early/middle follicular phase?
Enhances the negative feedback of natural oestrogen, reducing LH and FSH secretion
What does progesterone do at moderate/high doses during ovulation?
Inhibits positive feedback of oestrogen, so no LH surge, so no ovualtion
What does progesterone do at lower doses during ovulation?
Does not inhibit LH surge, so ovulation still likely, but will thicken cervical mucus
What are the common methods of contraception?
- Natural
- Barrier
- Prevention of ovulation
- Inhibition of sperm transport
- Inhibition of implantation
- Sterilisation
What are the natural methods of contraception?
- Fertility awareness methods
- Lactational amenorrohea method
What happens in fertility awareness methods?
Use of fertility indicators to identify fertile and infertile points of the menstrual cycle
What are the fertility awareness methods of contraception?
- Cervical secretions
- Basal body temperature
- Length of menstrual cycle
What is the lactionional amenorrhoea method of contraception?
Breastfeeding delays the return of ovulation after childbirth
How long is the lactational amenorrhoea method effective for?
Up to 6 months after giving birth
What are the advantages of natural contraception methods?
- No hormones
- No contraindications
What are the disadvantages of natural contraception methods?
- Not as effective
- Unreliable
What is barrier contraception?
A physical barrier that prevents entrance of sperm into cervix
Give 2 examples of barrier contraception
- Male/female condoms
- Female diaphragm/cap
What are the advantages of condoms?
Can help prevent STIs
What are the disadvantages of male condoms?
Sensitivity/allergy to latex
What are the disadvantages of female condoms?
Not as widely available
What are female diaphragms/caps also used with?
Spermicide
What are the advantages of female diaphragms/caps?
Can be inserted anytime, so additional chemical barrier
What are the disadvantages of female diaghragms/caps?
Need to use with spermicide, which can cause local reaction
What methods of contraception prevent ovulation?
- Combined oral contraceptive pill
- Progesterone depot
- Progesterone implant
How can progesterone prevent ovulation?
At moderate/high doses, it inhibits the positive feedback of oestrogen, so no LH surge, so no ovulation
What does the combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP) contain?
Combination of oestrogen and progesterone
When is the COCP taken?
Either for 21 days, followed by 7 day break, or 28 days with 7 days of ‘dummy’ pill
What is the principal action of the COCP?
To prevent ovulation