Fertility Control

Question 1

What are the different ways that female oral contraceptives can work?

Answer 1

• Prevent the release of an egg from the ovaries
• Change the thickness of the mucus at the cervix to prevent sperm from passing through
• Make the lining of the uterus (endothelium) thinner - making it harder for a fertilised egg to get implanted

Question 2

What is the standard dose of Progestogen-Only Oral Contraceptives?

Answer 2

One tablet daily

Question 3

How do Progestogen-Only Oral Contraceptives work?

Answer 3

• Inhibit ovulation by preventing an increase in LH, meaning an egg can’t get released from the ovaries.
• Thicken cervical mucus so that sperm is unable to pass through.

Question 4

What are the adverse effects of Progestogen-Only Oral Contraceptives?

Answer 4

• Menstrual irregularity
• Nausea / Vomiting
• Headaches
• Breast discomfort
• Libido changes
• Weight changes

Question 5

What are some examples of Progestogen-Only Oral Contraceptives?

Answer 5

• Norethisterone
• Desogestrel
• Levonorgestrel

Question 6

What are Combined Oral Contraceptives?

Answer 6

These are a mixture of an oestrogen (usually ethinyloestradial) and a progestogen (usually norethisterone)

Question 7

How does the oestrogen in a Combined Oral Contraceptive prevent pregnancy?

Answer 7

Suppresses FSH, so it prevents the stimulation of follicle maturation.

Question 8

How does the progestogen in a Combined Oral Contraceptive prevent pregnancy?

Answer 8

• Prevents an LH surge, meaning an egg won’t be released by the ovaries.
• Thickens the mucus in the cervix, making it harder for sperm to pass through.
• Makes the endothelium hostile

Question 9

How is the Combined Oral Contraceptive taken?

Answer 9

One tablet daily for 21 days, then no tablets for 7 days. Then repeat again.

Question 10

What are the adverse effects of the Combined Oral Contraceptive?

Answer 10

• Nausea / Vomiting
• Abdominal cramps
• Changes in body weight
• Mood swings
• Hepatic impairment

Question 11

What are the two types of emergency contraceptions?

Answer 11

• Morning after pill

- Intrauterine device (IUD/coil)

Question 12

What is mifepristone?

Answer 12

A drug that is able to induce an abortion

Question 13

How does mifepristone work?

Answer 13

It inhibits progesterone, which is required for the maintaining of a pregnancy.