Menstrual cycle, contraception and fertility treatment Flashcards
What happens during menstruation?
The uterus lining is shed
Why is the menstrual cycle important?
It is a sequence of changes in a female’s body which allows her to become pregnant
What is the release of an egg from an ovary called?
Ovulation
Where in the female body are eggs stored?
ovaries
What connects ovaries to the uterus?
fallopian tubes/oviducts
What is the purpose of the uterus?
It is where an unborn baby grows and develops
Which hormones are involved in the control of the menstrual cycle?
Oestrogen, progesterone, FSH, LH
Which hormones do the ovaries produce?
Oestrogen and progesterone
Which gland produces FSH and LH?
Pituitary gland
What happens during the first 7 days of the menstrual cycle?
Menstruation- the uterus lining breaks down
How long is the menstrual cycle on average?
28 days
When in the menstrual cycle does ovulation happen?
around day 14
In what order are the hormones in the menstrual cycle released?
FSH > Oestrogen > LH > progesterone (FOLP)
What is the role of FSH in the menstrual cycle?
Causes the egg to mature in the ovary and oestrogen to be produced.
What is the role of oestrogen in the menstrual cycle?
Causes the uterus lining to thicken and triggers ovulation, causes FSH to be broken down, causes LH to be produced
What is the role of LH in the menstrual cycle?
Causes ovulation. Causes progesterone to be produced.
What is the role of progesterone during the menstrual cycle?
Maintains the uterus lining. Inhibits production of FSH and LH
What is the corpus luteum?
The remains of an egg follicle once an egg is released. Produces oestrogen and progesterone. If an egg is not fertilized, the corpus luteum breaks down, stopping release of progesterone and oestrogen so the menstrual cycle starts again.
What is a contraceptive?
A method of preventing pregnancy
What is a barrier contraceptive? Give an example
a method of contraceptive which prevents sperm from entering the uterus and fertilizing an egg. e.g. condoms or diaphragm
What is a hormonal contraceptive? Give an example
a method of contraceptive which contains hormones and either prevents ovulation or a fertilized egg implanting into the uterus. e.g. the pill, the implant, the patch or contraceptive injection.
Which hormones are usually contained in hormonal contraceptives?
oestrogen and progesterone
Why do hormonal contraceptives work?
oestrogen and progesterone inhibit production of FSH so eggs do not mature and ovulation does not take place.
What is Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)?
The use of hormones and procedures as fertility treatments to help a woman become pregnant
Why do drugs containing FSH and LH increase fertility?
FSH and LH stimulate eggs to mature in the ovary and make ovulation (release of an egg) more likely. This means there is a higher chance of a sperm reaching an egg.
What happens during In vitro fertilisation (IVF)?
Eggs are collected from a woman and fertilized by sperm in a dish in a lab. Once the eggs develop into embryos one or two are inserted into a uterus (either the original mother or a surrogate can be used).
How does clomifene work?
Clomifene is a drug which blocks oestrogen’s negative feedback on LH, causing more LH to be released and making ovulation more likely.
