S5) Contraception and Infertility Flashcards
What is contraception?
Contraception is any method to prevent pregnancy
Describe 3 different means of contraception
- Blocking transport of sperm to avoid fertilisation of oocyte
- Disrupting the HPG axis to interfere with ovulation
- Inhibiting implantation of the conceptus into endometrium
Identify 6 broad methods of contraception
- Natural
- Barrier
- Hormonal Control
- Prevention of implantation
- Sterilisation
- Emergency contraception
Identify 4 forms for natural contraception
- Abstinence
- Withdrawal method
- Fertility Awareness Methods
- Lactational amenorrhoea method
What is abstinence?
Abstinence is the practice of refraining from sex
What are the advantages and disadvantages of abstinence?
- Advantage: 100% reliable
- Disadvantage: no sex
What does fertility awareness involve?
Fertility awareness involves the use of fertility indicators to identify fertile and infertile points of the menstrual cycle, looking at body to determine stage of menstrual cycle you’re in
Identify 3 different fertility awareness methods
- Cervical secretions (thick)
- Basal body temperatures
- Length of menstrual cycle
Identify the advantages and disadvantages of fertility awareness methods
- Advantages: no hormones/contraindications
- Disadvantages: unreliable, no protection from STI’s
What does the withdrawal method involve?
The withdrawal method involves withdrawing the penis before ejaculation
Identify the advantages and disadvantages of the withdrawal method
- Advantages: no devices/hormones
- Disadvantages: unreliable, some sperm may be released in the pre-ejaculate, no protection from STI’s
What does the lactational amenorrhea method involve?
- Breastfeeding delays the return of ovulation after childbirth
- Suckling stimulus disrupts release of GnRH
- Affects feedback cycle of HPG axis
How long is the lactational amenorrhea method effective for?
Up to 6 months after giving birth
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the lactational amenorrhoea method
- Advantages: no hormones/contraindications
- Disadvantages: unreliable, no STI prevention
Identify 2 forms of barrier contraception
- Male/Female condoms
- Diaphragm/Caps (caps that cover the surface)
What does barrier contraception involve?
- Physical barriers prevent sperm entering the cervix
- Can also used with spermicide (additional chemical barrier)
What are the advantages and disadvantages of barrier contraception?
- Advantages: reliable, protection from STIs, widely available (male condom)
- Disadvantages: disrupt romantic nature, reduce sexual pleasure, can expire, allergy/sensitivity to latex/ spermicide
Identify 4 forms of contraception involving hormonal control
- Combined Oestrogen and Progestogen
- Progesterone Depot
- Progesterone Implant
- Low dose progestogen
Identify 2 long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC)
- Progesterone Depot
- Progesterone Implant
What is progestogen?
Progestogen is a synthetic form of progesterone
What is the role of progesterone in moderate/high doses?
- Progesterone enhances the negative feedback of natural oestrogen – reducing LH and FSH secretion
- No LH surge means no ovulation
What is the role of progesterone in lower doses?
- Progesterone does not inhibit the LH surge
- Ovulation is still likely
- Cervical mucus thickens
What is the Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill?
COCP is a pill containing combination of synthetic oestrogen and progestogen
What is the principal action of the COCP?
Principal action: prevents ovulation
tricks body into thinking its In the luteal phase