Controlling fertility

• What is the primary purpose of contraception?


  To prevent pregnancy by stopping sperm from reaching the ovulated egg
• How does oestrogen function as a contraceptive?


  It prevents the release of an egg
• What happens when oestrogen is taken daily?


  It keeps oestrogen levels high and stops the production of FSH
• What role does progesterone play in reducing fertility?


  It stimulates the production of thick mucus that blocks sperm
• What is the combined oral contraceptive pill?


  It is an oral contraceptive containing oestrogen and progesterone
• What is the effectiveness of the combined oral contraceptive pill?


  It is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy
• What are some side effects of the combined oral contraceptive pill?


  Headaches and nausea
• What is the progesterone-only pill?


  It is a contraceptive pill with fewer side effects than the combined pill
• How does the contraceptive patch work?

  It releases oestrogen and progesterone and lasts for one week
• What is the function of the contraceptive implant?

  It releases progesterone to stop ovulation and prevent fertilization
• How long does a contraceptive implant last?


  It can last for three years
• What is the purpose of the contraceptive injection?


  It contains progesterone and lasts for 2 to 3 months
• What is an intrauterine device (IUD)?


  It is a T-shaped device inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy
• What are the two main types of IUDs?


  Plastic IUDs that release progesterone and copper IUDs
• What is the purpose of non-hormonal contraception?


  To prevent sperm from reaching the egg
• What is the function of condoms?


  To prevent sperm from entering the vagina during intercourse
• Why are condoms unique among contraceptives?


  They are the only method that protects against sexually transmitted diseases
• What is a diaphragm in terms of contraception?


  It is a shallow plastic cup that fits over the cervix
• How must a diaphragm be used to be effective?


  It must be used with spermicide
• What is the effectiveness of spermicide alone as a contraceptive?


  About 70%
• What is sterilization in terms of contraception?


  It involves cutting or tying the fallopian tubes or sperm duct
• What are natural methods of contraception?


  They involve avoiding intercourse during the woman's fertile days
• What is abstinence in terms of contraception?


  It is the practice of not having intercourse
• How can FSH and LH be used to increase fertility?


  They can be given as a fertility drug to stimulate ovulation
• What is a major benefit of using hormones to increase fertility?


  It helps many women to get pregnant when they previously couldn't
• What are some cons of using hormones to increase fertility?


  It may not always work and can lead to multiple pregnancies
• What is IVF?


  In vitro fertilization, a method to help couples conceive
• What does IVF involve?


  Collecting eggs from the ovaries and fertilizing them in a lab
• What is the purpose of injecting sperm directly into an egg during IVF?


  It is useful if the man has a very low sperm count
• What happens to embryos during IVF?


  One or two embryos are transferred to the woman's uterus
• Why are FSH and LH given before egg collection in IVF?


  To stimulate several eggs to mature for collection
• What is a major benefit of IVF?


  It can give an infertile couple a child
• What are some downsides to IVF?


  Multiple births, low success rates, and physical stress on the woman
• What is the average success rate of IVF in the UK?


  About 26%
• What are some physical reactions women may have to IVF hormones?


  Abdominal pain, vomiting, and dehydration
• How have advances in technology improved IVF?


  They have enhanced techniques and success rates
• What are specialized micro-tools used for in IVF?


  To manipulate eggs and sperm and perform genetic testing
• What is time-lapse imaging in IVF?


  It allows continuous monitoring of embryo growth
• Why do some people oppose IVF?


  It can result in unused embryos that are destroyed
• What ethical issues are raised by genetic testing of embryos?


  It could lead to the selection of preferred characteristics