B3.7 Contraception

• What is contraception?

  A method or device used to prevent pregnancy
• Which of the following must occur for somebody to become pregnant naturally?

  • Thyroxine must be released 
  • Sperm must reach and fertilise the egg
  • An egg must be released from the ovaries
  • The fertilised egg must implant into the uterus lining
  • Sperm must reach and fertilise the egg
  • An egg must be released from the ovaries
  • The fertilised egg must implant into the uterus lining
• Which hormones can hormonal contraceptives contain?


  • Oestrogen
  • Progesterone
• How can oestrogen act as a contraceptive? 

  Inhibit FSH production, so that eggs can't mature
• How can progesterone act as a contraceptive? 

  Stimulate the production of mucus in the cervix, so sperm can't enter the uterus
• Does the combined oral contraceptive pill ('the pill') contain oestrogen, progesterone, or both?

  Both
• Which of the following contraceptive methods is the longest lasting?

  • Contraceptive implant
  • Contraceptive injection 
  • Contraceptive patch
  • Intrauterine device 
  • Intrauterine device 
  • The intrauterine device can last for more than 3 years.
• Which of the following contraceptive methods is the shortest lasting?

  Intrauterine device 

  Contraceptive patch

  Contraceptive injection 

  Contraceptive implant

  • Contraceptive patch
  • The contraceptive patch has to be changed each week.
• Which of the following methods of contraception is the most invasive?

  • Contraceptive implant
  • Contraceptive patch
  • Condom
  • Contraceptive implant
  • The contraceptive implant is a small device that has to be injected under the skin (usually in the upper arm). 
• Condoms are the only contraceptives that protect against:

  Sexually transmitted diseases/infections 
• The diaphragm sits over the cervix to prevent sperm from entering the uterus.
• How does a spermicide act as a contraceptive? 

  Destroy the sperm cells
• If a women undergoes sterilisation, which structure is cut and tied? 

  Fallopian tubes / oviducts 
• If a man undergoes sterilisation, which structure is cut and tied? 

  Sperm duct
• Natural methods of contraception, such as only having intercourse at certain times of the month, or stopping intercourse just before ejaculation are:

  Unreliable
• What is the main purpose of contraception?

  To prevent pregnancy
• How does understanding pregnancy help in discussing contraception?

  It clarifies how contraception interrupts pregnancy
• What hormone stimulates egg development in women?

  FSH
• What triggers ovulation in the female reproductive system?

  LH hormone
• What is formed when an egg combines with a sperm cell?

  A fertilized egg
• Where does the fertilized egg implant to develop into a fetus?

  In the uterus
• What is the cervix's role in the female reproductive system?

  It is the entrance to the uterus
• How does contraception work in relation to the reproductive process?

  It interrupts the process of fertilization
• What are the two main categories of contraception methods?

  • Hormonal methods
  • Non-hormonal methods
• What effect does estrogen have when taken steadily?

  It inhibits FSH production
• What do hormonal contraceptives rely on to prevent pregnancy?

  Releasing estrogen and progesterone
• What does progesterone do in the context of contraception?

  It produces thick mucus in the cervix
• What is the combined oral contraceptive pill commonly called?

  The pill
• How effective is the combined oral contraceptive pill when taken properly?

  Over 99% effective
• What are some side effects of the combined oral contraceptive pill?

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

  Fewer side effects
• How does the contraceptive patch work?

  It releases estrogen and progesterone
• How long does each contraceptive patch last?

  One week
• What is the purpose of the contraceptive injection?

  To release progesterone for contraception
• How long does the contraceptive injection last?

  Two to three months
• What is the contraceptive implant?

  A device releasing progesterone under the skin
• How long can the contraceptive implant last?

  Up to three years
• What does the plastic version of the IUD release?

  Progesterone
• How does the copper IUD prevent pregnancy?

  By killing sperm in the uterus
• What is the lifespan of both plastic and copper IUDs?

  Over three years