methods of contraception

• oral contraceptives

  • the contraceptive pill.
  • contains hormones to inhibit FSH production so eggs do not mature
  • pros - 99% effective, reduces risk of some cancer
  • cons - can cause side effect e.g. nausea
• progesterone

  • injection, implant or skin patch of slow-release progesterone to stop eggs maturing and being released
  • pros - fewer side effects than pill, doesn't need to be taken daily so less likely to be forgotten
  • cons - less effective than pill
• barrier methods

  • condom or diaphragm. prevents sperm reaching the egg
  • pros - 98% effective when used correctly, prevents STI's
  • cons - can break or be used incorrectly
• spermicide

  • kills or disables sperm. used with diaphragms to make them more effective
  • pros - increases effectiveness of some barriers
  • cons - cant be used on its own
• avoiding intercourse

  • avoiding intercourse when an egg might be in the oviduct
  • cons - high risk or becoming pregnant
• sterilisation

  • undergoing surgery to stop sperm or eggs being able to fertilise
  • pros - permanently stops pregnancy
  • cons - risks from surgery, expensive to reverse and may not work
• intra-uterine device (iud)

  • an implant into the uterus that prevent fertilised eggs implanting into the wall of the uterus or release hormones
  • pros - long lasting but can be reversed
  • cons - small risk of infection or uterus damage when iud is implanted