Contraception

• What is contraception?

  Any artificial method to prevent pregnancy
• What are the roles of oestrogen and progesterone in the menstrual cycle?

  • Oestrogen inhibits FSH and LH
  • Oestrogen stimulates the lining to grow
  • Progesterone maintains the uterus lining
  • FSH stimulates egg maturation
  • LH releases the mature egg
• How does oestrogen affect egg maturation?

  It inhibits FSH, preventing egg maturation
• What is the function of progesterone in contraception?

  It stimulates thick mucus production in the cervix
• What is the effectiveness of the combined oral contraceptive pill?

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

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

  100% effective
• What are the features of the contraceptive patch?

  • Placed on upper arm
  • Releases oestrogen and progesterone
  • Lasts up to 1 week
• What are the characteristics of the contraceptive injection?

  • Injection of progesterone in upper arm
  • Lasts 2-3 months
• What is the contraceptive implant and its duration?

  • Placed under skin of arm
  • Slowly releases progesterone
  • Lasts 3 years
• What are the types of IUDs and their functions?

  • Plastic version: releases progesterone
  • Copper version: non-hormonal, releases copper ions to kill sperm
  • Both last over 3 years
• What is the function of condoms in contraception?

  • Prevent sperm from reaching egg
  • Only barrier method that prevents STIs
  • Female condoms are worn inside vagina
• What is the effectiveness of spermicide?

  70-80% effective
• What are the characteristics of diaphragms in contraception?

  • Worn in cervix
  • Blocks sperm from entering uterus
  • Considered unreliable
• What is the process of sterilization in males and females?

  • Female: fallopian tubes cut and tied
  • Male: sperm ducts cut and tied (vasectomy)
  • Mostly permanent and effective
• What are the natural methods of contraception?

  • Avoiding sex during fertile cycle
  • Stopping sex before ejaculation
  • Abstaining is 100% effective
• What is the effectiveness of natural contraception methods?

  73% effective