Contraception: Homeostasis and response: Biology: GCSE (9:1)

• Contraception

  A method or device used to prevent pregnancy from occuring

  
• Hormonal methods


  Contraceptive methods that involve the use of hormones to inhibit other reproductive hormones and prevent egg implantation

  
• Non-hormonal methods


  Contraceptive methods such as barrier methods that do not involve the use of hormones

  
• Barrier methods


  Contraceptive methods that prevent the sperm from reaching the egg

  
• Oral contraceptive


  A contraceptive such as the combined pill which must be swallowed to work

  
• Combined pill

  An oral contraceptive containing oestrogen and progesterone that inhibits other hormones and prevents egg formation and implantation

  
• Progesterone-only pill (POP)


  An oral contraceptive containing just progesterone to reduce the chances of side effects associated with oestrogen

  
• Condom


  An effective barrier method that is also the only contraceptive capable of preventing sexually-transmitted infections

  
• Femidom


  A female condom that is worn inside of the vagina during sexual intercourse

  
• Diaphragm or cap


  A long-lasting barrier method that is inserted into the vagina and covers the cervix to prevent sperm from reaching the uterus

  
• Intrauterine device (IUD)


  A T-shaped copper-coated device that is professionally inserted into the uterus and can kill sperm or prevent the implantation of an embryo

  
• Intrauterine system (IUS)


  A T-shaped plastic device that is professionally inserted into the uterus and releases progesterone to inhibit egg development

  
• Injection, implant or skin patch

  Sources of slow release progesterone which inhibits the maturation of eggs for a number of months or years

  
• Spermicidal agents


  Kills or disable sperm to reduce the chances of pregnancy, often used in combination with other contraceptive methods

  
• Abstaining


  Choosing not to have sexual intercourse especially when an egg may be in the oviduct
• Family planning

  Careful planning by individuals regarding pregnancy and contraception that may involve research and education, can be mediated by professionals

  
• Surgical methods

  Male and female sterilisation are permanent methods of contraception, chosen by individuals who no longer want children

  
• Reason for specific contraceptive choices

  Lifestyle, effectiveness, risk of side effects, permanence of method, infection prevention, ease of application, frequency of use