5.3.5 Contraception

• What can fertility be controlled by?

  Contraception.
• Is contraception hormonal, non-hormonal or can it be either?

  It can be either.
• How do oral contraceptives work?

  They contain hormones to inhibit FSH production so that no eggs mature.
• How do injections, implant and skin patches work as contraceptives?

  They slowly release progesterone to inhibit the maturation and release of eggs for a number of months or years.
• How do barrier contraceptives work?

  They prevent any sperm from reaching the egg.
• What are some examples of barrier contraceptives?

  Condoms and diaphragms.
• How do intrauterine devices work as contraceptives?

  They prevent the implantation of an embryo/release a hormone.
• How do spermicidal agents work as contraceptives?


  They kill or disable sperm.
• When should you abstain from intercourse to prevent pregnancy?

  When an egg may be in the oviduct.
• What is contraception?

  The use of methods or devices to prevent pregnancy.
• Which three things must occur for somebody to become pregnant naturally?

  • 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 and progesterone.
• How can oestrogen act as a contraceptive?

  By inhibiting FSH production so that eggs can’t mature.
• How can progesterone act as a contraceptive? 

  By stimulating 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 contraceptive method is the longest lasting?

  Intrauterine device.
• Which contraceptive method is the shortest lasting?

  Contraceptive patch.
• Which of the following methods of contraception is the most invasive? Condom, contraceptive implant or contraceptive patch?

  Contraceptive implant.
• Condoms are the only contraceptives that protect against what?

  STDs/STIs.
• The diaphragm sits over the what to prevent sperm from entering the uterus?

  Cervix.
• How does a spermicide act as a contraceptive? 

  It destroys the sperm cells.
• Are spermicides very effective?

  No.
• 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.