Contraception

• Two types of oral contraceptives

  • Combined contraceptive pill (O and P)
  • Mini pill (only progesterone)
• How does the contraceptive pill prevent pregnancy?

  • inhibits FSH - eggs don’t mature
  • prevents the development of the uterus lining - eggs can’t implant
  • increases the thickness of cervical mucus - immobilises sperm cells
• What is the contraceptive patch?

  • Contains oestrogen and progesterone
  • Patch placed on skin for 7 days at a time
• What is the contraceptive implant?

  small rod inserted under the skin which releases progesterone - lasts for 3 years
• What is the contraceptive injection?

  injection containing progesterone - lasts for 3 months
• What is the IUS?

  • intrauterine system - small plastic device that is inserted into the uterus
  • releases progesterone which thickens cervical mucus and prevents the build-up of the uterine lining
• What is the IUD?

  intrauterine device - small copper-containing device inserted into the uterus which prevents the implantation of embryos
• What is a spermicide?

  chemical that kills or immobilises sperm cells however not very effective and work better when combined with barrier methods
• What is a barrier method of contraception?

  • involves a physical separation between the sperm and egg
  • condoms - thin sheath worn on the penis or inside the vagina - protects against STIs but may tear/break
  • diaphragms - thin cap placed over the cervix, prevents entry of sperm
• What surgical methods of contraception are available?

  sterilisation - in males, sperm ducts are tied (vasectomy) and in females, oviducts are tied
• What is abstinence?

  • practice of not having sex, which avoids pregnancy
  • some people abstain around the time of ovulation (rhythm method) but is quite unreliable