Controlling Fertility

• Why can oestrogen be used for contraception?

  It prevents the release of an egg
• How can progesterone be used for contraception?

  It stimulates the production of a thick mucus which stops sperm reaching the egg
• What is the pill?

  A mix of progesterone and oestrogen
• How effective is the pill?

  99 percent
• What are the downsides of the pill?

  It has side effects like headaches and nausea and it doesn't protect against STIs
• What is the progesterone-only pill like compared the pill with both?

  It causes less side effects and is as effective as the normal pill
• What is a contraceptive patch?

  A patch with progesterone and oestrogen that is stuck to the skin, it lasts for a week
• What is the contraceptive implant?

  An implant under the skin which releases progesterone
• How long can a contraceptive implant last?

  3 years
• What does the contraceptive injection contain?

  Progesterone
• How long does the contraception injection last?

  2 to 3 months
• What does IUD stand for?

  Intrauterine device
• What is an IUD?

  A T-shaped device which is inserted into the uterus and it kills sperm
• What two types of IUD are there?

  • Plastic which release progesterone
  • Copper which kill sperm
• What are some barrier methods?

  • Condoms
  • Diaphragm
  • Spermicide
• What does a condom do?

  Prevents sperm entering the vagina and can protect against STIs
• What is a diaphragm (SEX)?

  A shallow plastic cup which fits over the cervix and has to be used with a spermicide
• What is a spermicide?

  A chemical which kills sperm but it is only 70 - 80 % effective
• What are non contraception methods which can be used to avoid pregnancy?

  • Sterilisation
  • Avoiding intercourse on days when women are most fertile
  • Abstinence
• How does sterilisation work in women?

  The fallopian tubes are cut or tied
• How does sterilisation work in males?

  The sperm duct is cut or tied