Contraception

• What is contraception?

  A method or device used to prevent pregnancy
• Which of the following must occur for somebody to become pregnant naturally?

  • Sperm must reach and fertilise the egg
  • The fertilised egg must implant into the uterus lining
  • An egg must be released from the ovaries
• Which hormones can hormonal contraceptives contain?

  • Progesterone
  • Oestrogen
• How can oestrogen act as a contraceptive? 

  Inhibit FSH production, so that eggs can't mature
• How can progesterone act as a contraceptive? 

  Stimulate 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 of the following contraceptive methods is the longest lasting?

  Intrauterine device (The intrauterine device can last for more than 3 years.)
• Which of the following contraceptive methods is the shortest lasting?

  Contraceptive patch (The contraceptive patch has to be changed each week.)
• Which of the following methods of contraception is the most invasive?

  Contraceptive implant

  (The contraceptive implant is a small device that has to be injected under the skin (usually in the upper arm). )
• Condoms are the only contraceptives that protect against:

  Sexually transmitted diseases/infections 
• The diaphragm sits over the cervix to prevent sperm from entering the uterus.
• How does a spermicide act as a contraceptive? 

  (be aware that spermicides are not very effective)


  Destroy the sperm cells
• 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