Contraception

• What is the main purpose of contraception?

  To prevent pregnancy
• How does understanding the process of pregnancy help in discussing contraception?

  It helps to understand how contraception interrupts the pregnancy process
• What hormone stimulates an egg to develop in the ovaries?

  FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)
• What triggers ovulation in the female reproductive system?

  LH (Luteinizing Hormone)
• What happens to a fertilized egg after it forms?

  It travels to the uterus to implant into the wall and develop into a fetus
• What is the cervix's role in the female reproductive system?


  It is the entrance to the uterus
• How can contraception interrupt the pregnancy process?

  By preventing sperm from meeting the egg or inhibiting egg development
• What are the two main categories of contraception methods?

  • Hormonal methods
  • Non-hormonal methods
• What do hormonal contraceptive methods rely on?

  They rely on releasing estrogen, progesterone, or a combination of both
• How does estrogen affect FSH production?

  Estrogen inhibits the production of FSH
• What is the effect of progesterone on the cervix?


  It stimulates the production of thick mucus to prevent sperm from reaching the egg
• What is the combined oral contraceptive pill commonly referred to as?

  The pill
• How effective is the combined oral contraceptive pill at preventing pregnancy?

  Over 99% effective when taken properly
• What are some side effects of the combined oral contraceptive pill?

  Headaches and nausea
• What is the progesterone-only pill's effectiveness compared to the combined pill?

  It is just as effective but tends to have fewer side effects
• What is the contraceptive patch?

  A small sticker that releases estrogen and progesterone
• How long does each contraceptive patch last?

  One week
• What is the contraceptive injection?

  An injection of progesterone that lasts two to three months
• What is the contraceptive implant?

  A small device placed under the skin that releases progesterone for up to three years
• What does the intrauterine device (IUD) do?

  It is placed inside the uterus and can release progesterone or be copper-based
• How does the copper IUD prevent pregnancy?

  It prevents sperm from surviving in the uterus
• How long can both types of IUD last?

  Over three years
• What are the main differences between hormonal and non-hormonal contraceptives?

  Hormonal contraceptives:

  • Release hormones to prevent ovulation or thicken cervical mucus
  • Examples: pills, patches, injections, implants, IUDs

  
  

  Non-hormonal contraceptives:

  • Prevent sperm from meeting the egg
  • Examples: condoms, diaphragms, spermicides, sterilization
• How do condoms function as a contraceptive method?

  They are worn over the penis to trap sperm
• What is the purpose of female condoms?

  To trap sperm inside the vagina
• What is unique about condoms compared to other contraceptive methods?

  They are the only method that also protects against STDs
• What is a diaphragm in terms of contraception?

  A shallow plastic cup that fits over the cervix
• Why must a diaphragm be used with spermicide?

  Because it is not very reliable on its own
• What is the effectiveness of spermicides as a contraceptive method?

  They work about seven out of ten times
• What does sterilization in women involve?

  Cutting or tying the fallopian tubes
• Why is female sterilization considered permanent?

  Because it prevents eggs from passing from the ovaries to the uterus
• How can men undergo sterilization?

  By having their sperm ducts cut and tied
• What are natural methods of contraception?

  Methods like timing intercourse or stopping before ejaculation
• Why are natural methods of contraception considered unreliable?

  Because they do not consistently prevent pregnancy
• What is the only method that guarantees 100% prevention of pregnancy?

  Abstaining from sex