5.14 - Contraception

• What is Contraception? 


  Any artificial method people use to prevent pregnancy
• Hormonal Methods of Ckntraception:

  • Oestrogen and/or Progesterone
  • Oestrogen - released steadily everyday and it will inhibit FSH meaning no egg will be developed or released
  • Progesterone - stimulates the production of thick mucus in the cervix which prevents sperm from reaching the egg
• Examples of Hormonal Methods:

  • Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill - contains both Oestrogen and Progesterone, 99% effective, side effects of headaches and nausea
  • Progesterone Only Pill - 99% effective, fewer side effects
  • Contraceptive Patch - releases Oestrogen and Progesterone, lasts 1 week
  • Contraceptive Injection - contains Progesterone, 2-3 months
  • Contraceptive Implant - contains Progesterone, lasts up to 3 years
  • IUD - inside uterus. Plastic - releases Progesterone. Copper - non-hormonal, kills sperm. 3+ years
• Non-hormonal methods of Contraception:

  • prevents sperm from meeting egg
• Examples of Non-Hormonal Contraception:

  • Condoms - barrier that stops sperm, also protects against STDs
  • Diaphragm - fits over cervix, blocks sperm from emerging uterus. Unreliable. Used alongside spermicide.
  • Sterilisation - cutting and tying of the fallopian tubes or sperm ducts
  • Natural methods - only have sex at certain times of the month etc.