Menstruation, Birth Control, and Pregnancy Overview

Menstrual Cycle

Cyclic changes in ovaries and uterus preparing for fertilization.

Menstruation

Excretion of endometrium through the vagina.

Toxic Stress

Long-lasting effects from excessive stress response activation.

Stressors

Environmental challenges causing psychological and physical responses.

Fight-or-Flight Response

Physiological reaction to perceived threats boosting energy.

Healthy Pregnancy

Dependent on a well-functioning reproductive cycle.

Hormonal Regulation

Control of the menstrual cycle by hormones.

Estrogen-based Birth Control

Prevents ovulation by mimicking natural hormones.

Progesterone-based Birth Control

Thickens cervical mucus to block sperm.

Fertilization Steps

Sperm meets egg, forming a zygote.

Placenta Development

Organ providing nutrients and waste exchange during pregnancy.

Early Development Stages

Rapid cell divisions leading to tissue differentiation.

Pregnancy Hormonal Controls

Hormones regulating pregnancy and birthing processes.

Labor Stages

Phases of childbirth from contractions to delivery.

Health Outcomes of Toxic Stress

Includes obesity, chronic disease, and depression.

Environmental Stressors

Factors affecting health, such as pollution or insecurity.

Gallup Poll 2019

35% of adults reported high stress levels.

APA 2020 Report

67% of adults experienced increased stress from pandemic.

Irregular Menstrual Periods

Menstrual cycles disrupted by physical or emotional stress.

Heavy Menstrual Periods

Periods that are unusually intense or painful.

Missed Menstrual Periods

Absence of menstruation due to stress or other factors.

Substance Abuse

Potential outcome of prolonged toxic stress exposure.

Chronic Disease

Long-term health conditions linked to toxic stress.

Menstrual Cycle

Cyclic changes in ovaries and uterus.

GnRH

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone from hypothalamus.

FSH

Follicle-stimulating hormone from pituitary gland.

LH

Luteinizing hormone from pituitary gland.

Follicle

Developing egg cell with hormone-secreting cells.

Estrogen

Hormone secreted by ovarian follicles.

Ovulation

Release of an egg from the ovary.

Corpus Luteum

Remains of the ovarian follicle post-ovulation.

Progesterone

Hormone produced by corpus luteum.

Menstruation

Shedding of uterine lining when no fertilization occurs.

CRH

Corticotropin-releasing hormone from hypothalamus.

Cortisol

Key stress response hormone released by adrenal glands.

Negative Feedback

Inhibition of hormone production by high levels.

Hormonal Birth Control

Alters menstrual cycle to prevent pregnancy.

Cervical Mucus

Changes consistency to impede sperm ascent.

LH Surge

Spike in luteinizing hormone triggering ovulation.

Stress Effects

High CRH disrupts menstrual cycle events.

Menstrual Cramps

Pain caused by uterine contractions during menstruation.

Fertilization

Union of sperm and egg leading to pregnancy.

Sperm Production

Process regulated by LH in males.

Hormonal Methods

Birth control altering menstrual cycle and ovulation.

Implantation

Attachment of embryo to uterine lining.

STI Protection

External condoms reduce risk of sexually transmitted infections.

Stress

Psychological pressure affecting reproductive choices.

Unintended Pregnancy

Pregnancy occurring without planning or intention.

Low-Income Populations

Groups with limited financial resources impacting access.

Barrier Methods

Prevent sperm and egg contact during intercourse.

External Condoms

Male contraceptive device preventing STIs and pregnancy.

Internal Condoms

Female contraceptive device preventing STIs and pregnancy.

Dental Dams

Barrier for oral sex to prevent STI transmission.

Cervical Caps

Barrier method covering cervix, less effective against STIs.

Vaginal Sponges

Spermicidal sponge blocking sperm entry into uterus.

Diaphragms

Dome-shaped barrier preventing sperm from entering uterus.

Abstinence

Choosing not to engage in sexual activity.

Hormonal Birth Control

Methods using hormones to prevent ovulation.

Combination Birth Control Pill

Contains estrogen and progesterone to prevent ovulation.

Minipill

Progesterone-only pill thickening cervical mucus.

Emergency Birth Control Pill

High hormone dose preventing fertilization or implantation.

Mifepristone

Medication terminating an established pregnancy.

Patch

Hormonal patch delivering estrogen and progesterone.

Vaginal Ring

Inserted ring releasing hormones to prevent ovulation.

Injectables

Progesterone shots every three months to prevent ovulation.

Implantables

Devices secreting hormones to prevent ovulation.

Unintended Pregnancy Rate

Percentage of pregnancies occurring with method use.

STIs

Sexually transmitted infections affecting reproductive health.

Toxic Stress

Chronic stress negatively impacting health and choices.

Unintended Pregnancy Rate

Percentage of pregnancies not planned, varies by method.

Cervical Cap

Prevents sperm-egg contact; 15% unintended pregnancy rate.

Diaphragm

Blocks sperm from egg; 12% unintended pregnancy rate.

Sponge

Spermicide-soaked; 12% (no children) or 24% (with children) unintended pregnancy rate.

Female Condom

Internal condom; 21% unintended pregnancy rate.

Male Condom

External condom; 18% unintended pregnancy rate.

Spermicides

Kills sperm; 28% unintended pregnancy rate.

Fertility Awareness

Abstinence during ovulation; relies on temperature and mucus.

Intrauterine Device (IUD)

Prevents fertilization; 1% unintended pregnancy rate.

Vasectomy

Male sterilization; 0.15% unintended pregnancy rate.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Potential risk from IUD insertion.

Chlamydia

Bacterial STI; causes pelvic pain, treat with antibiotics.

Gonorrhea

Bacterial STI; thick discharge, treat with antibiotics.

STI Prevention

Condom use reduces transmission of STIs.

Spermicide Forms

Available as gels, suppositories, sponges, and films.

Ovulation Charting

Tracks ovulation for fertility awareness method.

Cervical Mucus Monitoring

Observes changes for fertility awareness.

Temperature Increase Post-Ovulation

Indicates ovulation has occurred.

Ectopic Pregnancy

Risk associated with IUD if pregnancy occurs.

Sperm and Egg Contact

Blocked by various barrier methods.

Flexible Ring in Female Condom

Holds condom against cervix for effectiveness.

Unintended Pregnancy Rate of IUD

1% per year, effective long-term birth control.

Premature Birth

Birth occurring before 37 weeks of gestation.

Low Birth Weight

Infants weighing less than 5.5 pounds at birth.

Treponema pallidum

Bacteria causing syphilis, treatable with antibiotics.

Chancres

Infectious sores associated with syphilis.

Neurological Problems

Severe complications from untreated syphilis.

HIV

Virus causing AIDS, no cure available.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Virus that weakens the immune system.

Condom Use

Reduces transmission of sexually transmitted infections.

Genital Warts

Growths caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).