7.6: hormonal contraception

What are hormonal methods of contraception?

Some contraceptives work by releasing progesterone (and sometimes oestrogen as well) into the body to inhibit FSH and LH from being released

Examples of hormonal contraceptives

The contraceptive pill, the contraceptive patch, the contraceptive implant, the contraceptive injection, an IUD (intrauterine device)

How does the contraceptive pill work?

These are usually taken once a day, and consist of wither the mixed pill or the progesterone pill

The mixed pill has both oestrogen and progesterone to ensure that those levels remain high, inhibiting FSH and LH. The lining also stops developing and the mucus in the cervix becomes thick so no sperm can move through it

The progestorone pill only contains progesterone but still inhibits FSH and LH

Side effects of the contraceptive pill

Changes in mood, depression, breast pain, or increased blood pressure

The contraceptive patch

These contain oestrogen and progesterone and last for a week stuck to the skin

The contraceptive implant

This releases a continuous amount of progesterone to prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg due to the lack of LH. It also thickens the mucus in the cervix and stops fertilised eggs from implanting into the uterus. It lasts for three years

The contraceptive injection

Made up of progesterone and lasts for a week 2-3 months

IUD

A plastic T-shaped device which releases progesterone and is inserted into the uterus, lasting for 5-10 years