5.3.5 - Contraception

What is contraception?

Refers to any method of preventing pregnancy.

What are the two types of oral contraceptives?

• Combined contraceptive pill (contains oestrogen and progesterone).

• Mini pill (contains only progesterone).

How does the contraceptive pill prevent pregnancy?

• Inhibits FSH - eggs don’t mature.

• Prevents the development of the uterus lining - eggs cannot implant.

• Increases the thickness of cervical mucus - immobilizes sperm cells.

What is the contraceptive patch?

• Contains both oestrogen and progesterone.

• It’s a patch that is placed onto the skin for 7 days at a time.

What is the contraceptive implant?

A small rod inserted under the skin which continuously releases the hormone progesterone - lasts for 3 years.

What is the contraceptive injection?

An injection containing the hormone progesterone - lasts for approximately 3 months.

What is the IUS?

• Intrauterine system - a small plastic device that’s inserted into the uterus.

• It releases progesterone which thickens cervical mucus and prevents the build-up of the uterine lining.

What is the IUD?

Intrauterine device - is a small copper-containing device inserted into the uterus, which prevents the implantation of embryos.

What is spermicide?

A chemical that kills or immobilizes sperm cells - however, they are not very effective, and work better when combined with barrier methods.

What is a barrier method of contraception?

• Involves a physical separation between the sperm and the egg. They include:

  • Condoms - thin sheath worn on the penis or inside the vagina - protects against STIs but may tear/break.

  • Diaphragms - a thin cap placed over the cervix - prevent entry of sperm.

What surgical methods of contraception are available?

Sterilization - in males, the sperm ducts are tied (vasectomy) and in females, the oviducts are tied.

What is abstinence?

• The practice of not having sex, which also avoids pregnancy.

• Some people abstain from sex around the time of ovulation - this is known as the rhythm method, but it’s quite unreliable.