Contraception Flashcards – AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy (8464) — Biology — Foundation

What is the purpose of hormonal contraception?

To use hormones to reduce the chance of pregnancy.

How do some oral contraceptive pills prevent eggs from maturing?

Their hormones inhibit FSH production.

How can hormones delivered by contraceptive injections, implants and skin patches prevent pregnancy?

Hormones, including progestogens, can inhibit egg maturation and ovulation.

How often must contraceptive pills be taken?

Regularly.

How are contraceptive injections maintained?

They are renewed at intervals.

How long can contraceptive implants act?

For years.

How are contraceptive skin patches maintained?

They are replaced regularly.

What does the effectiveness of hormonal contraception partly depend on?

Correct use and timely renewal.

Do hormonal contraceptives protect against sexually transmitted infections?

No.

How do barrier methods prevent pregnancy?

They prevent sperm from reaching an egg.

How does a condom act as a contraceptive barrier?

It keeps semen out of the vagina.

How does a diaphragm obstruct sperm?

It covers the cervix, obstructing sperm from entering the uterus.

What can reduce the effectiveness of barrier contraception during intercourse?

Incorrect use or failure of the barrier.

How do condoms and diaphragms differ in protection against sexually transmitted infections?

Condoms reduce the risk; diaphragms do not provide the same protection.

Where is an intrauterine contraceptive device placed?

In the uterus.

How does a copper intrauterine device primarily prevent pregnancy?

It interferes with sperm, primarily preventing fertilisation.

What may a copper intrauterine device prevent besides fertilisation?

Implantation.

How does a hormonal intrauterine device make it harder for sperm to reach an egg?

It releases a progestogen that thickens cervical mucus.

What effect does a hormonal intrauterine device have on the uterine lining?

It thins the lining.

How long does an intrauterine device provide contraception?

It provides long-lasting contraception.

Does an intrauterine device require action during each act of intercourse?

No.

Who must fit and remove an intrauterine device?

A trained health professional.

Does an intrauterine device protect against sexually transmitted infections?

No.

How do spermicides reduce the chance of fertilisation?

They kill or disable sperm, reducing the chance that sperm will reach and fertilise an egg.

What type of contraceptive method may be used alongside spermicides?

A barrier method.

How reliable are spermicides used alone compared with many other contraceptive methods?

They are generally less reliable.

Do spermicides protect against sexually transmitted infections?

No, spermicides do not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

What is essential when using spermicides as contraception?

They must be used correctly.

How can fertility-awareness contraception prevent pregnancy?

By abstaining from vaginal intercourse during the fertile window, when sperm could meet an egg.

Why does the fertile window include days before ovulation?

Sperm can survive in the reproductive tract for several days.

Does fertility-awareness contraception require hormones or a device?

No, it requires neither.

What two conditions affect the effectiveness of fertility-awareness contraception?

Accurately identifying fertile days and avoiding intercourse on those days.

Why is it uncertain to predict the fertile window?

The timing of ovulation varies.

Does fertility-awareness contraception protect against sexually transmitted infections during intercourse?

No.