Contraception Flashcards – AQA GCSE Biology - Foundation (8461)

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.

What factors can be weighed when choosing a contraceptive method?

Effectiveness, duration, reversibility, possible side effects or procedure risks, and convenience, according to the individual's priorities.

Why can contraceptive effectiveness with typical use be lower than with correct use?

A method may be forgotten, used incorrectly or used at the wrong time.

How do implants and intrauterine devices differ from barrier and fertility-awareness methods in the action needed for use?

Implants and intrauterine devices do not require action at each act of intercourse; barrier and fertility-awareness methods depend on consistent use or timing.

What is the intended duration of sterilisation as a contraceptive method?

It is intended to be permanent.

What additional benefit do condoms offer beyond contraception?

They reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections.

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.

What are spermicides, and how do they prevent pregnancy?

They are chemicals placed in the vagina that kill or disable sperm, reducing the chance of fertilisation.

How can spermicide be used with respect to barrier contraception?

It can be used alone or with a barrier, such as a diaphragm.

What does the effectiveness of spermicide depend on?

Correct use.

How effective is spermicide used alone compared with many other contraceptive methods?

It is generally less effective.

Does spermicide protect against sexually transmitted infections?

No.

What unwanted effect can spermicide cause?

Irritation.

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.