Contraception

Students should be able to evaluate the different hormonal and non-hormonal methods of contraception.

Fertility can be controlled by a variety of hormonal and non- hormonal methods of contraception.

These include:

• oral contraceptives that contain hormones to inhibit FSH production so that no eggs mature
• injection, implant or skin patch of slow release progesterone to inhibit the maturation and release of eggs for a number of months or years
• barrier methods such as condoms and diaphragms which prevent the sperm reaching an egg
• intrauterine devices which prevent the implantation of an embryo or release a hormone
• spermicidal agents which kill or disable sperm
• abstaining from intercourse when an egg may be in the oviduct
• surgical methods of male and female sterilisation.

WS 1.3

Show why issues around contraception cannot be answered by science alone.

WS 1.4

Explain everyday and technological applications of science; evaluate associated personal, social, economic and environmental implications; and make decisions based on the evaluation of evidence and arguments.