5.3.5: Contraception
Not started yet — this one needs some love.
Contraception controls fertility using hormonal or non-hormonal methods.
Oral contraceptives contain hormones that inhibit FSH production so no eggs mature.
Slow-release progesterone can be given by injection, implant or skin patch to inhibit egg maturation and release for months or years.
Barrier methods, such as condoms and diaphragms, prevent sperm reaching an egg.
Intrauterine devices prevent implantation of an embryo or release a hormone.
Spermicidal agents kill or disable sperm.
Avoiding intercourse when an egg may be in the oviduct can reduce the chance of fertilisation.
Surgical sterilisation can be used in males or females.
Contraception decisions involve scientific evidence as well as personal, social, economic and ethical factors.
Common exam mistakes
Do not describe every contraceptive as "stopping sperm"; hormonal methods mainly stop egg maturation or release.
Barrier methods prevent sperm reaching an egg; they do not change hormone levels.
Intrauterine devices prevent implantation or release a hormone; they are not barrier methods.
Spermicidal agents kill or disable sperm, but they are not the same as condoms or diaphragms.
When evaluating contraception, compare named features such as effectiveness, side effects, STI protection, convenience or duration of action.