GCSE Biology (AQA)

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Hormonal Contraception

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Homeostasis and Response Hormonal Coordination in Humans

Hormonal Contraception

3:58 Contraception
Spec 4.5.3.5
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  • Hormonal contraception uses hormones to prevent pregnancy.
  • Contraceptives are methods used to prevent pregnancy, all aiming to stop fertilization.
  • Hormonal methods do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs); barrier methods like condoms are needed for STI prevention.
  • Hormonal contraceptives primarily target the female reproductive system.
  • Examples of hormonal contraceptives include oral contraceptives (pills), contraceptive injections, skin patches, implants, and hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs).
  • Oral contraceptives, known as "the pill," may contain estrogen, progesterone, or both.
  • Estrogen in the pill inhibits the production of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), preventing egg maturation and fertilization.
  • Other hormonal methods like injections, patches, and implants release progesterone, which also inhibits egg maturation and release.
  • The contraceptive injection lasts 8-13 weeks, skin patches last about a week, and implants can last around three years.
  • Hormonal IUDs are T-shaped devices inserted into the uterus, releasing progesterone to prevent egg maturation and release.
  • Hormonal IUDs are also known as intrauterine systems (IUS) to distinguish them from non-hormonal copper IUDs.

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