Topic Summaries

Contraception

GCSE > Biology > CCEA > GCSE Biology Topic Summaries > Reproductive hormones and plant hormones > Contraception
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Food supply and biotechnology

Science skills: Measuring results

  • Fertility can be controlled by a variety of hormonal and non-hormonal methods.
  • Hormonal methods:
    • Oral contraceptives: contain oestrogen and progesterone to inhibit FSH production so that no eggs mature. This also thickens mucus in the uterus so it is harder for sperm to travel through, and thins the lining of the uterus so there is less chance of a fertilised ovum embedding.
    • Injection, implant, or skin patch: slow-release progesterone to inhibit maturation/release of eggs.
    • Intrauterine devices: release progesterone to prevent implantation.
  • Non-hormonal methods:
    • Barrier method: (e.g. condoms, diaphragms) prevent to sperm from reaching an egg.
    • Spermicidal agents: often used to coat barrier methods to kill/disable sperm.
    • Intrauterine devices: prevent the implantation of an embryo.
    • Abstaining from intercourse: no sperm enters the female reproductive system.
    • Surgical sterilisation: for males, a vasectomy means sperm ducts are tied or cut; for females, tubal litigation means fallopian tubes are tied or cut.

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