Practice Questions

1.Explain how the oral contraceptive pill prevents pregnancy.

The oral contraceptive pill prevents pregnancy mainly by stopping ovulation. It contains hormones (usually oestrogen and progesterone) that inhibit FSH and LH release, so no egg matures or is released. It also thickens cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach any egg, and thins the uterus lining, making it less suitable for implantation if fertilisation did occur.

2.A couple want contraception that is temporary, reliable, and protects against STIs. Which method(s) would you recommend and why?

I would recommend condoms because they are temporary, can be used whenever needed, and are reliable if used correctly. Importantly, condoms protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), unlike most other methods such as the pill, implant, or IUD.

3.Compare hormonal and non-hormonal contraception methods in terms of reliability, side effects, permanence, and protection against STIs.

Hormonal methods (pill, implant, injection, hormonal IUD):

Reliability: Very reliable if used correctly (especially implants and injections).

Side effects: Can cause mood changes, nausea, or other hormonal side effects.

Permanence: Usually temporary, except for long-term implants.

Protection against STIs: Do not protect against STIs.

Non-hormonal methods (condoms, copper IUD, diaphragms, spermicides, sterilisation):

Reliability: Varies; condoms and copper IUDs are fairly reliable, natural methods less so. Sterilisation is permanent and very reliable.

Side effects: Usually fewer systemic side effects; some methods may cause local irritation (e.g., diaphragm).

Permanence: Condoms, diaphragms, and spermicides are temporary; sterilisation is permanent.

Protection against STIs: Only condoms provide protection against STIs.

Summary: Hormonal methods are generally more reliable for preventing pregnancy but don’t protect against STIs and can have side effects, while non-hormonal methods vary in reliability, some are permanent, and only condoms protect against infections.