Controlling Fertility
What Is Fertility Control?
Fertility control refers to methods used to increase or decrease the chances of pregnancy.
It involves hormonal and non-hormonal methods.
💡 Key Concept: Hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone can be used to prevent or promote pregnancy.
Hormonal Methods of Contraception
Method | How It Works | Pros | Cons |
Combined pill(oestrogen + progesterone) | Inhibits FSH → prevents egg maturation. Also thickens cervical mucus. | Highly effective if used correctly. | Must be taken daily; side effects. |
Mini pill (progesterone only) | Thickens cervical mucus; thins uterus lining. | Suitable for those who can’t take oestrogen. | Must be taken at the same time daily. |
Contraceptive patch/injection/implant | Slow release of hormones. | Long-lasting (weeks/months/years). | May have side effects. |
💡 Key Fact: High levels of oestrogen can inhibit FSH, stopping eggs from maturing.
Non-Hormonal Methods of Contraception
Method | How It Works |
Barrier methods (condoms, diaphragms) | Stop sperm reaching the egg. |
Intrauterine device (IUD) | Prevents implantation of fertilised egg; may also release hormones. |
Spermicides | Kill or disable sperm. |
Sterilisation | Surgical; blocks sperm ducts or fallopian tubes. |
Abstinence | Avoiding sex during fertile period. |
💡 Only condoms prevent STIs as well as pregnancy.
Fertility Treatments (Increasing Fertility)
1️. Fertility Drugs
✔ Contain FSH and LH to stimulate egg release in women who don’t ovulate naturally.
✔ Used when natural hormone levels are low.
2️. IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation)
✔ FSH and LH given to mature multiple eggs.
✔ Eggs collected and fertilised with sperm in a lab.
✔ Embryos implanted into uterus.
💡 Disadvantages of IVF:
- Expensive.
- Physically and emotionally demanding.
- May result in multiple births, increasing health risks.
Questions
- What hormone does the pill inhibit to prevent ovulation?
- What is the purpose of barrier methods?
- Name one advantage and one disadvantage of IVF.
- What do fertility drugs contain?
- Which contraceptive method also protects against STIs?
Summary
- Fertility can be controlled hormonally (e.g. pill) or non-hormonally (e.g. barrier methods).
- FSH and LH can be used in fertility drugs and IVF to stimulate egg release.
- IVF allows fertilisation outside the body but has ethical and medical risks.