AQA Biology 4.5.3.5 · Combined 4.5.3.4
Contraception and fertility
Each method of contraception blocks one step on the way to pregnancy. Find the step each one blocks.
Combined Science · Higher tier
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Many methods.
There are many different methods of contraception, from pills to condoms.
If you had to guess, do they all work in the same way, or in different ways?
Contraception
What each method blocks.
Fertility can be controlled by a variety of hormonal and non-hormonal methods of contraception. Pick each method to see which step it blocks.
Pick a method.
Evaluate
Choosing a method.
No method suits everyone. Pick a need to see which methods meet it.
Pick a need.
Whether to use contraception, and which kind, also depends on personal, religious and ethical views: questions science alone can’t answer.
Hormones to treat infertility
A fertility drug containing FSH and LH can be given to a woman whose own level of FSH is too low; she may then become pregnant in the normal way. In vitro fertilisation (IVF) goes further. Step through it.
Press Next step.
Fertility treatment gives a woman the chance to have a baby of her own. Tap each drawback.
The hormones these methods use: Hormones in human reproduction.
Think again · the pill and STIs?
“The pill protects you from STIs.”
Your call
ChooseWhich methods also protect against sexually transmitted infections?
Sort
Hormonal or not?
Place each method.
Tap a card, then tap the box it belongs in. Tap a placed card to take it back.
Command words in this lesson
- Describe
- How a method prevents pregnancy.
- Evaluate
- Hormonal and non-hormonal methods, with points for and against.
- Explain
- The steps of IVF and its drawbacks (Higher).
Key fact
Hormonal methods stop eggs maturing or being released. Barriers, spermicides, abstinence and sterilisation stop sperm meeting an egg. IUDs prevent implantation or release a hormone.
Key note · AQA 4.5.3.5–4.5.3.6 (Combined 4.5.3.4–4.5.3.5)
Contraception and fertility
- Hormonal: oral contraceptives inhibit FSH so no eggs mature; injection, implant or skin patch of slow-release progesterone.
- Non-hormonal: condoms and diaphragms, spermicidal agents, abstaining, sterilisation. IUDs prevent implantation or release a hormone.
- Infertility: FSH and LH fertility drug; IVF: eggs matured, collected, fertilised in the lab, one or two embryos inserted.
- Fertility treatment is stressful, success rates are not high, and multiple births are a risk to babies and mother.
Photograph this card. Tomorrow, cover it and say each line first.
Previous and next
Connects to
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Not sure how a method actually works?
Figures are schematic.