Contraception - Contraception and Non-Hormonal Contraception (GCSE Biology)

Contraception and Non-Hormonal Contraception

Contraception

Contraception is the term used to describe interventions that can stop pregnancy from occurring. These interventions can be hormonal or nonhormonal.

Some interventions are used before sexual intercourse (e.g. condoms), whereas others may be used after fertilisation takes place (e.g. the pill).

The interventions can be hormonal or non-hormonal. Hormonal interventions involve targeting the reproduction hormones we discussed in the previous tutorial.

Non-Hormonal Interventions

Due to the negatives of hormonal contraceptions, non-hormonal agents are present too.

Barrier Methods

• Barrier methods can stop fertilisation. Barrier methods of contraception stop the egg from fusing with the egg. Examples of these include condoms and diaphragms.
• Condoms prevent the sperm entering the female altogether. Condoms are placed on the penis, to stop the sperm from entering the female, thus not allowing fertilisation to occur. Condoms are effective around 95% of the time, unless they tear. They also provide protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Femidoms prevent sperm passing the vagina. These are similar to condoms but are placed within the vagina.
• Diaphragms prevent the sperm entering the cervix. Diaphragms on the other hand, are inserted into the vagina of the female before sex and cover the cervix. This prevents fertilisation. Diaphragms must be left in for a few hours after sex. These are effective around 92-96% of the time, however can lead to infections such as cystitis. They do not prevent from STIs.

Intrauterine Devices

• Intrauterine devices stop the implantation of an embryo. Intrauterine devices are known as coils. They work by stopping the implantation of the embryo into the womb by releasing copper. This copper changes the chemical makeup of the mucus in the cervix, thus making it more difficult for the sperm to implant. They must be fitted by a doctor or nurse and can lead to heavier periods.

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Spermicidal Agents

• Spermicidal agents kill sperm cells. Spermicides can kill or disable sperm, stopping fertilisation. They are good methods of contraception, but some people may be allergic to them.

Abstaining from Intercourse

• Abstaining while the egg is in the oviduct. Abstaining means avoiding intercourse during certain timings of the menstrual cycle. For example, a woman can monitor her body temperature and amount of cervical mucus produced as this may change during her menstrual cycle. This can help predict when she is most fertile and can abstain from intercourse during these times. However, it must be planned very carefully, or otherwise the pregnancy risk will jump up (e.g. if you misjudge the dates).

Surgical

• Surgical methods of male or female sterilisation. Sterilisation and vasectomy (in males) are very effective methods of contraception which involve making the person permanently infertile. For example, it can involve sealing the sperm duct in males or cutting/ sealing the oviducts in females. However, because this is permanent it can be a difficult decision for patients to make.