Year 11 - Science
Hormonal and non-hormonal methods of contraception
Hormones and human reproduction
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
This unit covers the roles of hormones in reproduction, including the menstrual cycle and the effects of FSH, LH, oestrogen, and progesterone. It explains contraception methods, and fertility treatments, and evaluates their social, economic, and environmental impacts.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to compare hormonal and non-hormonal methods of contraception.
Key Notes
- Hormones can be used as a contraceptive to prevent pregnancy by disrupting the menstrual cycle.
- Some oral hormone contraceptive pills prevent ovulation. If no egg is released, fertilisation cannot take place.
- Reasons why hormone pills may not be 100% effective (e.g. missing/late dose, taking after ovulation).
- Non-hormonal contraceptives act as a barrier to prevent sperm from reaching the egg, so fertilisation cannot occur.
- Evaluating benefits and risks of hormonal and non-hormonal (barrier) methods of contraception (including STIs).
Vocabulary To Learn
- oral contraceptive pill: A contraceptive method; a pill taken regularly, containing hormones.
- ovulation: Process where an egg is released from an ovary.
- fertilisation: Process where the sperm and the egg fuse in the fallopian tube.
- risk: The chance of something causing harm or leading to unwanted consequences.
- STI: Sexually transmitted infection.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- The contraceptive pill can protect from STIs; that all contraception is 100% effective; there are no side effects to hormonal contraception.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the scientific idea in this lesson using two key points.
Hormones can be used as a contraceptive to prevent pregnancy by disrupting the menstrual cycle. Some oral hormone contraceptive pills prevent ovulation. If no egg is released, fertilisation cannot take place.
2. Define this scientific word and use it in context. 'oral contraceptive pill'
A contraceptive method; a pill taken regularly, containing hormones. Include the word in a full scientific explanation, not as a single label.
3. Correct this common scientific misunderstanding.
Mistake: The contraceptive pill can protect from STIs; that all contraception is 100% effective; there are no side effects to hormonal contraception. Correction: Discuss barrier methods and their benefit in preventing STIs, oral contraceptive can be affected by user error or illness. Oral contraception has side effects but these are less in modern times.
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