Sexual Reproduction in Humans:

Contraception

J. J. MARSHALL-THOMPSON
CAPE BIOLOGY UNIT 1
20TH APRIL, 2020
Horrible Birth Control Video
Objective

3.9 discuss how knowledge of human reproductive anatomy and

physiology has been applied to the development of contraceptive
methods;
Modern day contraceptives

▶ Barrier e.g. Condoms: Latex, polyurethane, lambskin

▶ Chemical e.g. Spermicide
▶ Hormonal e.g. The Pill and mini pill: oestrogen, progesterone,
combination
▶ Other
▶ Natural family Planning e.g. Symptothermal method
▶ Sterilization e.g. vasectomy
▶ Sexual Abstinence
 The Pill
 The combination progesterone and oestrogen pill is taken
once daily. E.g. Yaz, Desogen, Ortho Tri-Cyclen

The pill inhibits follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in the
pituitary, so the follicles don’t mature.
 Luteinizing hormone (LH) increases, which then prevents
ovulation

The progesterone in the pill increases the cervical mucus,
which impedes the sperm.
 It still gets bloody
•
Usually, women must orally take 20, 21, or 22 active pills, (containing the hormones)
followed by inactive sugar pills.
•
During the time that the woman is taking the inactive pills, a milder bleed than a
regular period occurs.
 The Mini Pill
• Progesterone only Pills/POPs: These pills also must be used everyday orally and
contain only progesterone. E.g. Seasonique, Cerazette
•
They work by thickening cervical mucus, thinning the endometrium and in some
cases even by preventing ovulation
• They tend to be recommended for women who cannot take a combined pill due to
having risk factors for stroke, and women who have just given birth.
• These pills also decrease the frequency and duration of menstrual periods, but users
may experience breakthrough bleeding and spotting.
 Emergency (Postcoital)
Contraception
•
This method of contraception is used orally and only once immediately after (~24-72
hours) the woman has experienced unprotected sexual intercourse that may lead to an
unwanted pregnancy.
• It may still be effective up to five days after sex.
•
This "Morning After Pill" contains a dosage of 750 mg of levonorgestrel in each pill.
• Ella®, a new type of emergency contraception is
• considered even more effective.
• The active ingredient is ulipristal acetate and
•
is not time sensitive in its efficacy
• Both work by stopping ovulation (what if you’be already ovulated?)
 Intra-uterine devices (IUDs)
• These are plastic devices placed within the cervix that could contain
copper (10 years) and/or release levonorgestrel (3-5 years).
• The hormonal IUDs stop ovulation and thicken cervical mucus.
• They may also make the uterine lining thinner preventing successful
implantation of fertilized eggs.
•
Copper is toxic to sperm and also causes the uterus to produce a fluid that
is spermicidal. The fluid produced contains white blood cells, copper
ions, enzymes, and prostaglandins
Negatives included heavy periods and greater risk of infection if partner has
STIs
 Injectables
•
Injectables are available to women as 3-monthly intramuscular injection with a high
dosage of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), or 2-monthly intramuscular
injection with a dosage of norethindrone enanthate, or NET-OEN.
• One concern is how to maintain a regular dose for a long period of time
• Side effects include:
– large fibroids, amenorrhea, hypertension, diabetes, delayed return of ovulation, elevated risk of
osteoporosis.
 Implants
•
These implants provide a consistent and long-lasting method of
contraception. E.g. Implanon
• Implants must be surgically placed subcutaneously and also
removed from the same area. In terms of its structure, implants
usually have a steroid placed inside of a capsule or rod.
• Progestin is released in a time fashion
•
Fertility returns relatively quickly after removal
 (Male) Condoms

Common barrier method made of latex, polyurethane or sheep intestines

Physically prevents sperm from entering female reproductive system by covering penis
hence ‘Male’

Protects against HIV!*

*Sheep skin doesn’t

 Female Condoms

Made of nitrile

‘Female’ because they are

secured to the vagina

Also protect against STDs

 Diaphragm
• A diaphragm is a method of birth control used by women. It is a soft, thin, dome-
shaped rubber cup with a flexible rim.
• Spermicidal jelly is placed inside the dome. The diaphragm is placed high in the
vagina to hold the spermicide against the cervix.
 Spermicide
• “Spermicide” describes a bunch of different creams, films, foams, gels, and
suppositories that contain chemicals that stop sperm from moving. It is inserted deep in
the vagina, so it also keeps sperm from getting through the cervix and into the uterus.
• Best if paired with a barrier method

• May make HIV infection more likely in women

 Natural Family Planning
Track ovulation and avoid sex or use a barrier method on fertile days.

1. Measure basal body temperature

2. Monitor cervical mucus

3. Measure Luteinizing hormone

 End it all
Vasectomy: Vas deferens severed/clamped etc

Tubal Ligation: Oviducts severed/clamped etc

Hysteroscopic Sterilization: Insertion of an

essure coil, resulting in scar tissue that blocks
oviduct. Reversible

Less commonly: Castration, Hysterectomy

 Misused contraception

▶ Missing one or more oral contraceptive pills

▶ Using a home lubricant with a latex condom
▶ Using a spermicide without a barrier method
▶ Not waiting long enough after male sterilization
▶ Failing to return to the doctor for subsequent Depo-Provera injections
▶ Taking antibiotics* with combined oral contraceptives, the patch, or the vaginal ring
▶ Using withdrawal and forgetting to actually withdraw
▶ Using abstinence with your clothes off

*Rifampicin or vomiting/diarrhoea-inducing antibiotics, other break down hormones

 Ineffective Contraception
There are many ways couples seek to avoid pregnancy which have little or no merit.
These include:
▶ douching
▶ make-shift condoms (e.g. sandwich bags)
▶ sitting up after intercourse
▶ having sex in the sea
▶ having the man take a hot bath
▶ hope (and pray)

If you are using an ineffective method, consider switching to one that works.
Class Dismissed