AQA · GCSE · Biology
Course version: 8461 · Version from Sept 2018
These include: • oral contraceptives that contain hormones to inhibit FSH…
Full specification wording
Contraception: These include: • oral contraceptives that contain hormones to inhibit FSH production so that no eggs mature • injection, implant or skin patch of slow release progesterone to inhibit the maturation and release of eggs for a number of months or years • barrier methods such as condoms and diaphragms which prevent the sperm reaching an egg • intrauterine devices which prevent the implantation of an embryo or release a hormone • spermicidal agents which kill or disable sperm • abstaining from intercourse when an egg may be in the oviduct • surgical methods of male and female sterilisation.
Contraception prevents pregnancy by interrupting the sequence of ovulation, fertilisation or implantation.
Checked against the AQA 8461 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 3 of 3
- 3 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Contraception prevents pregnancy by interrupting the sequence of ovulation, fertilisation or implantation. Oral contraceptives contain hormones that inhibit FSH production, so no eggs mature and ovulation does not occur. Slow-release progesterone from injections, implants or skin patches inhibits the maturation and release of eggs for months or years. Barrier methods such as condoms and diaphragms physically prevent sperm reaching an egg. Intrauterine devices prevent an embryo implanting in the uterus or release a hormone. Spermicidal agents kill or disable sperm. Abstaining from intercourse when an egg may be in the oviduct avoids fertilisation. Surgical sterilisation in males or females permanently prevents sperm or eggs meeting.
What earns the marks
- State that oral contraceptives contain hormones that inhibit FSH production so that no eggs mature.
- Describe slow-release progesterone delivered by injection, implant or skin patch as inhibiting the maturation and release of eggs for months or years.
- Explain that barrier methods such as condoms and diaphragms prevent sperm reaching an egg.
- Describe intrauterine devices as preventing implantation of an embryo or releasing a hormone.
- State that spermicidal agents kill or disable sperm.
- Explain that abstaining from intercourse when an egg may be in the oviduct avoids fertilisation.
- Describe surgical methods of male and female sterilisation as preventing sperm or eggs from meeting.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Confusing FSH with LH.
Put it right: FSH stimulates egg maturation, and oral contraceptives inhibit FSH production.
Thinking barrier methods are hormonal.
Put it right: Condoms and diaphragms are physical barriers that stop sperm reaching an egg.
Believing all contraceptive methods are permanent.
Put it right: Many methods are reversible, while sterilisation is intended to be permanent.
Exam tips
- Match each method to the stage it blocks: ovulation, fertilisation or implantation.
- Use precise terms such as 'inhibit FSH production' and 'prevent implantation' rather than vague phrases like 'stops pregnancy'.
- When comparing methods, refer to duration, reversibility and whether the method is hormonal or barrier.
Try the lesson
The start of the Contraception: These include: • oral contraceptives that contain hormones to inhibit FSH production so that no eggs mature • injection, implant or skin patch of slow release progesterone to inhibit the maturation and release of eggs for a number of months or years • barrier methods such as condoms and diaphragms which prevent the sperm reaching an egg • intrauterine devices which prevent the implantation of an embryo or release a hormone • spermicidal agents which kill or disable sperm • abstaining from intercourse when an egg may be in the oviduct • surgical methods of male and female sterilisation. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which contraceptive method works by preventing sperm from reaching an egg?
Listen
Contraception prevents pregnancy by interrupting the sequence of ovulation, fertilisation or implantation. Oral contraceptives contain hormones that inhibit FSH production, so no eggs mature and ovulation does not occur. Slow-release progesterone from injections, implants or skin patches inhibits the maturation and release of eggs for months or years. Barrier methods such as condoms and diaphragms physically prevent sperm reaching an egg. Intrauterine devices prevent an embryo implanting in the uterus or release a hormone. Spermicidal agents kill or disable sperm. Abstaining from intercourse when an egg may be in the oviduct avoids fertilisation. Surgical sterilisation in males or females permanently prevents sperm or eggs meeting. A strong answer earns marks for these points. State that oral contraceptives contain hormones that inhibit FSH production so that no eggs mature. Describe slow-release progesterone delivered by injection, implant or skin patch as inhibiting the maturation and release of eggs for months or years. Explain that barrier methods such as condoms and diaphragms prevent sperm reaching an egg. Describe intrauterine devices as preventing implantation of an embryo or releasing a hormone. A common slip: Confusing FSH with LH. Instead, FSH stimulates egg maturation, and oral contraceptives inhibit FSH production. Exam tip: Match each method to the stage it blocks: ovulation, fertilisation or implantation.
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Oral contraceptives
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Barrier methods
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Intrauterine devices
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See every definition
- Oral contraceptives
- Contain hormones to inhibit FSH production so that no eggs mature.
- Barrier methods
- Such as condoms and diaphragms, which prevent the sperm reaching an egg.
- Intrauterine devices
- Prevent the implantation of an embryo or release a hormone.
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Test your understanding of Contraception: These include: • oral contraceptives that contain hormones to inhibit FSH production so that no eggs mature • injection, implant or skin patch of slow release progesterone to inhibit the maturation and release of eggs for a number of months or years • barrier methods such as condoms and diaphragms which prevent the sperm reaching an egg • intrauterine devices which prevent the implantation of an embryo or release a hormone • spermicidal agents which kill or disable sperm • abstaining from intercourse when an egg may be in the oviduct • surgical methods of male and female sterilisation.
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