Contraception: Students should be able to evaluate the different hormonal and non-hormonal methods of contraception.

The idea

Contraception prevents pregnancy by stopping sperm meeting an egg or stopping an egg being released. Hormonal methods include the combined pill (oestrogen and progesterone), the mini-pill (progesterone only), implants, injections and patches; they thicken cervical mucus and often stop ovulation, but can cause side effects and do not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Non-hormonal methods include condoms, diaphragms, copper IUDs and sterilisation; condoms also reduce STI risk, while sterilisation is intended to be permanent. To evaluate, compare effectiveness, side effects, convenience, reversibility and STI protection, then reach a justified judgement for a given situation.

What earns the marks

• Classify methods as hormonal or non-hormonal, giving at least one example of each.
• Describe how each method works, such as hormones preventing ovulation or condoms forming a barrier.
• Compare advantages and disadvantages, including effectiveness, side effects, convenience and reversibility.
• Explain that only barrier methods such as condoms also reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections.
• Use the comparison to reach a justified conclusion about which method suits a particular situation.
• Recognise that no method is perfect and that choice depends on individual circumstances and medical advice.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Claiming hormonal contraception protects against STIs.

  Put it right by stating only barrier methods such as condoms do.

• Treating all hormonal methods as identical.

  Put it right by noting differences such as the combined pill containing oestrogen and progesterone while the mini-pill contains progesterone only.

• Giving a list of methods without evaluating.

  Put it right by comparing at least two methods against shared criteria and reaching a judgement.

• Assuming sterilisation is easily reversed.

  Put it right by describing it as intended to be permanent.

Exam tips

• Use comparative connectives such as 'whereas', 'however' and 'therefore' to show evaluation rather than description.
• Structure answers around criteria: effectiveness, side effects, convenience, reversibility and STI protection.
• Finish with a clear judgement that refers back to the criteria you used.
• Avoid absolute claims such as 'always prevents pregnancy'; use 'reduces the chance' where appropriate.