AQA · GCSE · Combined Science
Course version: 8464 · Version from Sept 2018
Contraception: These include:
It signals that the specification expects named examples rather than a general description.
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
It signals that the specification expects named examples rather than a general description. Hormonal examples include oral contraceptives, the injection, implant, skin patch, and hormone-releasing intrauterine devices (IUDs). Non-hormonal examples include condoms, diaphragms, copper IUDs (which prevent implantation), spermicides, sterilisation and abstinence. For each, link the method to preventing ovulation, blocking sperm, preventing implantation or avoiding intercourse. Revision should cover every listed method and its mechanism, not just one example, as the colon indicates required detail follows.
What earns the marks
- The colon introduces a list, so named contraceptive methods are required, not just a general statement that contraception exists.
- Hormonal methods include oral contraceptives, the injection, implant, skin patch, and hormone-releasing intrauterine devices.
- Non-hormonal methods include condoms, diaphragms, copper intrauterine devices, spermicides, sterilisation and abstinence.
- Each named method should be linked to its mechanism, such as inhibiting FSH, blocking sperm or preventing implantation.
- Methods can be grouped by whether they use hormones, act as a barrier, are surgical or rely on behaviour.
- Comparisons should consider effectiveness, side effects and protection against sexually transmitted infections.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Listing only the pill and condom.
Put it right: Learn at least one hormonal and several non-hormonal examples, including implant, intrauterine device and sterilisation.
Classifying all IUDs as non-hormonal.
Put it right: Intrauterine devices can either prevent implantation of an embryo or release a hormone.
Giving a method without its mechanism.
Put it right: State how it works, for example the implant releases progesterone to inhibit egg maturation.
Exam tips
- Use the colon as a cue to give named examples; a list of methods with mechanisms earns more credit than a vague description.
- Group your answer into hormonal and non-hormonal methods so the examiner can see clear classification, noting that IUDs can be either.
- For each method, add one short mechanism phrase, such as 'inhibits FSH' or 'blocks sperm', to show understanding.
Try the lesson
The start of the Contraception: These include: lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which of these is a hormonal method of contraception?
See it
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Hormonal methods
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Non-hormonal methods
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Mechanism
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Intrauterine devices
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- Hormonal methods
- Methods that use hormones, including oral contraceptives, the injection, implant, skin patch, and hormone-releasing intrauterine devices.
- Non-hormonal methods
- Methods that do not use hormones, including condoms, diaphragms, copper intrauterine devices, spermicides, sterilisation and abstinence.
- Mechanism
- How a named method prevents pregnancy, such as inhibiting FSH, blocking sperm or preventing implantation.
- Intrauterine devices
- Devices that can either prevent implantation of an embryo or release a hormone.
Label the diagram
Some boxes have lost their names. Pick the right name for each number.
1Box 1
2Box 2
3Box 3
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