Contraception — AQA GCSE Combined Science
Test yourself on Contraception with AQA GCSE practice questions.
7 days Premium · Then free forever · No card, no charge
Contraception explained
Contraception prevents pregnancy by stopping sperm meeting an egg or stopping an egg being released.
Read the full explanation
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.
Fertility can be controlled by a variety of hormonal and non- hormonal methods of contraception.
Fertility control prevents fertilisation or implantation. Hormonal methods use synthetic hormones to disrupt the cycle. Oral contraceptives inhibit FSH production so no eggs mature. Progestogen-only methods slowly release progesterone to inhibit egg maturation and release. Non-hormonal methods act physically or chemically: condoms block sperm. Intrauterine devices (IUDs) prevent embryo implantation or release a hormone. Spermicides kill or disable sperm. Sterilisation cuts or blocks the oviducts or sperm ducts. Abstinence involves abstaining from intercourse when an egg may be in the oviduct. Each method has different effectiveness, side effects and protection against sexually transmitted infections.
These include:
This statement introduces the list of contraceptive methods that students must know. It signals that the specification expects named examples rather than a general description. Students should place each method into hormonal or non-hormonal groups and explain its action. 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.
oral contraceptives that contain hormones to inhibit FSH production so that no eggs mature
Oral contraceptives are medicines taken by mouth that contain hormones, commonly a mixture of oestrogen and a progestogen. The hormones raise the level of these substances in the blood, and the pituitary gland responds by reducing the amount of FSH it releases. FSH normally stimulates a follicle in the ovary to develop and the egg inside it to mature. With less FSH, no follicle develops fully, so no egg matures and ovulation does not occur. Without a released egg, fertilisation cannot happen while the pills are taken correctly. The hormones also thicken cervical mucus and thin the uterus lining, which adds to the contraceptive effect. A student should link the hormone dose to the reduced FSH signal, then to the failure of egg maturation, rather than simply saying the pill stops pregnancy.
injection, implant or skin patch of slow release progesterone to inhibit the maturation and release of eggs for a number of months or years
This method delivers progesterone slowly from an injection, an implant placed under the skin, or a skin patch. The progesterone enters the blood at a steady rate, so its concentration stays high for months or years without a daily pill. The high progesterone level acts on the pituitary gland and reduces the release of FSH and LH. Less FSH means follicles do not develop and eggs do not mature; less LH means a mature egg is not released from the ovary. The progesterone also thickens cervical mucus and thins the uterus lining, which makes fertilisation and implantation less likely. Because the dose is slow release, the contraceptive effect lasts for a set period, such as several months for an injection or several years for an implant, after which it must be replaced.
barrier methods such as condoms and diaphragms which prevent the sperm reaching an egg
Barrier contraception works physically: it places a latex or silicone barrier between the penis and the vagina, or across the cervix, so that sperm cannot swim to meet the egg. A condom is rolled onto the erect penis and also reduces the transmission of sexually transmitted infections because it stops fluids mixing. A diaphragm is a shallow dome inserted into the vagina before intercourse to cover the cervix, usually with spermicide. Both are non-hormonal, so they do not alter the menstrual cycle, and they act only during that act of intercourse. Their effectiveness depends on correct and consistent use: a torn condom or a diaphragm left in place for too short a time allows sperm through. This is why barrier methods are described as preventing fertilisation rather than preventing implantation.
intrauterine devices which prevent the implantation of an embryo or release a hormone
An intrauterine device, or IUD, is a small device fitted into the uterus by a healthcare professional. Some IUDs are made of copper, which changes the environment of the uterus so that a fertilised egg cannot settle and implant in the lining. Others release a hormone such as a progestogen, which thickens cervical mucus, thins the uterine lining and can also stop the ovary releasing an egg. Because implantation is prevented, the embryo cannot develop into a fetus. IUDs are long-acting and do not depend on the user remembering a daily pill, but they must be inserted and removed by a trained clinician and can cause heavier or irregular bleeding. They do not protect against sexually transmitted infections, so a condom may still be advised.
spermicidal agents which kill or disable sperm
Spermicidal agents are chemical contraceptives that kill sperm or reduce their motility so they cannot reach and fertilise the egg. They are placed in the vagina before intercourse, usually as a cream, gel, foam, pessary or on a condom, and they work locally in the reproductive tract rather than changing the woman's hormones. Because sperm must swim through the cervix and uterus to meet the egg in the oviduct, immobilising or destroying sperm in the vagina prevents fertilisation. Spermicides are often combined with a barrier method such as a condom or diaphragm to improve effectiveness, since used alone they are less reliable. They do not protect against sexually transmitted infections, so a condom is still needed for that purpose.
abstaining from intercourse when an egg may be in the oviduct
This method is a behavioural form of contraception: a couple avoids sexual intercourse during the fertile window when a mature egg may be present in the oviduct. It relies on understanding the menstrual cycle and predicting ovulation, because sperm can survive for a few days in the female reproductive tract while an egg remains viable for roughly a day after release. If intercourse is avoided around ovulation, sperm and egg are unlikely to meet, so fertilisation is prevented. Fertility awareness can use calendar calculations, body temperature changes or cervical mucus observations, but predictions are not exact, so the method has a relatively high failure rate. It offers no protection against sexually transmitted infections.
surgical methods of male and female sterilisation.
Sterilisation is a permanent, surgical method of contraception that prevents sperm and egg meeting. In males, vasectomy cuts or ties the vas deferens, so sperm cannot leave the testes and enter the urethra; semen still contains seminal fluid but no sperm. In females, tubal ligation cuts, ties or blocks the oviducts, so the egg cannot travel from the ovary to the uterus and sperm cannot reach it. Both procedures leave sex hormone production and sexual function intact, but they do not protect against sexually transmitted infections. They are intended to be irreversible, so they suit people who are certain they do not want children; reversal surgery is difficult and not always successful.
Your focus
- Distinguish hormonal from non-hormonal contraceptive methods and describe how each works.
- Compare methods using criteria such as effectiveness, side effects, reversibility and STI protection.
- Reach and justify a conclusion about the most suitable method for a described situation.
Show all 30 objectives
- Describe how hormonal contraceptives alter the menstrual cycle to prevent pregnancy.
- Describe non-hormonal methods of contraception, including abstaining from intercourse when an egg may be in the oviduct.
- Compare hormonal and non-hormonal methods in terms of effectiveness, side effects and protection against sexually transmitted infections.
- Name hormonal and non-hormonal methods of contraception.
- Classify named methods as hormonal or non-hormonal, recognising that IUDs can be either.
- State the mechanism by which each named method prevents pregnancy.
- State that oral contraceptives contain hormones that reduce FSH production.
- Explain how reduced FSH prevents a follicle and egg from maturing.
- Link the absence of a mature egg to the prevention of fertilisation.
- Identify injection, implant and skin patch as slow-release progesterone methods.
- Explain how progesterone inhibits the maturation and release of eggs.
- Relate the slow-release delivery to the duration of contraceptive cover.
- Describe how condoms and diaphragms act as physical barriers to sperm.
- Explain why correct and consistent use is needed for barrier methods to be effective.
- Compare barrier methods with hormonal contraception in terms of how they prevent pregnancy.
- Describe how intrauterine devices prevent pregnancy.
- Explain the difference between copper and hormonal intrauterine devices.
- Compare intrauterine devices with barrier methods in terms of when and how they act.
- Describe how spermicidal agents prevent pregnancy by killing or disabling sperm.
- Explain why spermicides are often used together with a barrier method.
- State that spermicides do not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
- Describe how abstaining during the fertile period can prevent pregnancy.
- Explain why predicting ovulation is difficult and affects reliability.
- State that this method gives no protection against sexually transmitted infections.
- Describe how male sterilisation blocks the vas deferens to prevent sperm leaving the body.
- Describe how female sterilisation blocks the oviducts to prevent the egg and sperm meeting.
- Explain why sterilisation is a permanent method that does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
Contraception exam tips
Marking Points
- 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.
- Hormonal contraceptives contain synthetic hormones, such as oral contraceptives that inhibit FSH production so that no eggs mature.
- An injection, implant or skin patch of slow release progesterone inhibits the maturation and release of eggs for a number of months or years.
- Barrier methods such as condoms and diaphragms stop sperm reaching an egg.
- Intrauterine devices (IUDs) prevent the implantation of an embryo or release a hormone.
- Spermicidal agents kill or disable sperm.
- Surgical sterilisation blocks the oviducts or sperm ducts, preventing sperm and egg from meeting.
- Abstinence involves abstaining from intercourse when an egg may be in the oviduct, so fertilisation cannot occur.
- Some methods, such as condoms, also reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections, whereas hormonal methods do not.
- 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.
- Oral contraceptives contain hormones, typically oestrogen and a progestogen, taken by mouth.
- The hormones increase the concentration of these hormones in the blood, which is detected by the pituitary gland.
- The pituitary gland secretes less FSH, so the normal stimulation of the ovary is reduced.
- A follicle does not develop fully and the egg inside it does not mature.
- Without a mature egg being released, ovulation does not occur, so fertilisation cannot take place.
- The method is assessed by explaining the cause-and-effect chain from hormone dose to inhibited FSH production to no mature egg.
- Progesterone is delivered by injection, implant or skin patch rather than by a daily oral dose.
- The delivery system releases progesterone slowly, keeping a steady level in the blood for months or years.
- The raised progesterone level reduces the release of FSH and LH from the pituitary gland.
- Reduced FSH means eggs do not mature, and reduced LH means no egg is released from the ovary.
- The method is assessed by linking the slow-release route to a long-lasting contraceptive effect.
- Progesterone also thickens cervical mucus and thins the uterus lining, adding to the contraceptive effect.
- State that barrier methods are physical, non-hormonal methods that stop sperm and egg meeting.
- Name condoms and diaphragms as examples and describe where each is placed.
- Explain that a condom covers the penis and a diaphragm covers the cervix, so sperm cannot reach the egg.
- Link correct use to effectiveness, for example a split condom or a diaphragm inserted too late allows sperm through.
- Recognise that condoms also reduce the spread of sexually transmitted infections, whereas diaphragms do not.
- Compare barrier methods with hormonal methods, noting that barriers do not change the menstrual cycle.
- State that an intrauterine device is placed inside the uterus.
- Explain that a copper IUD prevents the implantation of an embryo in the uterus lining.
- Explain that a hormonal IUD releases a hormone that also helps prevent implantation and may prevent ovulation.
- Distinguish IUDs from barrier methods, which stop sperm reaching the egg rather than acting after fertilisation.
- Note that IUDs are long-acting but must be fitted and removed by a healthcare professional.
- Recognise that IUDs do not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
- Spermicidal agents are chemical contraceptives placed in the vagina before intercourse.
- They kill sperm or disable them by reducing their motility.
- Immobilised or destroyed sperm cannot swim through the cervix and uterus to reach the egg in the oviduct.
- They act locally in the reproductive tract and do not alter the woman's hormones.
- They are often used with a barrier method such as a condom or diaphragm to increase effectiveness.
- They do not protect against sexually transmitted infections, so a condom is still required for that.
- Abstaining means not having sexual intercourse during the fertile period.
- The fertile period is when a mature egg may be in the oviduct after ovulation.
- The method depends on predicting ovulation using cycle records, temperature or mucus changes.
- Avoiding intercourse at this time prevents sperm and egg from meeting, so fertilisation is unlikely.
- Sperm can survive several days and the egg about a day, so timing is critical.
- The method gives no protection against sexually transmitted infections and is less reliable than many other methods.
- A vasectomy involves cutting, tying or blocking the vas deferens so that sperm cannot pass from the testes into the urethra.
- A tubal ligation involves cutting, tying or blocking the oviducts so that the egg cannot travel from the ovary to the uterus and sperm cannot reach the egg.
- Both methods work by preventing the sperm and egg from meeting, so fertilisation cannot occur.
- Sterilisation is intended to be a permanent method of contraception and is difficult or impossible to reverse reliably.
- Neither method prevents the transmission of sexually transmitted infections, so barrier methods may still be needed.
- Hormone production by the testes and ovaries continues, so secondary sexual characteristics and sex drive are not removed.
Examiner 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.
- 💡Link each method to its mechanism: hormonal methods inhibit egg maturation and release, barrier methods block sperm, and surgical methods cut or block ducts.
- 💡When comparing methods, refer to effectiveness, side effects and protection against sexually transmitted infections, not just convenience.
- 💡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.
- 💡Write the sequence as a chain: hormone absorbed, FSH production inhibited, follicle does not mature, no ovulation.
- 💡Use the term 'mature' rather than 'made' when describing the egg, because the egg cells already exist.
- 💡If asked to compare methods, state that oral contraceptives are taken daily and their effect depends on correct use.
- 💡Name the route of delivery and state that it is slow release, then link this to the long duration of effect.
- 💡Use the phrase 'inhibits the maturation and release of eggs' and explain it through reduced FSH and LH.
- 💡When comparing with oral contraceptives, mention that the slow-release method does not require taking a pill every day.
- 💡Use the phrase 'prevents the sperm reaching the egg' when explaining how a barrier method works.
- 💡Give one named example and its position, such as 'a diaphragm covers the cervix', to show precise knowledge.
- 💡If asked to evaluate, mention that barrier methods do not affect hormones and that condoms also reduce STI transmission.
- 💡Use the term 'implantation' precisely and link it to the embryo attaching to the uterus lining.
- 💡For a hormonal IUD, name at least one extra effect, such as thickening cervical mucus or preventing ovulation.
- 💡When comparing methods, state clearly whether the method acts before or after fertilisation.
- 💡Link the method to the biological reason it works: sperm are killed or disabled, so fertilisation cannot occur.
- 💡Use precise terms such as sperm, oviduct, fertilisation and motility rather than vague words like 'germs' or 'blocking'.
- 💡When comparing contraception methods, state that spermicides are non-hormonal and often used with a barrier method.
- 💡Refer to the oviduct and ovulation explicitly to show you understand where and when fertilisation could occur.
- 💡Explain the role of sperm survival time as well as egg viability when justifying the fertile window.
- 💡State clearly that this method does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
- 💡Name the exact structure cut or blocked in each sex: vas deferens in males and oviducts in females.
- 💡Link each method to the general principle that contraception prevents sperm and egg meeting, rather than simply listing operations.
- 💡If asked to compare methods, mention that sterilisation is permanent and gives no protection against sexually transmitted infections.
Common Mistakes
- Claiming hormonal contraception protects against STIs; correct by stating only barrier methods such as condoms do.
- Treating all hormonal methods as identical; correct 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; correct by comparing at least two methods against shared criteria and reaching a judgement.
- Assuming sterilisation is easily reversed; correct by describing it as intended to be permanent.
- Thinking the pill works by killing sperm: correction — hormonal methods mainly prevent ovulation by inhibiting FSH.
- Confusing the oviduct with the uterus: correction — fertilisation normally occurs in the oviduct, while the endometrium lining the uterus is where implantation occurs.
- Defining abstinence as never having intercourse: correction — in this context, it means abstaining from intercourse when an egg may be in the oviduct.
- Listing only the pill and condom: correction — learn at least one hormonal and several non-hormonal examples, including implant, intrauterine device and sterilisation.
- Classifying all IUDs as non-hormonal: correction — remember that intrauterine devices can either prevent implantation of an embryo or release a hormone.
- Giving a method without its mechanism: correction — always state how it works, for example the implant releases progesterone to inhibit egg maturation.
- Saying the pill kills sperm; correction: it prevents an egg maturing and being released, so there is no egg to fertilise.
- Confusing FSH with LH; correction: the statement specifies inhibition of FSH production, which prevents follicle and egg maturation.
- Writing that the pill stops eggs being made altogether; correction: eggs are already present in the ovaries, but they do not mature and are not released.
- Saying the implant or injection contains FSH; correction: it releases progesterone, which reduces FSH and LH release.
- Confusing the duration of each method; correction: an injection usually lasts a few months, while an implant can last several years, and the patch is changed on a regular schedule.
- Writing that progesterone directly blocks the fallopian tube; correction: it acts mainly through the pituitary gland to reduce FSH and LH, preventing egg maturation and release.
- Saying barrier methods kill sperm; correction: they physically block sperm, although a diaphragm may be used with a spermicide that does kill sperm.
- Confusing a diaphragm with a contraceptive pill; correction: a diaphragm is a physical barrier placed over the cervix, while the pill is hormonal and taken daily.
- Claiming barrier methods prevent implantation; correction: they prevent fertilisation by stopping sperm reaching the egg, so no embryo forms.
- Saying an IUD prevents fertilisation only; correction: it mainly prevents implantation of an embryo, and hormonal IUDs may also prevent ovulation.
- Confusing an IUD with a diaphragm; correction: an IUD sits inside the uterus and is long-acting, while a diaphragm is a barrier placed over the cervix for one act of intercourse.
- Believing an IUD is a pill; correction: an IUD is a small device inserted into the uterus, not a tablet taken by mouth.
- Thinking spermicides are hormones: correct this by stating they are chemicals that act directly on sperm in the vagina and do not change the menstrual cycle.
- Assuming spermicides alone are highly effective: correct this by explaining they are usually combined with a barrier method because used alone they are less reliable.
- Believing spermicides protect against sexually transmitted infections: correct this by stating they do not, and a condom is needed.
- Confusing abstinence with sterilisation: correct this by stating abstinence is avoiding intercourse at fertile times, while sterilisation is a surgical procedure.
- Thinking the egg is always present in the oviduct: correct this by explaining the egg is released at ovulation and remains viable for only about a day.
- Treating fertility awareness as completely reliable: correct this by noting ovulation prediction is uncertain, so the method has a relatively high failure rate.
- Thinking that a vasectomy removes the testes or stops sperm production; correction: sperm are still produced in the testes, but the vas deferens is blocked so sperm cannot leave the body.
- Confusing the oviduct with the uterus and saying the uterus is cut; correction: tubal ligation blocks the oviducts, which are the tubes carrying the egg towards the uterus.
- Claiming sterilisation is easily reversed; correction: it is intended to be permanent, and reversal is difficult and not always successful.