Contraception

9 (a) The female contraceptive pill contains hormones to prevent pregnancy.

(i) Which hormones are in the female combined contraceptive pill?

(ii) Explain how the hormones in contraceptive pills prevent ovulation.

(iii) Explain how a barrier method of contraception prevents pregnancy.

*(b) Hormones can be used as part of assisted reproductive technology. Explain how assisted reproductive technology (ART) can be used to increase the chances of a woman becoming pregnant.

4 Hormones are chemicals produced in endocrine glands.

(a) Draw one straight line from each hormone to the endocrine gland that produces it.

hormone endocrine gland

(b) Figure 8 shows some of the changes that occur during the menstrual cycle.

0 7 14 21 28 Time (days)

Figure 8

(i) The level of oestrogen peaks on day 13. State the effect on the follicle caused by the peak in oestrogen.

(ii) Describe the effect of progesterone on the uterus lining from day 13 to day 21.

(c) The condom is an example of a barrier contraceptive. State one advantage and one disadvantage of using this barrier method of contraception.

Advantage

Disadvantage

(d) The contraceptive pill is an example of a hormonal method of contraception. Explain one way that the contraceptive pill stops a woman from becoming pregnant.

6 (a) The combined contraceptive pill contains artificial versions of oestrogen and progesterone.

(i) Explain how the combined contraceptive pill prevents pregnancy.

(ii) When taken correctly, the combined pill can be over 99% effective. Taking the combined pill can lead to weight gain. Give one other disadvantage of using the combined pill as the only method of contraception.

(b) Excessive weight gain and obesity increase the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. Explain the effect of type 2 diabetes on the body.

(c) A woman had unexplained weight loss and fatigue. She had blood tests to investigate the cause of these symptoms. Figure 10 shows the results.

Figure 10

Comment on the results of these blood tests and the possible causes of the woman’s weight loss and fatigue.

Methods of contraception include use of hormones and barrier methods.

Which form of contraception is a barrier method?

State why a barrier method of contraception may be used in addition to a hormonal method.

The combined contraceptive pill contains the hormones oestrogen and progesterone.

State the endocrine gland that releases oestrogen.

Explain how high levels of oestrogen and progesterone in the combined contraceptive pill work together to prevent pregnancy.

Hormones can also be used to treat infertility.

Explain how clomifene therapy and IVF can improve female fertility.

clomifene therapy_........

(a) (i) Women with the condition known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) do not ovulate regularly.

Women with PCOS can be treated using clomifene therapy.

Clomifene therapy stimulates the production of FSH.

Name the endocrine gland that produces FSH.

During this therapy, a woman takes a clomifene tablet each day for the first five days of her menstrual cycle.

Describe the changes that would happen inside the ovaries during the first five days of this treatment.

Which hormone causes ovulation?

During clomifene therapy, the woman has a blood test on day 20 of the menstrual cycle.

The blood test shows a high level of progesterone.

Explain the cause of this high level of progesterone on day 20 of the menstrual cycle.

Hormones are also used as a method of contraception.

Explain why taking high levels of oestrogen and progesterone in the combined contraceptive pill reduces the chance of pregnancy.

The female population of Britain is 32.6 million.

The percentage of this population taking the combined contraceptive pill is 13.2%.

The combined pill is 98.8% effective.

Calculate the maximum number of females taking the combined contraceptive pill who could become pregnant.