4.5.3.5 Contraception
Name of Description of how
Advantages Disadvantages
method the method works
Hormone based: Low doses of Easy to use Small risk of side
Oral oestrogen and effects – raised blood
contraceptive - progesterone pressure, thrombosis
mixed pill Inhibit FSH and LH …. (blood clots) and
breast cancer
Stop uterus lining
developing, preventing
implantation
Make cervix mucus
thicker, so sperm can’t
get through
Hormone based: Easy to use Women must take the
Oral Fewer side effects pill regularly (same
, contraceptive - than combined pill time every day) –
progesterone forgetting can lead to
only pill unwanted pregnancy
Name of Description of how
Advantages Disadvantages
method the method works
Hormone based: Tiny tube inserted 99.5% effective
Contraceptive under the skin which Lasts for three years
implant or slowly releases
injection progesterone
Lasts 12 weeks
Progesterone injection
Mixture of oestrogen Has to be frequently
Hormone based: and progesterone replaced otherwise
Contraceptive Stiick new patch to the not very effective
patch skin every seven days
– hormones absorbed
into blood
Hormones prevent
eggs maturing or being
released, stop uterus
lining development
and thicken the
cervical mucus.
Chemical: Chemicals that kill or Readily available Not very effective at
Spermicides disable sperm preventing pregnancy
Prevent the sperm No side effects Can be damaged and
Barrier: Condom reaching the egg Do not need medical let sperm through
Thin latex sheath advice
placed over the penis Offer some
during sexual protection against
intercourse sexually transmitted
diseases
Thin rubber diaphragm Have to be fitted by a
Barrier: placed over the cervix doctor initially
Diaphragm / cap before sex to prevent If the cap is not fitted
the entry of sperm correctly, sperm can
Works better if get through
combined with
spermicide
Small structures Very effective at Can cause problems
Intrauterine inserted into the preventing with periods or
devices uterus by a doctor pregnancy infections
Last for 3-5 years, but
can be removed
Some contain copper
Name of Description of how
Advantages Disadvantages
method the method works
Hormone based: Low doses of Easy to use Small risk of side
Oral oestrogen and effects – raised blood
contraceptive - progesterone pressure, thrombosis
mixed pill Inhibit FSH and LH …. (blood clots) and
breast cancer
Stop uterus lining
developing, preventing
implantation
Make cervix mucus
thicker, so sperm can’t
get through
Hormone based: Easy to use Women must take the
Oral Fewer side effects pill regularly (same
, contraceptive - than combined pill time every day) –
progesterone forgetting can lead to
only pill unwanted pregnancy
Name of Description of how
Advantages Disadvantages
method the method works
Hormone based: Tiny tube inserted 99.5% effective
Contraceptive under the skin which Lasts for three years
implant or slowly releases
injection progesterone
Lasts 12 weeks
Progesterone injection
Mixture of oestrogen Has to be frequently
Hormone based: and progesterone replaced otherwise
Contraceptive Stiick new patch to the not very effective
patch skin every seven days
– hormones absorbed
into blood
Hormones prevent
eggs maturing or being
released, stop uterus
lining development
and thicken the
cervical mucus.
Chemical: Chemicals that kill or Readily available Not very effective at
Spermicides disable sperm preventing pregnancy
Prevent the sperm No side effects Can be damaged and
Barrier: Condom reaching the egg Do not need medical let sperm through
Thin latex sheath advice
placed over the penis Offer some
during sexual protection against
intercourse sexually transmitted
diseases
Thin rubber diaphragm Have to be fitted by a
Barrier: placed over the cervix doctor initially
Diaphragm / cap before sex to prevent If the cap is not fitted
the entry of sperm correctly, sperm can
Works better if get through
combined with
spermicide
Small structures Very effective at Can cause problems
Intrauterine inserted into the preventing with periods or
devices uterus by a doctor pregnancy infections
Last for 3-5 years, but
can be removed
Some contain copper
