Contraceptive Pill IVF Treatment
What is its purpose? Stops a woman getting pregnant by preventing the Used in fertility treatment when a woman is having trouble
release of eggs from the ovary. getting pregnant.
Which hormones are involved? Oestrogen and progesterone. One pill contains both, FSH.
another type of pill only contains progesterone.
(if any)
How does it work? Oestrogen inhibits FSH – no egg will mature. The woman is given FSH so she produces lots of eggs. The
Progesterone inhibits FSH and LH – no egg will be eggs are then taken and mixed with sperm in a petri dish.
released. After fertilisation has occurred, the cells divide by mitosis
producing embryos. Usually 2 or 3 embryos are placed in the
uterus.
Advantages It’s 99% effective at stopping pregnancy occurring. It It allows women to get pregnant who may not have been
can reduce the risk of some cancers. It can help make able to get pregnant naturally to have a family. There’s no
periods more regular and less painful for women. age limit, an older woman could use IVF after menopause.
Disadvantages It doesn’t protect against STIs or STDs. It can cause side IVF increases the risk of multiple births such as twins or
effects such as headaches and nausea. It can increase triplets, which can be dangerous for the mother and child.
your blood pressure. Side effects from medications needed for treatment.
What is its purpose? Stops a woman getting pregnant by preventing the Used in fertility treatment when a woman is having trouble
release of eggs from the ovary. getting pregnant.
Which hormones are involved? Oestrogen and progesterone. One pill contains both, FSH.
another type of pill only contains progesterone.
(if any)
How does it work? Oestrogen inhibits FSH – no egg will mature. The woman is given FSH so she produces lots of eggs. The
Progesterone inhibits FSH and LH – no egg will be eggs are then taken and mixed with sperm in a petri dish.
released. After fertilisation has occurred, the cells divide by mitosis
producing embryos. Usually 2 or 3 embryos are placed in the
uterus.
Advantages It’s 99% effective at stopping pregnancy occurring. It It allows women to get pregnant who may not have been
can reduce the risk of some cancers. It can help make able to get pregnant naturally to have a family. There’s no
periods more regular and less painful for women. age limit, an older woman could use IVF after menopause.
Disadvantages It doesn’t protect against STIs or STDs. It can cause side IVF increases the risk of multiple births such as twins or
effects such as headaches and nausea. It can increase triplets, which can be dangerous for the mother and child.
your blood pressure. Side effects from medications needed for treatment.
