Getting Pregnant

Contraception

Hormonal contraception can be used in order to influence the menstrual cycle. As a result, this may most likely prevent pregnancy.

Hormonal Methods

  1. Chemical methods such as the birth control pill is the most effective method of contraception. The pill contains oestrogen and progesterone, which is used to tactically interfere with the release of an ovum from the ovary. It inhibits FSH production so that no eggs mature. The increase levels of progesterone will also make the mucus in the uterus and cervix quite thick, so that sperm can’t get through to the egg. However, there may be side effects such as: change in weight, blood pressure, mood, and levels of oestrogen.

Getting Pregnant, figure 1

  1. Injection, implant or skin patch of slow release progesterone to inhibit the maturation and release of eggs for a number of months or years. However, there may be side effects such as: change in weight, blood pressure, mood, and levels of oestrogen.

Non-Hormonal Methods

  1. Barrier methods such as the use of condoms, femidom and diaphragm are used to prevent the ovum from being fertilised. The barrier is put in place between the sperm and the egg. These methods are not always effective as there is a chance that it will break, and the sperm will successfully swim to the egg. However, these methods can easily break. 2. Interuterine devices - IUD - (more commonly known as the coil) is a plastic and copper wire coil that fits in the uterus. It must be fitted by a doctor, and this can be left in the uterus for a number of years. The copper on the coil prevents implantation. Qualified and professional doctors must provide regular check ups to ensure that the coil is still in place. However there is a risk of an ectopic pregnancy.

Getting Pregnant, figure 2

  1. Spermicidal agents can kill or disable sperm - however, they may cause allergic reactions.

  2. Abstaining from intercourse when an egg may be in the oviduct - however, if the dates are calculated wrongly, the woman may become pregnant.

  3. Surgical methods of male and female sterilisation - however, they are permanent.

Treating Infertility

Hormones are used in assisted reproductive technology (ART). In-vitro fertilisation (IVF) and clomifene therapy are commonly used in order to support couples who wish to have a baby.

Women who don’t produce enough FSH will struggle to become pregnant as their eggs are unable to mature. Certain drugs can be used to stimulate eggs to mature in the ovary, as the drugs control FSH and LH. It is not guaranteed that the woman will get pregnant through these treatments. However, there is also a higher chance of obtaining twins or triplets.

If the man has a poor quality of sperm, or if the woman has blocked oviducts, IVF is commonly used to help achieve fertility. The woman is given FSH and LH in order to stimulate the eggs to mature in the ovary. The eggs are collected from the mother, and sperm is collected from the father and is placed into a dish. The fertilised eggs would then develop into embryos. When they are developed into tiny balls of cells, one or two embryos would be inserted in the mother’s womb.

Some women cannot ovulate, and therefore will not be able to release eggs. Clomifene is used to stimulate ovulation, so that eggs can be released. It blocks oestrogen’s negative feedback on LH, therefore more LH is released. (LH is normally quite high just before ovulation).

Getting Pregnant, figure 1

Although fertility treatment gives a woman the chance to have a baby of her own, it is very emotionally and physically stressful, the success rates are not high, and it can lead to multiple births which are a risk to both the babies and the mother.

Where is the Interuterine device fitted?
Uterus
When is IVF commonly used?
Your answer should include: Man / Poor / Quality / Sperm / Woman / Blocked / Oviducts
Explanation: If the man has a poor quality of sperm, or if the woman has blocked oviducts.
What could be a potential problem if a woman does not produce enough FSH?
Your answer should include: Struggle / Become / Pregnant / Eggs / Unable / Mature
Explanation: They may struggle to become pregnant as their eggs are unable to mature.