There are several different methods that couples can use to control whether or not a pregnancy takes place, and these methods of birth control work in diffe...
Question 1 Report
There are several different methods that couples can use to control whether or not a pregnancy takes place, and these methods of birth control work in different ways. Some of them use hormones to interfere with the normal menstrual cycle. Some form a physical barrier that stops the sperm reaching the egg. Others involve a surgical operation that prevents sperm or eggs from being released. The table below lists four common methods of birth control: the contraceptive pill, the condom, vasectomy and the contraceptive implant. For each method the second column is meant to show the type of method it is, but three of these boxes have been left blank for you to complete. The type for the contraceptive implant has already been filled in as an example. Use the information in the table, together with your own knowledge of the different ways in which birth control can be achieved, to answer the questions that follow about the types of these methods and about their particular features.
| Method of birth control | Type |
|---|---|
| Contraceptive pill | |
| Condom | |
| Vasectomy | |
| Contraceptive implant | hormonal |
Answer Details
This question tests the three ways birth control works: hormonal methods interfere with the menstrual cycle, barrier methods physically stop sperm reaching the egg, and surgical methods stop eggs or sperm being released.
(a) Completing the "Type" column gives:
| Method of birth control | Type |
|---|---|
| Contraceptive pill | hormonal |
| Condom | barrier |
| Vasectomy | surgical |
| Contraceptive implant | hormonal (given) |
The pill releases hormones that stop ovulation, so it is hormonal [1]; the condom is a physical sheath that traps sperm, so it is a barrier [1]; vasectomy is an operation that cuts the sperm ducts, so it is surgical [1].
(b) The method that forms a physical barrier stopping sperm reaching the egg is the condom [1].
(c) A feature of the contraceptive implant is that it is long-term and reliable: once fitted it works for several years, so there is no need to remember to take anything each day (unlike the pill) [1].
Download The App On Google Playstore
Everything you need to excel in your exams
