This definitions covers Key Definitions within Contraception for GCSE Biology. Topic 9: Contraception It is section 6 of 12 in this topic. Make sure you can use the exact wording confidently, because definition marks are often lost through vague language.
Topic position
Section 6 of 12
Practice
9 questions
Recall
12 flashcards
Key Definitions
Contraception: Any method used to prevent pregnancy by stopping fertilisation, ovulation, or implantation.
Hormonal contraception: Contraception that uses synthetic hormones (oestrogen and/or progesterone) to prevent pregnancy, typically by inhibiting FSH and thus preventing egg maturation.
Barrier method: A non-hormonal contraceptive that physically prevents sperm from reaching the egg (e.g., condoms, diaphragms).
IUD (intrauterine device): A small device placed inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy; copper IUDs are toxic to sperm; hormonal IUDs release progesterone.
FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone): A hormone from the pituitary gland that causes eggs to mature in the ovaries; inhibited by the oestrogen in hormonal contraceptives.
Oestrogen: A female sex hormone produced by the ovaries; in contraceptive pills it inhibits FSH, preventing egg maturation.
Progesterone: A hormone that maintains the uterus lining; in contraceptives it thickens cervical mucus and may suppress ovulation.
Keep building this topic
Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Contraception. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.
Practice Questions for Contraception
Which hormone triggers the release of an egg from the ovary (ovulation)?
Explain the role of oestrogen in the menstrual cycle.
Quick Recall Flashcards
How does the contraceptive pill work?
The pill contains synthetic oestrogen and/or progesterone. These keep hormone levels high, which inhibits FSH release from the pituitary — preventing egg maturation and ovulation.
What is contraception?
Contraception is any method used to prevent pregnancy by stopping fertilisation or implantation of an egg. Methods can be hormonal, barrier, or other approaches.
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