Question

Hypothetical scenario: On learning that you are studying the reproductive system for your biology class, your roommate mentions that he/she is not really sure how a birth-control pill works. He/she also would like to know what are some contraceptive options available to women and men other than the pill or the use of condoms, respectively. Using your knowledge of the reproductive system and its function, what explanation and information would you provide to your roommate about contraceptive options that are available to them? Evaluate the effectiveness of each option. Base your response solely on evaluation of scientific information and refrain from providing opinions (400-500 words) You can receive 1 extra credit point for drawing out the stages in the female menstrual cycle and indicating times when a woman could get pregnant. Submit a picture of this drawing with the completed activity. Remember that the goal of this activity is to provide you with a means to make connections between physiology and ways in which these physiological processes are often regulated to maintain the health of individuals

Answer 1

Women, after the first menses (menarche) and before the last menses (menopause), undergo monthly cycles of menstruation wherein the periodic changes take place in the uterus and ovary at the physiological and hormonal level. This cycle takes about 28 days. These changes are necessary to prepare the potential implantation of the fertilized egg which would then become an embryo. A variety of Birth control methods are used to prevent pregnancies. Use of contraceptive pills is one such method. Oral administration of small doses of either progestogens or progestogen-estrogen combinations in females is taken daily for a period of 21 days starting preferably within the first five days of the menstrual cycle. After a gap of 7 days (during which menstruation occurs) it has to be repeated in the same pattern until the female desires to prevent conception. They inhibit ovulation and implantation as well as alter the quality of cervical mucus to prevent/ retard entry of sperms.

Other methods such as barrier methods are also used. Diaphragms, cervical caps and vaults are also barriers made of rubber that are inserted into the female reproductive tract to cover the cervix during coitus. They prevent conception by blocking the entry of sperms through the cervix. They are reusable. Another effective and popular method is the use of Intra Uterine Devices (IUDs). These devices are inserted by doctors or expert nurses in the uterus through vagina.

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