Fertility & Fertility Management Flashcards
Conception
the process by which a sperm cell from a male fertilizes an egg cell from a female, leading to the formation of a zygote.
Sperm: testes -> Epididymis -> vas deferens -> urethra -> vagina -> cervix -> uterus -> uterine tubes
Ovum: ovaries -> uterine tubes
One ovum is released each menstrual cycle (14 days)
Once zygote is formed, it divides to form a mass of cells, which will implant into the endometrium
After divisions, the mass becomes an embryo
After 8 weeks, the emryo is known as a fetus
Where does fertilization occur?
Uterine tube
Zygote
the initial cell formed when a sperm cell from a male fertilizes an egg cell from a female
Natural Birth Control methods
- Abstaining from sex
- Outercourse (hugging, kissing, manual stimulation)
- Coitus interruptus (pulling out)
- Fertility awareness
- ovulation method
- calendar method
- basal body temp. method
Calander method
A type of natural planning, involves tracking the menstrual cycle to predict fertile days
- principle behind it is to avoid unprotected sexual intercourse during the days when the woman is most likely to be fertile (time of ovulation)
Non-prescription methods of contraception
Male condom: Latex
Pros: provides best protection against STI’s; no side effects
Cons: can interrupt sexual activity (breakage, diminshes sensation)
Effectiveness (with perfect use):
- failure: 2%
average 17%
Non-prescription: female condom
Pros:
- can be inserted up to 8 hours before interourse
- protects against STI’s
Cons:
- can be noisy, move, or be uncomfortable
- slippage often occurs
Effectiveness (with perfect use):
- failure: 5%
average 27%
Other examples of nonprescription methods of contraception
Spermicide:
Pros: inexpensive, available
Cons: does not protect against STI’s, must be inserted 10-20 mins before intercourse
Contraceptive sponge:
Pros: Can insert hours before
Cons: does not protect against STI’s, may increase HIV risk
Emergency Contraception ‘Morning after pill’ (Plan B)
Reduces risk of pregnancy by ~75%
- can be used up to 5 days following unprotected sex; sooner = more effective
Side effects: nausea/vommitting, irregular bleeding, fatigue, headache, dizziness
Prescription contraceptives
Hormonal: “The Pill”: oral contraceptive pills taken by women to prevent pregnancy
Barrier (non-hormonal):
- Diaphragm/cervical cap
- needs to be fitted
Prescription birth control
Injectable contraceptive:
Pros - 3 months of protection; effective, discrete
Cons - doesn’t protect against STI’s
Patch contraceptive:
Pros - effective; discrete
Cons - doesn’t protect against STI’s, side effects
Prescription contraceptives: Hormonal Ring
A folded ring placed in the vagina toward the cervix.
Pros: 3 weeks protection at a time
Cons: does ot protect agianst STI’s, side effects
Prescription Contraceptives: Diaphragm
Pro: Can insert up to 6 hours prior to intercourse, protects for 6 hours
Cons: Needs to be fitted, more expensive, can be moved out of place, must be left in place 6 hours after sex
Implanted contraceptives: Intrauterine device (IUD)
- Typically hormonal
- Prevents fertilization (or implantation)
Pros:
* Lasts approximately 3-5 years
* may stop menstruation
* effective immediately
* reduces risks of some cancers
Cons:
* No protection against STI’s
* Expensive ($100-300+)
* Needs to be inserted
* Cramps, expulsion
Permanent Contraceptions
Tubal Ligation (Females):
a surgical procedure where both of a woman’s fallopian tubes, which carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus, are cut, tied, or sealed. This prevents sperm from reaching an egg, blocking fertilization, preventing pregnancy.
Vasectomy (Males):
A surgical procedure which involves cutting or sealing the vas deferens, the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the urethra. By blocking these tubes, a vasectomy prevents sperm from being included in the semen that is ejaculated during sexual intercourse.
