Contraception

This lesson covers the different methods of contraception as required by the AQA GCSE Combined Science Trilogy specification (8464). You need to be able to describe hormonal and non-hormonal methods, explain how they work, and evaluate their advantages and disadvantages.

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What Is Contraception?

Contraception means preventing pregnancy. There are two broad categories of contraception:

1. Hormonal methods — use hormones to prevent pregnancy.
2. Non-hormonal methods — use barriers, devices, or other approaches to prevent pregnancy.

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Hormonal Methods of Contraception

Hormonal contraception works by altering the natural hormone levels to prevent pregnancy. The main mechanisms are:

• Preventing ovulation (no egg is released).
• Thickening cervical mucus (sperm cannot reach the egg).
• Thinning the uterus lining (fertilised egg cannot implant).

Types of Hormonal Contraception