Contraception and assisted reproduction

Hormones can be used to stop pregnancy (contraception) or to help couples who are struggling to conceive (assisted reproduction).

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Hormonal and barrier methods

Combined pill (oestrogen and progesterone): stops FSH and LH being released, so no egg matures or is released.
Progesterone-only methods (mini pill, implant, injection): thicken the mucus at the cervix so sperm cannot get through, and may stop ovulation.
Barrier methods (condoms, diaphragm): stop sperm reaching the egg. Condoms also protect against sexually transmitted infections.

Evaluating the methods

Effectiveness figures: NHS guidance.
MethodForAgainst
PillOver 99% effective if taken correctlyMust be taken every day; possible side effects; no STI protection
ImplantLasts up to 3 years; nothing to rememberFitted by a doctor or nurse; possible side effects; no STI protection
CondomAbout 98% effective if used correctly; protects against STIs; no hormonesCan split or slip; must be used every time

Assisted reproduction (Higher)

Clomifene therapy: a drug that causes more FSH and LH to be released, so eggs mature and are released (ovulation). Used when a woman does not ovulate regularly.
IVF (in vitro fertilisation): FSH and LH are given so several eggs mature; eggs are collected and fertilised by sperm in a dish; one or two embryos are placed in the uterus.
IVF is expensive, stressful, has a fairly low success rate per cycle and can lead to multiple births.
Worked example

Give one advantage and one disadvantage of using condoms rather than the pill.

  1. Advantage: condoms protect against sexually transmitted infections; they contain no hormones.
  2. Disadvantage: they are less effective in practice and must be used every time.

Answer: Advantage: protects against STIs. Disadvantage: lower effectiveness and can split.

Key idea

The combined pill stops FSH and LH so no egg is released. Progesterone-only methods thicken cervical mucus. Condoms are a barrier and protect against STIs. Clomifene and IVF (Higher) use hormones to help eggs mature.

Key words
FSH
Follicle stimulating hormone, from the pituitary gland. It causes an egg to mature in the ovary.
Oestrogen
A hormone made by the ovaries. It builds up the uterus lining and causes female secondary sexual characteristics.
Progesterone
A hormone made by the ovaries that maintains the uterus lining.
Fertilisation
The fusion of a male and a female gamete nucleus to form a zygote.

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Quick check

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Extra practice

2 more questions

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  1. Which hormones are in the combined pill?

    1. Insulin and glucagon
    2. Oestrogen and progesterone
    3. FSH and LH
    4. Testosterone and ADH
    Show the answer

    Answer: Oestrogen and progesterone

    These inhibit FSH and LH.

  2. Which contraceptive is a barrier method?

    1. Implant
    2. Combined pill
    3. Injection
    4. Diaphragm
    Show the answer

    Answer: Diaphragm

    Barriers stop sperm reaching the egg.

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Sources and references

Checked by the GCSE-ready editorial team, 16 October 2026. Last updated 2 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us and we will fix it.

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