Question 1: Contraception refers to methods used to prevent pregnancy. These methods can be hormonal, barrier, or behavioural. Explain briefly how hormonal contraception works to prevent pregnancy.

Answer: Hormonal contraception works by releasing hormones such as oestrogen and progestogen, which prevent ovulation, thicken cervical mucus to block sperm, and thin the lining of the uterus to prevent implantation.

Question 1: Define 'barrier method' of contraception and give two examples.

Answer: A barrier method prevents sperm from reaching the egg; examples include condom and diaphragm.

Question 2: Describe how an intrauterine device (IUD) prevents pregnancy.

Answer: An IUD prevents pregnancy mainly by disrupting sperm movement and preventing fertilisation; some also release hormones to prevent ovulation.

Question 1: A study reports that a contraceptive method has an effectiveness rate of 99.5%. If 1000 women use this method for one year, how many are likely to become pregnant?

Answer: Number of pregnancies = 1000 x (1 - 0.995) = 5 pregnancies

Question 1: List three safety precautions that should be considered when using hormonal contraceptives.

Answer: Consult a healthcare professional before use, follow dosage instructions, report any side effects immediately.

Question 1: In a survey of 500 women using condom contraception, 3 women reported pregnancies in one year. Calculate the effectiveness rate of condom use based on this data.

Answer: Effectiveness rate = (1 - (number of pregnancies / total women)) x 100 = (1 - (3/500)) x 100 = 99.4%

Question 2: Based on the data, discuss one factor that might influence the effectiveness of condom contraception in real-world scenarios.

Answer: Factors such as incorrect use, breakage, or slippage of condoms can reduce effectiveness; user error significantly impacts real-world success rates.

Question 1: Discuss how recent advances in contraceptive technology have improved user compliance and safety.

Answer: Recent advances such as long-acting reversible contraceptives (e.g., implants, intrauterine systems) reduce the need for frequent action, improve compliance, and have fewer hormonal side effects, increasing safety and effectiveness for users.