Question 1: Define contraception and explain its primary purpose in human reproduction.

Answer: Contraception is the practice of preventing pregnancy by methods that interfere with the process of fertilisation or implantation. Its primary purpose is to control reproductive health and family planning.

Question 2: Describe how a hormonal contraceptive pill prevents pregnancy.

Answer: A hormonal contraceptive pill releases synthetic hormones (like oestrogen and progestogen) that inhibit ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, and thin the lining of the uterus to prevent fertilisation and implantation.

Question 3: Name two non-hormonal methods of contraception and briefly describe how they work.

Answer: Barrier methods (like condoms) prevent sperm from reaching the egg, and Copper IUDs release copper ions that are toxic to sperm, preventing fertilisation.

Question 1: A contraceptive method has a failure rate of 1%. If 1000 couples use this method for one year, how many are likely to experience an unintended pregnancy? (Show your calculation and units.)

Answer: Number of pregnancies = 1% of 1000 = (1/100) × 1000 = 10 pregnancies.

Question 1: Design a simple experiment to test the effectiveness of a new barrier contraceptive method. Include the variables you would control and measure, and safety precautions you would take.

Answer: The experiment would involve volunteers using the new barrier method under standard conditions. Independent variable: type of barrier; dependent variable: pregnancy rate; controlled variables: age, health, sexual activity frequency; safety precautions: informed consent, use of sterile equipment, confidentiality, and proper disposal of biological materials.

Question 1: In a study, 200 women used a hormonal contraceptive with a failure rate of 0.3%. How many women out of 200 are expected to become pregnant in a year? Explain your reasoning.

Answer: Expected pregnancies = 0.3% of 200 = (0.003) × 200 = 0.6 women. Since fractional persons are not possible, approximately 1 woman might become pregnant.

Question 1: Explain the advantages and disadvantages of hormonal versus barrier methods of contraception. Your answer should include effectiveness, side effects, and user convenience. (6 marks)

Answer: Hormonal methods, like pills, are highly effective and convenient but may cause side effects such as mood changes and weight gain. Barrier methods, like condoms, are less effective but provide protection against sexually transmitted infections and have no hormonal side effects. Choice depends on individual needs and health considerations.

Question 1: Discuss how advances in contraceptive technology, such as long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), have impacted family planning and reproductive health in society.

Answer: Advances like LARCs (e.g., implants, intrauterine devices) offer highly effective, long-term, reversible contraception, reducing unintended pregnancies, empowering women with more control over reproductive choices, and decreasing reliance on user-dependent methods.