ContraceptionSpec 4.5.3.5
In short
Contraception controls fertility using hormonal or non-hormonal methods. Oral contraceptives contain hormones that inhibit FSH production so that no eggs mature, and injections, implants or skin patches slowly release progesterone. Non-hormonal methods include condoms and diaphragms, which prevent sperm reaching an egg, spermicidal agents, which kill or disable sperm, and surgical sterilisation, which is permanent.
Fertility can be controlled by a variety of hormonal and non-hormonal methods of contraception.
| Method | Type | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Oral contraceptives | Hormonal | Contain hormones which inhibit FSH production so that no eggs mature |
| Injection, implant or skin patch | Hormonal | Slow release of progesterone to inhibit the maturation and release of eggs for a number of months or years |
| Barrier methods (condoms, diaphragms) | Non-hormonal | Prevent the sperm reaching an egg |
| Intrauterine devices | Hormonal or non-hormonal | Prevent the implantation of an embryo, or release a hormone |
| Spermicidal agents | Non-hormonal | Kill or disable sperm |
| Abstaining from intercourse when an egg may be in the oviduct | Non-hormonal | Sperm cannot meet an egg |
| Surgical methods (male and female sterilisation) | Non-hormonal | A permanent operation that stops sperm or eggs from meeting |
Evaluating methods
- How effective it is when used correctly.
- Whether it can have side effects (hormonal methods can).
- Whether it is reversible. Sterilisation is permanent; the others are not.
- Whether it also protects against sexually transmitted infections. Condoms do; hormonal methods do not.
- How easy it is to use correctly, and how often it must be used or replaced.
Some issues around contraception cannot be answered by science alone. Personal, social, economic and religious views also affect whether and how people use contraception.
A good evaluation compares two methods on the same point, for example ‘The pill is hormonal and can have side effects, while condoms have no hormonal side effects and also protect against infection’.
Written and checked against the AQA GCSE Biology (8461) specification · Updated October 2026