Female Reproduction&

Birth Control

Female Reproductive Tract

External genitaliaInternal reproductive organs

Ovarian cells stimulated

Overview

Pituitary Hormones

Ovarian cycle

Ovarian hormone

Uterine lining

Body temp.

Hormones and Menstrual Cycle

Ovulation and LH Surge

Types of Birth Controls

AbstinenceHormonal methodsPrevention of implantationBarrier methods

Oral Contraceptives

Oral Contraceptives

Oral contraceptives: are bases on the fact that estrogen and progesterone can inhibit GnRH.

Types of oral contraceptives Combination of:

synthetic progestins and estrogens

Minipill: contains only progesterone-like substances

Disadvantages:Oral Contraceptives Controversy:

associated with BRCA

Does NOT protect against STD’s

mammogram

Norplant and Depo-Provera

Norplant:

implanted beneath the skin lasts 5 year, progesterone-like

steroids

Intramuscular injection

of progesterone like substance every 3 months

Disadvantages of Norplant and Depro-Provera

Norplant:

leads also to prolonged menstruation, headaches and mood changes

Depo-Porvera:

Menstrual irregularities, possibly increased risk of osteoporesis and BRCA

RU 486: within 72 hours of intercourse

Has antiprogesterone activity

RU 486 is followed by prostaglandin derivative

Endometrium erodes and contraction of myometrium

Plan B

Plan B® is an emergency contraceptive that can still prevent a pregnancy after contraceptive failure or unprotected sex.

Plan B® should be taken within 3 days (72 hours) of unprotected sex and can reduce the risk of pregnancy by 89%. But the sooner you take it the more effective it will be.

Plan B® is not RU-486 (the abortion pill); it will not work if you are already pregnant.

Intrauterine device (IUD)

Acts prior to fertilization

Interferes with implantation

Condoms

Advantage protects against STD’s

Female condom polyurethane

Latex

Vaginal Sponge

May be inserted as much as 24 hrs before intercourse

May irritate vaginal lining

May fragment

Diaphragms and Cervical Caps

Sterilization

Vasectomy

Tubal Ligation

Female Reproduction

And Pregnancy

Fertilization

An egg can be fertilized for 12-24 hours after ovulation

Sperm can be viable for 4-6 days

Approximately 1 minute after intercourse sperm are in uterus

Implantation occurs at

About 7 days after ovulation

“dialogue” between the endomentrium and blastocyst

Placenta is required after a few weeks for nutrients

Fetal side of placenta

Birth Defects can be caused by

Teratogens Alcohol Drugs

Products of smoking

Poor nutrition

Hormonal Changes and Pregnancy Throughout pregnancy estrogen and progesterone are high

Estrogen stimulates growth of uterine muscle mass

Progesterone inhibits uterine movement

Pregnancy Sickness

May have hormonal link

Possible due to increases in estrogen and progesterone

Parturition or Delivery

Cervical stretch

Oxytocin

Prostanglandins