In the 1960s, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a contraceptive that allowed women to plan desired pregnancies and prevent unwanted pregnancies. Oral hormonal contraception ('the pill') uses synthetic hormones similar in structure to progesterone and/or estradiol. What is the pill's mechanism of action? Which of the following is the most effective form of contraception? a. condom b. diaphragm c. withdrawal d. the pill

Verified step by step guidance

1. The pill's mechanism of action involves the use of synthetic hormones that mimic the effects of progesterone and/or estradiol. These hormones prevent ovulation by inhibiting the release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland. This suppression of ovulation means that no egg is released for fertilization.
2. Additionally, the synthetic hormones in the pill thicken the cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus and reach any eggs that may have been released.
3. The pill also alters the lining of the uterus, making it less suitable for implantation should fertilization occur.
4. Comparing the effectiveness of different forms of contraception: Condoms and diaphragms primarily act as physical barriers to prevent sperm from reaching the egg, while withdrawal involves removing the penis from the vagina before ejaculation to prevent sperm from entering the vagina.
5. Among the options provided, 'the pill' is generally considered the most effective form of contraception when used correctly and consistently, due to its multifaceted approach to preventing pregnancy.

Video transcript

Hi everyone. Here's our next problem. It says identify the barrier contraception method among the following. Well, let's just walk through our answer choices here. Choice A says contraceptive implant. While that involves the use of hormones particularly progesterone and that suppresses the levels of LH and FSH in a woman. And that prevents follicular development and ovulation. So since it depends on hormones to block the release of an egg, it's not a barrier method. So that's not our answer. Choice there. Choice B. Is the hormonal ring. The hormonal ring. Also as we can tell by the name, um depends on hormones in this case progesterone and estrogen. Again same thing to prevent follicular development and ovulation. So that's not our answer. It's not a physical barrier. Choice C. Is condoms. And that is a barrier method because that depends on a thin layer of latex to block the sperm from meeting the egg, it's a physical barrier to prevent conception. So Choice C. Is what we're looking for. Finally, Choice D hormonal pills. Again, we can see from the answer depends on those hormones of estrogen and progesterone to prevent molecular development and ovulation. So not a physical barrier. So Choice D not our answer. So the barrier contraception method is Choice C condoms. See you in the next video