Video Transcript
What is the main aim of
contraception? (A) To promote fertilization and
pregnancy. (B) To prevent the transfer of
STDs. (C) To prevent sexual
intercourse. (D) To prevent pregnancy.
This question asks us about
contraceptives, which include birth control pills, hormonal implants, intrauterine
devices, and condoms. Let’s review the main goal of these
contraceptive methods to answer our question correctly.
Contraceptives can be divided into
two main types: the barrier method and the hormonal method of contraception. Let’s first discuss the barrier
method. Both of these methods attempt to
block fertilization, which is the joining of a sperm and egg. Fertilization is the very first
step of pregnancy, since the resulting embryo can implant in the uterus and develop
into a fetus.
Barrier methods include male and
female condoms. Both of these devices include a
thin layer of material to physically prevent the transfer of semen into the female
reproductive tract. This prevents fertilization from
occurring. These methods also decrease
sexually transmitted infections since they prevent the exchange of body fluids
between partners.
Hormonal contraceptives, on the
other hand, utilize hormones to specifically alter the female reproductive
system. Hormones like estrogen or
progesterone can block processes like ovulation. Ovulation is the process where a
mature egg cell is released from the ovary. By blocking ovulation, hormonal
contraceptives can prevent pregnancy. These hormones can also be used to
thicken the cervical mucus so that sperm can’t pass through into the uterus for
fertilization.
Now that we have reviewed some
specific types of contraceptives and their main function, we can take another look
at our question. Don’t be distracted by choice (B),
“to prevent the transfer of STDs,” since this only applies to barrier methods of
contraception. Hormonal methods of contraception
don’t offer this protection since they do not prevent the exchange of bodily fluids
that might carry these infectious agents.
Therefore, the main aim of
contraception is given by answer choice (D), to prevent pregnancy.
