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Hormonal control of human reproduction
Hormones can be used for controlling human reproduction. Explain the use of hormones in:
- contraception
- the treatment of infertility
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Marking points
- 1 Explains a hormonal mechanism used in contraception, with a logically linked effect on egg development or ovulation.
- 2 Explains a hormonal mechanism used to treat infertility, with a logically linked effect on egg maturation, ovulation/collection or implantation.
- 3 May identify an accepted hormonal contraceptive delivery method.
- 4 May explain FSH stimulating maturation of several eggs/follicles.
- 5 May explain LH stimulating ovulation and egg collection for fertilisation/IVF.
- 6 May explain progesterone maintaining the uterus lining to support implantation.
Full-mark answer
In hormonal contraception, oestrogen with progesterone, or progesterone alone, can inhibit FSH so eggs do not mature and can inhibit LH so ovulation does not occur; without an ovulated egg, fertilisation cannot happen. In infertility treatment, FSH is given to mature several follicles and LH triggers ovulation, allowing eggs to be collected and fertilised during IVF before embryos are placed in the uterus. Progesterone may then maintain the uterus lining and improve the chance of implantation.
Why this answer loses marks
Hormones stop pregnancy and can also help IVF.
This names purposes but not how FSH and LH are inhibited for contraception or used to mature and release eggs in infertility treatment.