Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a frequently noted side effect of oral contraceptives?

Accepted Answer

Increased menstrual cramping is not a commonly noted side effect of oral contraceptives; in fact, they often help reduce menstrual cramps.

Question 2

Which of the following is TRUE regarding progestin-only pills?

Accepted Answer

Progestin-only pills do not contain estrogen, thus they do not have estrogen-related side effects such as nausea, breast tenderness, or increased risk of blood clots, which can be associated with combined oral contraceptives that contain both estrogen and progestin.

Question 3

All of the following are advantages of taking oral contraceptives EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Oral contraceptives are known for several benefits including reducing menstrual cramps, improving the regularity of periods and decreasing bleeding, and reducing symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). However, they do not reduce the risk of hypertension; in fact, they can increase the risk of hypertension in some women.

Question 4

Of the following, which is the MOST effective birth control method when used correctly?

Accepted Answer

Depo-Provera, a form of birth control given as an injection every three months, is highly effective when used correctly, with a failure rate of less than 1% per year, making it more effective than the other options listed.

Question 5

Imani is a 26-year-old married woman. Imani has two children, which she feels is enough for now, although she has not completely ruled out having more at some point. Which of the following would be Imani's BEST choice for birth control?

Accepted Answer

An IUD (Intrauterine Device) is the best choice for Imani as it provides long-term, reversible contraception. This aligns with her desire to potentially have more children in the future, unlike tubal sterilization, which is a permanent method. IUDs are more effective and require less daily attention than the cervical cap or diaphragm with spermicide.

Question 6

The MOST common reversible birth control method among women in the United States is/are:

Accepted Answer

Oral contraceptives are the most common reversible birth control method among women in the United States due to their effectiveness, accessibility, and ease of use. Tubal sterilization is not reversible, making it incorrect in this context.

Question 7

Terrie, a sexually active cigarette smoker, would like to avoid becoming pregnant. Which of the following is true?

Accepted Answer

Terrie, being a smoker, faces increased risks when using hormonal birth control, including a higher risk of cardiovascular issues. Therefore, any hormonal contraceptive method should be used under close medical supervision to monitor for potential adverse effects. Options like the constant-dose combination pill or the contraceptive patch, which are hormonal, are not outright contraindicated but do require careful consideration of the risks, especially in smokers over the age of 35. The statement that Terrie cannot use any form of IUD is incorrect, as IUDs (both hormonal and non-hormonal) can be suitable for smokers, depending on individual health factors and preferences.

Question 8

Extended-cycle pills:

Accepted Answer

Extended-cycle pills can reduce discomfort for women who have unpleasant menstrual symptoms by decreasing the frequency of menstrual periods, often to just four times a year.

Question 9

Which of the following statements regarding outercourse is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

Outercourse, which includes sexual activities that don't involve vaginal penetration, can still pose risks for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Activities such as oral and anal sex can transmit STIs, making statement C false.

Question 10

Renu would like to use hormonal birth control, but she is concerned about possible side effects. Renu's best option would be:

Accepted Answer

The triphasic pill is designed to mimic the natural menstrual cycle more closely than other forms of hormonal birth control, potentially reducing side effects. It varies the dose of hormones throughout the cycle.

Question 11

Hormonal methods of birth control:

Accepted Answer

Hormonal methods of birth control, such as the pill, patch, or ring, can increase the risk of blood clots and/or stroke in some women, especially those who smoke or have a history of these conditions. This is due to the effects of estrogen and progestin on the blood and cardiovascular system.

Question 12

____ provides fluctuations of estrogen and progestin levels during the cycle.

Accepted Answer

The triphasic pill is designed to mimic the natural fluctuations of estrogen and progestin levels in a woman's cycle, with the hormone levels changing in three phases over the course of the cycle.

Question 13

Even when used correctly, which of the following is the LEAST effective birth control method?

Accepted Answer

The diaphragm and spermicide, when used correctly, are generally considered less effective than the other options listed. Estrogen-progestin pills, male condoms, and Depo-Provera injections have higher effectiveness rates in preventing pregnancy when used as directed.

Question 14

The progestin-only pill may be associated with:

Accepted Answer

The progestin-only pill is known to cause breakthrough bleeding as a side effect. Unlike combined oral contraceptives that contain both estrogen and progestin, the progestin-only pill does not consistently suppress ovulation and can lead to irregular menstrual bleeding.

Question 15

The estrogen in the combination, triphasic, and extended-release pills prevents conception primarily by:

Accepted Answer

Estrogen in contraceptive pills primarily prevents conception by inhibiting ovulation, which means it stops the ovary from releasing an egg, thereby preventing fertilization.

Question 16

Hormone-based contraceptives can work in all of the following ways EXCEPT by:

Accepted Answer

Hormone-based contraceptives work by preventing ovulation, altering the uterine lining to prevent implantation of a fertilized egg, and changing the cervical mucus to block sperm. They do not work by constricting the fallopian tubes to block the passage of the fertilized egg.

Question 17

Which of the following pills acts primarily by altering the cervical mucus to a thick and tacky consistency that effectively blocks sperm from entering the uterus?

Accepted Answer

The progestin-only pill works mainly by thickening the cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus. This is a key mechanism by which it prevents pregnancy.

Question 18

Placebo-controlled studies of various oral contraceptives have found no significant difference in side effects. All of the following are side effects EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Weight loss is not typically a side effect associated with oral contraceptives. Common side effects include headache, nausea, and breast pain, among others.

Question 19

All of the following could be symptoms of a serious reaction to hormonal birth control EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Worsened acne is not typically considered a symptom of a serious reaction to hormonal birth control. Severe abdominal pain, chest pain, and headaches can be signs of potentially life-threatening conditions such as blood clots, which can be a risk with hormonal contraceptive use.

Question 20

Which of the following is a good option for women who prefer or require a nonestrogen pill?

Accepted Answer

Progestin-only pills are a suitable option for women who prefer or require a nonestrogen contraceptive method, as they do not contain estrogen.

Quiz 10: Contraception