The inability to become pregnant (conceive).

A monthly cycle which involves the maturation and release of an egg, and menstruation.

In vitro fertilisation, in which an embryo is formed in a laboratory and then inserted into the uterus of the mother.

Follicle stimulating hormone, which matures follicles containing eggs in the ovaries.

A development stage when a fertilised egg starts to divide.

Using hormones to treat infertility

Combined science

Hormones: puberty, the menstrual cycle and the menopause

Hormonal control of the menstrual cycle

Hormonal and non-hormonal methods of contraception

Pupils will learn about the roles of hormones in controlling plant growth and development, including growth responses to stimuli including light and gravity.

Pupils learned about unspecialised cells in animals and plants, how they become specialised, and potential benefits and issues with using stem cells in medicine.

This unit covers the roles of hormones in reproduction, including the menstrual cycle and the effects of FSH, LH, oestrogen, and progesterone. It explains contraception methods, and fertility treatments, and evaluates their social, economic, and environmental impacts.

Hormones and human reproduction

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce, poverty, deprivation.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction or discussion of sex or sexual body parts, including sex education.

Depiction or discussion of sexual content

True or false? Infertility only affects females.

low levels of specific reproductive hormones

Which hormones can be used to increase fertility in females?

Fertilised eggs stimulated to divide into an embryo.

Embryos implanted into mother’s uterus.

Put these stages of IVF in the right order.

What are the risks associated with in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment?

True or false? Each cycle of IVF has a 50% chance of success.

Which hormone is **not** involved in controlling the menstrual cycle?

What does follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) cause?

Sperm is deposited in the vagina during sexual intercourse.

The uterus is where a fertilised egg will embed and grow until birth.

Match the part to a description of its function.

uterus lining breaks down and leaves the body

follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulates a follicle to mature

oestrogen stimulates the release of luteinising hormone (LH)

progesterone is released to maintain the womb lining

Put these steps in order to describe the menstrual cycle, starting with menstruation.

Menstrual cycle. Hormone levels, Ovarian cycle and Endometrium layer. Menstrual, proliferative ovulation and secretory phases. Follicular phase, ovulation and luteal phase.

Using hormones to treat infertility

Lesson outcome

Content guidance