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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can evaluate the different methods of contraception available and know when each one might be suitable.

      Key learning points

      1. Contraceptive methods include barrier methods, hormonal methods, intrauterine devices (IUDs) and natural methods.
      2. The effectiveness of contraceptive methods varies, with some methods being more reliable than others.
      3. Contraceptive methods have different advantages and disadvantages, such as side effects, ease of use and accessibility.

      Keywords

      • Contraception - methods or devices used to prevent pregnancy during sexual intercourse

      • Barrier method - a type of contraception that blocks sperm from reaching the egg, such as condoms and diaphragms

      • Hormonal method - contraceptive methods that use hormones to regulate or stop ovulation, such as contraceptive pills and hormonal IUDs

      • Intrauterine device (IUD) - a small device inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy

      Common misconception

      All contraceptives provide protection against STIs.

      Contraceptives like the pill, implant, or IUD only prevent pregnancy, but only condoms protect against STIs, so relying on non-barrier methods leaves you vulnerable to STIs.

      Teacher tip

      Consult your RSHE lead before teaching this lesson.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of sexual content

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      are limits that a person sets in a relationship to protect their wellbeing.

      Correct Answer: boundaries

      Q2.
      Why is the correct usage of condoms essential?

      to increase comfort during use
      Correct answer: to ensure maximum effectiveness
      to make them reusable
      to replace other contraceptive methods

      Q3.
      Match the words with their correct definitions.

      Correct Answer:boundaries,limits that a person sets in a relationship to protect their wellbeing

      limits that a person sets in a relationship to protect their wellbeing

      Correct Answer:STI,an infection transmitted through sexual contact

      an infection transmitted through sexual contact

      Correct Answer:contraception,methods used to prevent pregnancy and reduce the risk of STIs

      methods used to prevent pregnancy and reduce the risk of STIs

      Q4.
      Why is it important to educate others on how to correctly use condoms?

      to make condoms more comfortable to wear
      to ensure people know where to buy them
      Correct answer: to maximise their effectiveness in preventing pregnancy and STIs
      to eliminate the need for other contraceptive methods

      Q5.
      Condoms can be worn internally and .

      Correct Answer: externally, on the outside

      Q6.
      Condoms are likely to be available at which of the following:

      Correct answer: a pharmacy
      a dentist's surgery
      Correct answer: a sexual health clinic
      Correct answer: a supermarket

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which of the following is a hormonal method of contraception?

      condoms
      Correct answer: the contraceptive pill
      fertility tracking

      Q2.
      Which contraceptive method is most effective at preventing pregnancy when used correctly?

      fertility tracking
      condoms
      Correct answer: hormonal contraception (e.g., implant, the pill)

      Q3.
      Match each contraceptive method to the correct statement.

      Correct Answer:condoms,protect against STIs

      protect against STIs

      Correct Answer:fertility tracking,requires sexual partners to monitor fertility

      requires sexual partners to monitor fertility

      Correct Answer:IUD,long-lasting and does not require daily attention

      long-lasting and does not require daily attention

      Q4.
      Match the word with the correct definition.

      Correct Answer:contraception,methods or devices used to prevent pregnancy during sex

      methods or devices used to prevent pregnancy during sex

      Correct Answer:barrier method,a type of contraception that blocks sperm from reaching the egg

      a type of contraception that blocks sperm from reaching the egg

      Correct Answer:hormonal method,contraceptive methods that use hormones to regulate or stop ovulation

      contraceptive methods that use hormones to regulate or stop ovulation

      Q5.
      Which of the following are characteristics of fertility tracking?

      measuring heart rate daily
      Correct answer: tracking menstrual cycle patterns
      measuring daily blood pressure
      measuring temperature daily

      Q6.
      Contraceptives like the pill, implant, or IUD prevent pregnancy, but only condoms also protect against , so relying on non-barrier methods leaves you vulnerable to .

      Correct Answer: STIs, STDs

      To help you plan your 9 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Contraceptive choices, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...