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Sex, Contraception, and High School

By Breanna N. Harris, Jaida Krisha Morah, Angela Aolani Nunez Miranda, Xena Gabrielle Aguilar, Jaden Kyree Hendrix, Wendy Saltzman

Sex, Contraception, and High School


 

Abstract

This directed case study follows a high school senior, “Becky,” who plans on having sexual intercourse, but has only received abstinence-only education. She reaches out to a sexually active friend, but she is unable to answer Becky’s questions. To learn more, Becky researches key biological topics, with a heavy emphasis on the menstrual cycle and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis function. She also explores definitions of pregnancy, abortion, Plan B, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which is useful as her friend recently had unprotected sex and is afraid to ask questions at home or school. In a parallel story, Becky’s mother is on the school board and is preparing data for a discussion of whether condoms should be available in schools, which ultimately leads her to a consideration of governmental policy statements regarding biological sex.  This case has seven parts and can be used all together or in various combinations, depending on course objectives and content level. The case has been used frequently in courses of undergraduate anatomy and physiology, general endocrinology, and reproduction and sexual behavior.

   

Date Posted

06/30/2025

Overview

Objectives

  • Illustrate HPG axis hormonal changes during a 28-day menstrual cycle, including axis feedback and from where hormones are released.
  • Illustrate a 28-day hormone (progesterone and estrogen) profile of someone using the pill.
  • Explain, physiologically, how the pill affects ovulation, menstruation, and feedback
  • Explain, physiologically, how birth control pills prevent pregnancy.
  • Interpret data describing how levonorgestrel emergency contraception (LNG-EC; Plan B) works to prevent pregnancy.
  • Define contraception, pregnancy, and abortion; compare and contrast these terms.
  • Interpret data to make an informed, evidence-based recommendation about condom availability programs.
  • Understand the importance of biological data and definitions when making and interpreting policy.

Keywords

Contraception; abortion; sex; HPA-axis; menstruation; menstrual cycle; intercourse; reproduction; pregnancy; hormones; education policy; gender; condoms

  

Subject Headings

Anatomy
Biology (General)
Medicine (General)
Nursing
Physiology
Science (General)

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper division

  

FORMAT

PDF

   

TOPICAL AREAS

Social issues, Legal issues

   

LANGUAGE

English

   

TYPE/METHODS

Directed

 

 

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