Question

What is Contraception? List its four different methods of Contraception. State four reasons for adopting Contraceptive methods.

Answer 1

Hint: Contraception is a method used by humans to avoid pregnancy even after sexual intercourse. Contraception can prevent pregnancy by avoiding egg production or preventing fertilization. There are various reasons for adopting contraceptive methods.

Complete answer:
Contraception: is defined as the method of preventing pregnancy by avoiding the fertilization of an egg with mature sperm after successful copulation between a fertile male and female. Contraception has been practised by humans to avoid pregnancy since ancient times.

Following are the four methods of contraception practised by humans:
i) Natural Method: This method involves avoiding the chances of sperm coming in contact with the ovum by restraining sexual intercourse on days 10 – 17 of the menstrual cycle. This is the ovulatory phase and the chances of fertilization are high in this phase.

ii) Barrier Method: In this method, a barrier is used to prevent the sperm from coming in contact with the ovum. Barriers are available for both males and females. Condoms are made of thin rubber and used to cover the penis in males and vaginas in females. This method is user-friendly, highly effective and also prevents the spread of STD’s.

iii) Oral Contraceptives: Oral contraceptives are taken in the form of drugs or pills by females. These contain small doses of hormones that prevent ovulation and hence fertilization. Saheli is a non-steroidal preparation available for avoiding pregnancy. This method can have some side effects as hormones are administered.

iv) Surgical Methods: These are non-reversible contraceptive methods in which a small part of vas deferens (in males) or fallopian tube (in females) is cut and tied by trained professionals. In males, the vas deferens is blocked and sperms cannot travel, it is called vasectomy, while in females, the fallopian tube is blocked to prevent the egg from reaching the uterus, this is called tubectomy. This is the most effective method of contraception.

Contraceptive methods are adopted for the following reasons:
- To avoid unwanted pregnancy
- To maintain population size by preventing unwanted children
- To maintain a healthy gap between children and family planning
- To avoid transmitting sexually transmitted diseases

Note: Various birth control programs and organizations have developed throughout the world in order to make people understand the use of contraception methods and their related benefits and harmful effects.