Q.(a) Why are restrictions imposed on MTP in India ? Up to how many weeks or trimesters, is MTP considered relatively safe for a female, if necessary to perform, by a medical practitioner ?
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🔒 Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →Part (a)Concept understanding — Reproductive Health
Reproductive Health Significance — A First Look
Think of health as a state of complete well-being — not just the absence of disease. Now apply that to the part of your life that involves reproduction, the biological process by which new individuals are created. That is reproductive health: it is not merely about being free from infections or disorders of the reproductive system. It means having a healthy body, a clear understanding of reproductive processes, and the ability to make informed, responsible choices.
The NCERT textbook defines reproductive health as "a total well-being in all aspects of reproduction — physical, emotional, behavioural, and social." That is the core idea. It is not a narrow medical term; it is a broad, positive concept that touches every person, regardless of gender or age.
Why does it matter?
Reproductive health is significant because it directly affects the quality of life of individuals, families, and communities. When people are reproductively healthy, they can:
- Make informed decisions about marriage, family size, and childbearing.
- Prevent and manage sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV/AIDS.
- Avoid unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions, which are major causes of maternal death.
- Ensure safe motherhood — proper care during pregnancy, delivery, and after birth reduces risks for both mother and child.
- Recognise and address problems like infertility, menstrual disorders, or reproductive cancers early.
Reproductive health is not only about problems. It also includes positive aspects like sexual well-being, the ability to have a satisfying and safe sex life, and the freedom to decide if, when, and how often to reproduce.
The bigger picture
On a national scale, reproductive health is linked to population control, maternal and child mortality rates, and the spread of diseases. The Indian government has run programmes like the Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) programme to improve access to services, education, and contraception. The goal is not just to reduce numbers — it is to ensure that every birth is wanted, every pregnancy is safe, and every child is healthy.
Reproductive health is a fundamental right, not a privilege. It requires awareness, access to healthcare, and the removal of social taboos that prevent open discussion.
Key components you should know
- Family planning — spacing and limiting births through contraception. …
Part (b)Concept understanding — STD Prevention Methods
STD Prevention Methods — A First Look
Think of your body like a house. You lock the doors and windows to keep out unwanted visitors. Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are infections that can enter the body through sexual contact — and prevention is about building those "locks" before any risk arises.
What Are STDs and Why Prevention Matters
STDs (also called STIs — Sexually Transmitted Infections) are infections passed from one person to another during sexual activity. They include diseases like HIV, syphilis, gonorrhoea, herpes, and hepatitis B. Some can be cured with treatment; others, like HIV, cannot be cured but can be managed. The key point: prevention is far better than cure, because many STDs can cause long-term health problems — infertility, organ damage, or even death — and some can be passed from a mother to her baby during pregnancy or childbirth.
The NCERT textbook emphasises that prevention is the most effective strategy against STDs. Once infected, some diseases have no complete cure, and treatment can be expensive, painful, or lifelong.
The Core Prevention Methods
The NCERT approach groups prevention into three broad categories: behavioural, mechanical, and medical. Let's look at each.
1. Behavioural Prevention — The First Line of Defence
This is about choices you make before any sexual contact occurs. It is the simplest and most reliable method.
- Abstinence: Not having sexual intercourse at all. This is the only 100% guaranteed way to avoid STDs. For young people, delaying sexual activity is strongly recommended.
- Mutual monogamy: Having a sexual relationship with only one partner, who is also faithful to you, and both of you have been tested and are free of STDs.
- Avoiding high-risk behaviour: Not having multiple partners, not using alcohol or drugs before sex (which can impair judgment), and avoiding sex with people whose health status you do not know.
Behavioural methods require awareness and self-discipline. They cost nothing but demand personal responsibility.
2. Mechanical Prevention — Physical Barriers
These are devices that physically block the transfer of body fluids (semen, vaginal fluid, blood) between partners.
- Condoms (male and female): A thin latex or polyurethane sheath worn over the penis (male condom) or inside the vagina (female condom). When used correctly every time, condoms are highly effective against most STDs, including HIV.
- Dental dams: A square sheet of latex used during oral sex to prevent direct contact.
Condoms are not 100% effective — they can break or be used incorrectly. Also, they do not protect against infections spread by skin-to-skin contact in areas not covered by the condom (like herpes or genital warts). But they remain the best available barrier method.
3. Medical Prevention — Vaccines and Treatment
- Vaccination: Safe and effective vaccines exist for Hepatitis B and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) — which causes cervical cancer and genital warts. The NCERT recommends that adolescents receive these vaccines before becoming sexually active.
- Regular testing and early treatment: If you are sexually active, getting tested regularly (even without symptoms) helps catch infections early. Many STDs have no visible symptoms. Early treatment can cure some infections and prevent complications. …
Part (a)
Why MTP is restricted in India. Medical Termination of Pregnancy (legalised 1971) is restricted mainly to check its misuse - especially illegal sex-selective abortion of female foetuses (female foeticide) after prenatal sex determination - and to ensure abortions are done safely, only by a registered medical practitioner and only under specified conditions (risk to the mother's life/health, serious foetal abnormality, rape, or contraceptive failure). …
Part (a): MTP is restricted mainly to stop its misuse for female foeticide and to ensure medical safety; it is relatively safe up to 12 weeks (first trimester). Part (b): PID = Pelvic Inflammatory Disease; two viral female STDs are genital herpes (HSV) and genital warts (HPV).
Part (a)
Why restrictions are imposed. Although MTP was legalised in India in 1971 to reduce deaths from unsafe abortions, it is deliberately restricted for two main reasons:
- To prevent misuse - female foeticide. Without control, MTP could be (and has been) misused to abort female foetuses after illegal prenatal sex determination, worsening the sex ratio. Restrictions, together with the ban on sex determination, check this.
- To ensure safety and proper use. The law allows MTP only under defined conditions - when continuing the pregnancy risks the mother's life or physical/mental health, when there is a serious risk of foetal abnormality, or in cases of rape or contraceptive failure - and only when performed by a registered medical practitioner, so that unsafe, unqualified abortions are avoided. …
Showing the 12 most recent of 33 on this concept.
- CBSE 2026Set 57/2/11 markMCQQ.How many of the following features are related to Nirodh – a popular brand of condoms ?(i) Prevention of sexually transmitted infections.(ii) Phagocytosis of sperms.(iii) Male contraceptive device.(iv) Acts as chemical barrier.(v) Physiological changes in cervical mucus. (A) (i), (ii),(iv) (B)(i) and(iii) (C) (i), (ii),(v) (D)(ii) and (iv)
›Reveal solutionSolution
Nirodh is a male contraceptive device (condom) that prevents sexually transmitted infections by acting as a physical barrier; it does not involve phagocytosis, chemical action, or physiological changes in cervical mucus.
Nirodh holds a special place in India's reproductive health history as one of the earliest and most widely promoted brands of condoms under the national family planning programme. Launched in the 1960s, the name itself—derived from the Sanskrit word for "prevention"—reflected the government's effort to make contraception culturally acceptable and accessible. Understanding what condoms actually do, versus what they don't, is essential to answering this question correctly.
Condoms are barrier contraceptives. They work by creating a physical sheath that prevents sperm from entering the female reproductive tract. Because they block direct contact between genital surfaces and bodily fluids, they also offer protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV, gonorrhea, and syphilis. This dual function—contraception and disease prevention—makes them unique among contraceptive methods. So feature (i) Prevention of sexually transmitted infections is absolutely correct for Nirodh.
As a device worn by the male partner during intercourse, Nirodh is clearly a (iii) Male contraceptive device. This is straightforward and indisputable.
Now let's examine what condoms do not do. Feature (ii) Phagocytosis of sperms refers to the engulfing and destruction of sperm cells by immune cells—a biological process that has nothing to do with barrier methods. Phagocytosis occurs naturally in the female reproductive tract as part of the immune response, but it is not a mechanism employed by condoms. Condoms simply block sperm mechanically; they don't trigger or involve any cellular immune activity. …
- CBSE 2026Set V11 markMCQQ.Sexually transmitted infection that can be completely curable is(a) Gonorrhea(b) Hepatitis-B(c) AIDS(d) Genital herpes
›Reveal solutionSolution
Gonorrhea is bacterial and fully curable; the other three are viral and not completely curable.
Gonorrhea is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae and, if detected early, is completely curable with antibiotics. Hepatitis-B, AID …
- CBSE 2026Set ANNUAL1 markMCQQ.Which of the following is not a sexually transmitted disease?(a) Gonorrhoea(b) Herpes(c) Syphilis(d) Tuberculosis
›Reveal solutionSolution
Gonorrhoea, herpes and syphilis are classic sexually transmitted diseases (STDs); tuberculosis is a respiratory bacterial infection, not an STD.
Sexually transmitted diseases (also called venereal diseases or RTIs) spread through sexual contact and include gonorrhoea and syphilis (bacterial), genital herpes (viral), as well as HIV/AIDS, genital warts and trichomoniasis. Tuberculosi …
- CBSE 2026Set ANNUAL1 markQ.Fill in the blank: ______ a contraceptive tablet developed by the Central Drug Research Institute of Lucknow in India.
›Reveal solutionSolution
The contraceptive tablet developed by CDRI, Lucknow is Saheli.
Saheli is an important indigenous contraceptive achievement of India. It is a non-steroidal, once-a-week oral pill developed by the scientists of the Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI) at Lucknow. It has few side e …
- CBSE 2026Set ANNUAL1 markMCQQ.Diaphragms are contraceptive devices used by females. Which of the following statement is correct about diaphragm?(a) They are introduced into the uterus to prevent implantation.(b) They are placed to cover the cervical region and act as a physical barrier for sperm entry.(c) They act as spermicidal agents.(d) They prevent ovulation by hormonal regulation.
›Reveal solutionSolution
A diaphragm is a barrier contraceptive that fits over the cervix and physically stops sperm from entering the female tract, so (b) is correct.
In the CBSE/NCERT Reproductive Health chapter, contraceptives are grouped as natural, barrier, IUD, hormonal (pills), and surgical. Diaphragms, cervical caps and vaults are barrier methods made of rubber that are inserted to cover the cervix, physically blocking sperm entry. They are reusable and are often used with a spermicidal cream/jelly for extra effect — but the diaphr …
- CBSE 2026Set ANNUAL1 markQ.Write True or False. Surgical methods of contraception prevent gamete formation.
›Reveal solutionSolution
False — sterilisation surgery blocks the vas deferens or fallopian tubes so gametes cannot meet; sperm and eggs are still formed.
In the CBSE/NCERT Reproductive Health chapter, surgical (terminal) contraception means:
- Vasectomy — the vas deferens is cut and tied, so sperm cannot travel out (though the testes keep producing sperm).
- Tubectomy — the fallopian tubes are cut and tied, so the ovum cannot travel down (though the ovary keeps ovulating). …
- CBSE 2026Set SEM31 markMCQQ.________ is not a veneral disease.(a) Hepatitis-B(b) Malaria(c) Trichomoniasis(d) Syphilis
›Reveal solutionSolution
Hepatitis-B, Trichomoniasis and Syphilis are sexually transmitted (venereal) diseases; Malaria is transmitted by the Anopheles mosquito, so it is NOT a venereal disease.
Venereal / Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are transmitted through sexual contact — examples include syphilis (bacterial), trichomoniasis (protozoan), and hepatitis-B (viral, also blood-borne but STD-classified). Malaria is caused by Plasmodium and spreads through the bite of the female Anopheles mosquito, i.e. it is a …
- CBSE 2025Set 57/4/11 markMCQQ.Assertion (A) : 'Saheli', an oral contraceptive inhibits ovulation and increases phagocytosis of sperms. Reason (R) : It is a non-steroidal preparation.
›Reveal solutionSolution
Saheli is a non-steroidal, once-a-week oral contraceptive, so the Reason (R) is true. But "increasing phagocytosis of sperms" is an action of intrauterine devices (IUDs), not of Saheli, which makes the Assertion (A) false. The correct assertion–reason code is therefore (D): A is false, R is true.
This assertion–reason question, a common NCERT-based CBSE Class 12 pattern, tests whether you can separate the mechanism of the oral pill 'Saheli' from the mechanism of an IUD.
What NCERT actually says about Saheli
Saheli is described as a 'once-a-week' oral contraceptive for females that contains a non-steroidal preparation, with very few side effects and high contraceptive value. NCERT does not credit Saheli with increasing phagocytosis of sperms. General oral pills act mainly by inhibiting ovulation and implantation and by altering the cervical mucus so that the entry of sperms is retarded — not by phagocytosis of sperms.
Where 'phagocytosis of sperms' really belongs
In NCERT, the phrase "increase phagocytosis of sperms within the uterus" is used specifically for intrauterine devices (IUDs). Copper-releasing IUDs increase the phagocytosis of sperms in the uterus, and the released Cu ions suppress sperm motility and the fertilising capacity of sperms. Hormone-releasing IUDs additionally make the uterus unsuitable for implantation and the cervix hostile to sperms.
Evaluating the statements …
- CBSE 2025Set 57/5/11 markMCQQ.Assertion (A) : Cu-T, Cu-7 and LNG-20 are the most widely used copper-releasing IUDs. Reason (R) : Cu-ions in IUDs effectively suppress sperm motility and the fertilising capacity of sperms.
›Reveal solutionSolution
Copper-releasing IUDs work by releasing Cu²⁺ ions that impair sperm function and prevent fertilisation; both the assertion about widely used IUDs and the reason explaining their mechanism are correct and linked.
The question tests your understanding of intrauterine devices (IUDs) as a contraceptive method, specifically the mechanism by which copper-releasing IUDs prevent pregnancy. This is a classic assertion-reason question where you need to evaluate two statements: whether each is true, and whether the reason correctly explains the assertion.
Let's first understand what makes copper IUDs effective. When a copper-releasing IUD is placed in the uterus, it continuously releases cupric ions (Cu²⁺) into the uterine and tubal fluids. These ions create a hostile environment for sperm in multiple ways: they damage sperm membranes, reduce sperm motility (movement), and critically impair the sperm's ability to undergo capacitation and the acrosome reaction—both essential for fertilisation. The copper ions also trigger a local inflammatory response that further enhances the contraceptive effect. Importantly, this is primarily a spermicidal mechanism, not an abortifacient one; fertilisation itself is prevented.
Now let's evaluate each statement:
Evaluating Assertion (A):
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Cu-T is indeed one of the most common copper IUDs, shaped like the letter T with copper wire wound around the stem.
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Cu-7 (also called Copper-7) was historically significant and widely used, though it has been largely replaced by newer models in many countries. It had a "7" shape.
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LNG-20 refers to the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (Mirena being a brand name), which releases 20 μg of the hormone levonorgestrel per day. Here's the critical point: LNG-20 is not a copper-releasing IUD—it's a hormonal IUD.
The assertion mixes copper IUDs (Cu-T, Cu-7) with a hormonal IUD (LNG-20). While all three are IUDs, only the first two release copper. More accurate examples of copper IUDs would be Cu-T 380A, Cu-375, or Multiload 375.
Watch outA common confusion: not all IUDs work the same way. Copper IUDs release Cu²⁺ ions, while hormonal IUDs like LNG-20 release progestogen. They have different mechanisms of action.
Evaluating Reason (R):
The reason states that Cu-ions suppress sperm motility and fertilising capacity. This is absolutely correct. The mechanism includes:
- Direct toxic effect on sperm
- Inhibition of sperm motility
- Interference with sperm metabolism
- Prevention of sperm capacitation
- Alteration of cervical mucus
- Changes in the endometrium that prevent implantation (secondary mechanism) …
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- CBSE 2025Set 57/6/11 markMCQQ.Assertion (A) : Male contraceptive 'Nirodh' works on the principle of avoiding chances of ovum and sperm meeting. Reason (R) : It is made of thin rubber/latex sheath and is used to cover the penis before coitus.
›Reveal solutionSolution
Both the assertion and the reason are correct, and the reason accurately explains how the male contraceptive 'Nirodh' prevents conception by acting as a physical barrier.
Reproductive health encompasses a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being in all matters relating to the reproductive system, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. A crucial aspect of reproductive health is family planning, which often involves contraception – methods designed to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Contraceptive methods work on various principles, but a fundamental one is preventing the union of male gametes (sperm) and female gametes (ova).
The Assertion (A) states that the male contraceptive 'Nirodh' works on the principle of avoiding the chances of ovum and sperm meeting. This is entirely correct. 'Nirodh' is a brand name for a male condom, which falls under the category of barrier methods of contraception. Barrier methods, as their name suggests, physically prevent the sperm from reaching the ovum. For conception to occur, a sperm must fertilize an ovum. By creating a physical obstruction, condoms ensure that the ejaculated semen, which contains sperm, does not enter the female reproductive tract, thereby effectively preventing the meeting of the gametes.
NoteBarrier methods are highly effective when used correctly and consistently. They also offer the added benefit of protecting against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), a crucial aspect of overall reproductive health.
The Reason (R) explains that 'Nirodh' is made of a thin rubber/latex sheath and is used to cover the penis before coitus. This statement accurately describes the composition and application of a male condom. The thin, elastic material (rubber or latex) is designed to be strong enough to contain the semen while being flexible and comfortable for use. When placed over the erect penis before sexual intercourse, it acts as a physical barrier. …
- CBSE 2025Set F1 markMCQQ.Which of the following is a sexually transmitted disease (STD)?(a) Syphilis(b) Gonorrhoea(c) Both (A) and (B)(d) None of these
›Reveal solutionSolution
Both syphilis and gonorrhoea are sexually transmitted diseases, so the answer is Both (A) and (B).
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs / reproductive tract infections) spread mainly through sexual contact. Bacterial STDs include:
- Syphilis (caused by Treponema pallidum),
- Gonorrhoea (caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae). …
- CBSE 2025Set A1 markMCQQ.What is the age duration of adolescence?(a) 0 - 11 years(b) 12 - 18 years(c) 19 - 45 years(d) 45 - 70 years
›Reveal solutionSolution
Adolescence is the period of transition from childhood to adulthood, roughly the teenage years.
Adolescence is marked by the onset of puberty, rapid physical growth, and significant physiological, hormonal, and psychological changes as an individual matures from a child into an adult. Of the given options, the span that correctly represents this transitional teenage period is 12 to 18 years. This period is important in the study of reproductive health because reproducti …
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