Q.The method of directly injecting a sperm into ovum in Assisted Reproductive Technology is called:

Showing the 12 most recent of 18 on this concept.

1. CBSE 2026Set 57/2/11 markMCQ
   Q.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.

   Feature (iv) Acts as chemical barrier is incorrect because condoms are physical barriers made of latex, polyurethane, or similar materials. They do not release spermicides or chemicals (unless separately treated with spermicidal coatings, which is a different matter and not intrinsic to the condom itself). The standard Nirodh condom works purely through mechanical obstruction.

   Feature (v) Physiological changes in cervical mucus describes the action of hormonal contraceptives—pills, injections, or implants that alter the consistency and pH of cervical mucus to prevent sperm penetration. Condoms, being non-hormonal barrier devices, cause no such physiological changes in the female body.

   Important

   Condoms are physical barriers, not chemical or hormonal interventions. They prevent pregnancy and STIs by blocking sperm and pathogens, without altering any bodily processes or triggering immune responses like phagocytosis.

   ✓Final answer

   Only features (i) Prevention of sexually transmitted infections and (iii) Male contraceptive device accurately describe Nirodh. The correct answer is (B).

2. CBSE 2026Set ANNUAL1 mark
   Q.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 effects and high contraceptive value, and represents a landmark in Indian reproductive-health research.

   ✓Final answer

   Saheli.

3. CBSE 2026Set ANNUAL1 markMCQ
   Q.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 diaphragm itself is a physical barrier, not a spermicide (c), not an IUD placed in the uterus (a), and not a hormonal ovulation-blocker (d).

   ✓Final answer

   (b) A diaphragm covers the cervix and acts as a physical barrier to sperm entry.

4. CBSE 2026Set ANNUAL1 mark
   Q.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).

   Gamete formation (spermatogenesis/oogenesis) continues normally; only gamete transport is blocked. Hence the statement is false.

   ✓Final answer

   False — surgical methods block gamete transport, not gamete formation.

5. CBSE 2025Set 57/4/11 markMCQ
   Q.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

   1. Assertion (A): "Saheli inhibits ovulation and increases phagocytosis of sperms." The clause "increases phagocytosis of sperms" describes an IUD, not Saheli. Because the assertion ascribes an IUD-specific action to Saheli, the assertion as a whole is false.
   2. Reason (R): "It is a non-steroidal preparation." This is true — being non-steroidal is Saheli's defining feature.

   The correct code

   Since A is false and R is true, the answer is option (D): Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.

   Note

   Watch for these 'swapped mechanism' traps in Reproductive Health MCQs: phagocytosis of sperms and Cu-ion release belong to IUDs; inhibition of ovulation / altered cervical mucus / hindered implantation belong to oral pills.

   ✓Final answer

   Option (D) — Assertion is false, Reason is true. Saheli is a non-steroidal once-a-week oral pill, but the increase in phagocytosis of sperms is an action of IUDs, so the assertion is incorrect.

6. CBSE 2025Set 57/5/11 markMCQ
   Q.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):

   1. Cu-T is indeed one of the most common copper IUDs, shaped like the letter T with copper wire wound around the stem.

   2. 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.

   3. 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 out

   A 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)

   The reason accurately describes the primary contraceptive mechanism of copper IUDs.

   The relationship:

   Even though the assertion contains an error (LNG-20 is not copper-releasing), if we consider the two copper IUDs mentioned, the reason does explain why they work. However, the reason cannot explain LNG-20's mechanism, which is hormonal.

   In standard assertion-reason questions, the typical options are:

   • Both A and R are true, and R correctly explains A
   • Both A and R are true, but R does not explain A
   • A is true but R is false
   • A is false but R is true
   • Both are false

   Given that A contains a factual error (LNG-20) but R is entirely correct, and that R does explain the mechanism of the copper IUDs mentioned in A, the most appropriate answer depends on how strictly the assertion is interpreted.

   ✓Final answer

   (D) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true. The assertion incorrectly groups LNG-20 with the copper-releasing IUDs (Cu-T, Cu-7) -- LNG-20 is actually a hormone (levonorgestrel)-releasing IUD, not copper-releasing -- so Assertion (A) is false. The reason is entirely correct: copper ions released from genuine copper IUDs do suppress sperm motility and fertilising capacity.

7. CBSE 2025Set 57/6/11 markMCQ
   Q.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.

   Note

   Barrier 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.

   Important

   The correct and consistent use of condoms is vital for their effectiveness in preventing both pregnancy and STIs.

   The reason (R) directly explains the assertion (A). The physical characteristics and usage described in (R) are precisely how 'Nirodh' achieves the principle stated in (A). By covering the penis with a rubber/latex sheath, the condom collects the ejaculated semen, preventing its entry into the vagina. This physical separation ensures that sperm cannot travel up the female reproductive tract to meet and fertilize an ovum. Therefore, the reason provides the mechanism by which the assertion's principle is put into action.

   ✓Final answer

   Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and Reason (R) is the correct explanation for Assertion (A), as the physical barrier created by the condom's material and usage directly prevents the meeting of sperm and ovum.

8. CBSE 2025Set A1 markMCQ
   Q.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 reproductive and sexual maturity (menarche in girls, spermarche in boys) occurs during adolescence, making sex education and awareness about reproductive health essential at this stage.

   ✓Final answer

   (B) 12 - 18 years.

9. CBSE 2025Set A1 mark
   Q.Fill in the blank with the correct answer: Physical, emotional, behavioural and social well being refers to ______.

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   Reproductive health is defined by the WHO as complete physical, emotional, behavioural and social well-being related to reproduction, not merely the absence of disease.

   The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines reproductive health in a broad sense: a person (or couple) who is reproductively healthy has healthy reproductive organs functioning normally, and also experiences emotional and behavioural well-being in matters related to sex/reproduction, along with the social maturity and responsibility to make informed reproductive decisions. This is much more than the mere absence of disease or a functioning reproductive system — it includes awareness about sex-related issues, safe and hygienic sexual practices, ability of couples to produce healthy offspring, and access to correct information and facilities for planned pregnancies.

   ✓Final answer

   Reproductive Health.

10. CBSE 2025Set ZOOLOGY1 markMCQ
    Q.Which of the following is not a terminal birth control method?

    (i) Vasectomy

    (ii) Tubectomy

    (iii) Hysterectomy

    (iv) Copper-T

    ›Reveal solutionSolution

    Vasectomy, tubectomy and hysterectomy are permanent (terminal) methods; Copper-T is a reversible IUD, so it is the odd one out.

    Terminal (permanent) methods are surgical sterilisation procedures that permanently prevent gamete transport:

    • Vasectomy — cutting/tying the vas deferens in the male.
    • Tubectomy — cutting/tying the fallopian tubes in the female.
    • Hysterectomy — surgical removal of the uterus (permanent).

    Copper-T is an intra-uterine device (IUD) that releases copper ions to prevent fertilisation and implantation. It is a temporary, reversible contraceptive — fertility returns once it is removed — so it is not a terminal method.

    ✓Final answer

    (iv) Copper-T.

11. CBSE 2024Set 57/1/11 markMCQ
    Q.The periodic abstinence by a couple for family planning should be from: (A) Day 5 to 10 of menstrual cycle (B) Day 13 to 15 of menstrual cycle (C) Day 10 to 17 of menstrual cycle (D) Day 16 to 20 of menstrual cycle

    ›Reveal solutionSolution

    Periodic abstinence (the rhythm method) requires avoiding intercourse during the fertile window, which spans ovulation and the viable lifespan of sperm and egg. For a typical 28-day cycle, abstinence should be from day 10 to 17.

    The rhythm method relies on understanding when conception is actually possible during the menstrual cycle. A woman can conceive only when a viable egg meets viable sperm, so we need to map out this fertile window with some safety margins.

    The biology behind the fertile window

    Ovulation typically occurs around day 14 in a standard 28-day cycle (counting from the first day of menstruation). The released ovum remains viable for about 12–24 hours. However, sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to 5 days under favorable conditions in cervical mucus.

    This creates a window of fertility that extends before and after ovulation:

    • Sperm deposited 5 days before ovulation can still be alive when the egg is released
    • The egg remains fertilizable for about 1 day after ovulation

    So the theoretical fertile period spans roughly 6 days: from 5 days before ovulation through 1 day after.

    Calculating the safe period for abstinence

    For a 28-day cycle with ovulation on day 14:

    1. Earliest possible fertilization: Intercourse on day 9 → sperm survive 5 days → meet egg on day 14

    2. Latest possible fertilization: Ovulation on day 14 → egg viable until day 15

    3. Adding a safety buffer: Because ovulation timing can vary by ±2 days even in regular cycles, we extend the window:

       • Start abstinence a bit earlier: day 10 (accounting for early ovulation on day 12)
       • End abstinence a bit later: day 17 (accounting for late ovulation on day 16, plus 1 day egg viability)

    This gives us the day 10 to 17 window for periodic abstinence.

    Watch out

    The rhythm method has a relatively high failure rate (13–25% with typical use) because:

    • Cycle length varies between women and even cycle-to-cycle in the same woman
    • Stress, illness, and other factors can shift ovulation timing
    • It requires meticulous tracking and significant self-discipline

    Let's verify against the options:

    Option	Period	Assessment
    (A)	Day 5–10	Too early; misses the fertile window entirely
    (B)	Day 13–15	Too narrow; only covers ovulation itself, not sperm survival period
    (C)	Day 10–17	Correct; covers pre-ovulation sperm survival through post-ovulation egg viability
    (D)	Day 16–20	Too late; misses the critical pre-ovulation days when sperm can be deposited

    ✓Final answer

    The correct option is (C) — periodic abstinence should be from day 10 to 17 of the menstrual cycle.

12. CBSE 2023Set 57/1/11 markMCQ
    Q.Given below are two columns. In Column I the names of four contraceptive devices are given and in Column II the modes of action of the contraceptives are given. Select the option where the contraceptive devices are correctly matched with their respective modes of action. Column I (Contraceptive devices) Column II (Modes of action) P. Lippes loop i. Inhibition of ovulation Q. Multiload 375 ii. Phagocytosis of sperms in uterus R. Subcutaneous Norplant iii. Causes thickening of cervical mucous S. Saheli iv. Makes cervix hostile to sperms Options :

    (a) P-ii, Q-iv, R-iii, S-i

    (b) P-i, Q-ii, R-iii, S-iv

    (c) P-iii, Q-i, R-iv, S-ii

    (d) P-iv, Q-iii, R-ii, S-i

    ›Reveal solutionSolution

    Lippes loop and Multiload 375 are IUDs that make the uterus hostile to sperm; Norplant thickens cervical mucus; Saheli inhibits ovulation by interfering with estrogen receptors.

    Understanding how contraceptive devices work requires clarity on their mechanisms. Each method targets a different stage of reproduction—some prevent fertilization by creating barriers or hostile environments, others suppress ovulation, and some alter the uterine lining. The NCERT textbook describes these devices under reproductive health, emphasizing their modes of action.

    Lippes loop (P) is an intrauterine device (IUD) made of plastic. Once inserted into the uterus, it triggers a local inflammatory response. This response increases the number of white blood cells in the uterine cavity, which phagocytose (engulf and destroy) sperms. The device also releases copper ions in copper-bearing IUDs like CuT or Multiload, but the Lippes loop itself primarily works through the inflammatory mechanism that makes the uterus hostile to sperm survival and movement. The textbook describes IUDs as devices that "increase phagocytosis of sperms within the uterus" and make the environment unsuitable for implantation.

    Multiload 375 (Q) is a copper-releasing IUD. The copper ions it releases have a spermicidal effect and also make the cervix hostile to sperms by altering cervical mucus and creating an unfavorable environment. Copper IUDs are specifically noted for their ability to prevent fertilization by affecting sperm motility and viability, and by making the cervical environment inhospitable.

    Note

    Both Lippes loop and Multiload 375 are IUDs, but they differ slightly in mechanism—Lippes loop works mainly through inflammatory phagocytosis, while Multiload 375 adds copper's spermicidal action and cervical hostility.

    Subcutaneous Norplant (R) consists of small rods implanted under the skin that release progestin slowly over several years. Progestin-based contraceptives work by thickening cervical mucus, which creates a physical barrier that prevents sperm from entering the uterus. They may also suppress ovulation in some cases, but the primary and consistent mechanism is the thickening of cervical mucus that makes sperm penetration difficult.

    Saheli (S) is India's indigenous non-steroidal oral contraceptive pill containing centchroman. Unlike hormonal pills that contain estrogen or progestin, Saheli works as a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). It inhibits ovulation by interfering with estrogen receptors, preventing the egg from being released. The textbook highlights Saheli as a once-a-week pill with minimal side effects, and its primary mode of action is the inhibition of ovulation.

    Important

    IUDs (Lippes loop, Multiload) work locally in the uterus and cervix; hormonal methods (Norplant, Saheli) work systemically—Norplant through mucus thickening, Saheli through ovulation suppression.

    Matching these correctly:

    • P (Lippes loop) → ii (Phagocytosis of sperms in uterus)
    • Q (Multiload 375) → iv (Makes cervix hostile to sperms)
    • R (Norplant) → iii (Causes thickening of cervical mucous)
    • S (Saheli) → i (Inhibition of ovulation)

    This corresponds to option (a).

    ✓Final answer

    The correct match is (a) P-ii, Q-iv, R-iii, S-i: Lippes loop causes phagocytosis of sperm, Multiload makes the cervix hostile, Norplant thickens cervical mucus, and Saheli inhibits ovulation.