Q.Describe the various contraceptive methods.
You're viewing a preview — the full solution, concept, methods & PYQ mapping are locked.
Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →Contraceptive methods prevent pregnancy through several different strategies - avoiding fertile-period intercourse, physically or chemically blocking sperm-egg contact, altering the uterine/hormonal environment, or permanently blocking the gamete pathway - and are chosen based on effectiveness, reversibility and user convenience.
Categories of contraceptive methods:
-
Natural/behavioural methods (no device or hormone used):
- Periodic abstinence (rhythm/calendar method): couples avoid coitus during the estimated fertile period of the menstrual cycle, when the chance of fertilisation is highest.
- Coitus interruptus (withdrawal): the penis is withdrawn from the vagina before ejaculation, preventing sperm from entering.
- Lactational amenorrhea method: intense breastfeeding suppresses ovulation and provides natural, temporary infertility for up to about six months after childbirth.
-
Barrier methods: physically prevent sperm from reaching the egg.
- Condoms (male and female): thin sheaths that also help prevent transmission of sexually transmitted infections.
- Diaphragms, cervical caps and vaults: devices inserted into the vagina to cover the cervix, usually used together with a spermicidal cream or jelly for extra protection.
-
Chemical/spermicidal methods: creams, jellies and foams containing spermicidal agents that immobilise or kill sperm, generally used in combination with a barrier method.
-
Intra-uterine devices (IUDs): small devices inserted into the uterus by a trained provider.
- Copper-releasing IUDs (e.g., CuT, Cu7): copper ions increase phagocytosis of sperm and make the uterine environment unfavourable for fertilisation and implantation.
- Hormone-releasing IUDs (e.g., progestasert, LNG-20): slowly release a progestogen that thickens cervical mucus and thins the uterine lining. IUDs are popular for women wishing to delay or space pregnancies without daily intervention.
-
Hormonal methods: use synthetic estrogen and/or progestogen to prevent ovulation and alter the reproductive tract.
- Oral contraceptive pills: combination pills (estrogen + progestogen) or progestogen-only pills, taken daily, mainly work by inhibiting ovulation and thickening cervical mucus.
- Injectables and subdermal implants: long-acting hormone preparations administered every few weeks/months or implanted under the skin, offering convenience without daily dosing. …
Unlock everything free for 14 days
- Full step-by-step solutions
- Concept-first explanations
- Methods, shortcuts & mistakes
- PYQ mapping + timed mock tests
Full access for 14 days. No credit card required.