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Question 23 of 38

Q.Write an essay on birth control techniques.

Tamil Nadu DgeTamil Nadu HSC (DGE) Board 2017Subjective· 10mImportance★★★★★
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Birth control techniques offer a range of options -- natural, barrier, hormonal, intrauterine, surgical, and emergency methods -- that couples can choose from to prevent pregnancy, differing in mechanism, reversibility, and effectiveness.

1. Natural (behavioural) methods

  • Rhythm/periodic abstinence method -- avoiding intercourse during the fertile period around ovulation, estimated from the menstrual cycle.
  • Coitus interruptus (withdrawal) -- withdrawal of the penis before ejaculation.
  • Lactational amenorrhoea -- the natural, temporary infertility during intense breastfeeding in the months after childbirth.
  • These methods require no devices or drugs but have relatively higher failure rates due to unpredictability.

2. Barrier methods

  • Male condoms and female condoms -- thin sheaths that physically prevent sperm from reaching the egg; also protect against sexually transmitted infections.
  • Diaphragms, cervical caps, and vaults -- devices placed over the cervix to block sperm entry, usually used with spermicidal creams/jellies for added effectiveness.

3. Hormonal (chemical) methods

  • Oral contraceptive pills -- combination pills (estrogen + progestogen) or progestogen-only pills that primarily inhibit ovulation and also thicken cervical mucus.
  • Injectables and subdermal implants (e.g., progestogen-releasing rods) -- provide longer-acting hormonal contraception without daily dosing.
  • Skin patches and vaginal rings -- deliver hormones transdermally/locally with similar action.

4. Intrauterine devices (IUDs)

  • Copper-releasing devices (e.g., Copper-T, Multiload) -- copper ions are toxic to sperm and interfere with fertilisation/implantation.
  • Hormone-releasing IUDs -- release progestogen locally within the uterus, thickening cervical mucus and thinning the endometrium.
  • IUDs are long-acting, reversible, and do not require daily attention once inserted.

5. Surgical (sterilisation) methods

  • Vasectomy (male) -- the vas deferens on each side is cut and tied/sealed, preventing sperm from being included in the ejaculate. …

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