Method of birth control Questions in English

(D) The rhythm method,also known as periodic abstinence,involves avoiding sexual intercourse during the fertile period (typically from day $10$ to $17$ of the menstrual cycle when ovulation is expected).
This method has the highest failure rate among the options provided because it relies on the accurate prediction of the ovulation cycle,which can be irregular.
In contrast,diaphragms,condoms,and intrauterine devices $(IUDs)$ are more reliable barrier or clinical methods of contraception.

(D) Natural methods of contraception work on the principle of avoiding chances of ovum and sperm meeting. These include periodic abstinence,withdrawal method,and lactational amenorrhoea.
Condoms are classified as a barrier method of contraception. They are made of thin rubber/latex sheath used to cover the penis in the male or vagina and cervix in the female. They also provide protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

(D) Natural methods of contraception work on the principle of avoiding the chances of ovum and sperm meeting.
Periodic abstinence is a method in which couples avoid or abstain from coitus from day $10$ to day $17$ of the menstrual cycle when ovulation could be expected.
Coitus interruptus and withdrawal are the same method,in which the male partner withdraws his penis from the vagina just before ejaculation to avoid insemination.
Lactational amenorrhoea is based on the fact that ovulation and the menstrual cycle do not occur during the period of intense lactation following parturition.
Therefore,all four methods ($A, B, C,$ and $D$) are natural methods of contraception.

(C) The rhythm method (or periodic abstinence) is a natural method of contraception. In a typical $28$-day menstrual cycle,ovulation occurs on $day \; 14$. Since the ovum survives for about $1-2$ days and sperm can remain viable for up to $3$ days,the fertile period is considered to be from $day \; 10$ to $day \; 17$. Therefore,couples are advised to refrain from coitus during this period to avoid pregnancy.

(A) The rhythm method or periodic abstinence is a natural contraceptive method where couples avoid sexual intercourse during the fertile period. It has a high failure rate,typically ranging from $20$ to $30$ per $100$ women per year,because it is difficult to accurately predict the exact time of ovulation.

(D) Periodic abstinence is a natural method of contraception based on avoiding coitus during the fertile period. Option $D$ is incorrect because it describes barrier methods (like condoms or diaphragms),which use physical devices to prevent the meeting of sperm and ovum,whereas periodic abstinence relies solely on behavioral timing.

(C) Lactational amenorrhoea refers to the absence of menstruation during the period of intense lactation following parturition. During this phase,the high level of prolactin in the blood inhibits the release of gonadotropins ($FSH$ and $LH$) from the anterior pituitary gland,thereby preventing ovulation.

(C) Condoms are barrier methods of contraception.
They are made of thin rubber or latex sheath.
Apart from preventing conception,they provide an additional benefit of protecting the user from contracting $STDs$ (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) and $AIDS$ (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome).
Therefore,their use has increased significantly in recent years.

(C) Diaphragms,cervical caps,and vaults are barrier methods of contraception ($A$ is correct).
They are designed to cover the cervix during coitus to prevent the entry of sperm ($B$ is correct).
These devices are made of rubber and are reusable ($D$ is correct).
However,they do not provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases $(STDs)$; protection from $STDs$ is mainly provided by male and female condoms. Therefore,statement $C$ is incorrect.

(C) 'Nirodh' is a well-known brand of male condoms in India,which is distributed by the government to promote safe sex and family planning. It acts as a barrier method of contraception.

(C) diaphragm is a barrier method of contraception made of rubber.
It is a dome-shaped device that is inserted into the female reproductive tract to cover the cervix.
By covering the cervix,it acts as a physical barrier that prevents sperms from entering the uterus through the cervical canal.
Therefore,it stops sperms from entering the cervix.

(A) Chemical methods include the use of spermicides,which are substances that kill or immobilize sperm.
Barrier methods are mechanical devices such as diaphragms,cervical caps,and vaults that prevent the deposition of sperm into the vagina and their subsequent passage into the uterus.
When these chemical methods are used in conjunction with barrier methods,they provide a dual layer of protection.
This combination significantly reduces the failure rate of the contraceptive method,thereby leading to increased contraceptive efficiency.

(D) Barrier methods of contraception work by physically preventing the sperm from reaching the ovum. Examples include condoms,diaphragms,cervical caps,and vaginal pouches. Implants are not barrier methods; they are hormonal contraceptive devices that are inserted under the skin (subdermally) to release hormones that prevent ovulation or thicken cervical mucus,providing long-term contraception. Examples include $Norplant$ and $Implanon$.

(C) Hormonal contraceptives,such as birth control pills,primarily contain synthetic progesterone or a combination of progesterone and estrogen.
High levels of progesterone exert negative feedback on the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary gland.
This inhibits the secretion of $FSH$ and $LH$,which are essential for follicle development and ovulation.
By preventing the surge of $LH$,ovulation is inhibited,thus preventing pregnancy.

(B) Saheli is the world's first non-steroidal oral contraceptive pill for females. It was developed by scientists at the Central Drug Research Institute $(CDRI)$ in Lucknow,India. It contains a compound called centchroman and works primarily by preventing the implantation of the fertilized egg in the uterus.

(B) Saheli is a non-steroidal,once-a-week oral contraceptive pill developed by the Central Drug Research Institute $(CDRI)$ in Lucknow,India.
It works by inhibiting the implantation of the fertilized egg in the uterus.
It has very few side effects and high contraceptive value,making it a popular choice for birth control.

(B) Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) are widely used as a method of birth control.
These pills contain either a combination of synthetic progesterone (progestogen) and estrogen,or sometimes only progestogen.
They work primarily by inhibiting ovulation,altering the cervical mucus to prevent sperm entry,and changing the uterine lining to prevent implantation.
Therefore,the correct composition is a combination of progestogen and estrogen.

(D) Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) are highly effective methods of birth control. They function through multiple mechanisms:
$1$. They inhibit ovulation by suppressing the release of gonadotropins ($FSH$ and $LH$) from the pituitary gland.
$2$. They alter the quality of cervical mucus,which prevents or retards the entry of sperms into the uterus.
$3$. They also change the lining of the endometrium,making it unsuitable for implantation.
Therefore,all the mentioned mechanisms contribute to their effectiveness. The failure rate of oral contraceptives is approximately $2-3$ per $100$ women.

(C) In India,$IUDs$ (Intrauterine Devices) are considered one of the most widely used and effective methods of contraception by females,especially for those who wish to delay pregnancy or maintain spacing between children. While sterilisation is also common,$IUDs$ are frequently preferred for reversible contraception.

(B) Intrauterine devices $(IUDs)$,such as the $Cu-T$,are contraceptive devices that must be inserted into the uterus through the vagina by a doctor or a trained nurse. Other options like diaphragms,condoms,and vaults are barrier methods that are typically self-inserted by the user.

(C) Hormone-releasing $IUDs$ (like $Progestasert$ and $LNG-20$) release hormones such as progesterone or levonorgestrel.
These hormones make the uterus unsuitable for implantation by altering the endometrium and make the cervix hostile to sperms by thickening the cervical mucus.
While copper-releasing $IUDs$ primarily increase the phagocytosis of sperms and suppress their motility,the primary additional advantage of hormone-releasing $IUDs$ is their dual action on the uterus and cervix.

(A) Among the given options,$Cu-T$ (a type of Intrauterine Device or $IUD$) is considered the most cost-effective and easily reversible method of contraception.
Sterilisation methods like tubectomy and vasectomy are surgical procedures that are considered terminal and have very poor reversibility.

(B) $LNG-20$ is a hormone-releasing $IUD$ that releases the hormone levonorgestrel.
$Cu-T$ and $Multiload \; 375$ are copper-releasing $IUDs$.
Implants are hormonal contraceptive methods but are not classified as $IUDs$ (Intrauterine Devices).

(D) Implants (such as $Norplant$) and injectables (such as $Depo-Provera$) used for contraception contain either progestogen alone or a combination of progestogen and estrogen. These hormonal preparations work by inhibiting ovulation,thickening cervical mucus to prevent sperm entry,and altering the uterine lining to prevent implantation.

(A) Norplant is a progestin-only contraceptive device consisting of six small silicone capsules,each containing levonorgestrel. It is implanted under the skin and provides effective contraception for up to $5$ years.

(D) Sterilisation methods,also known as surgical methods,are considered terminal methods of contraception.
These procedures (such as vasectomy in males and tubectomy in females) are designed to block the transport of gametes,thereby preventing fertilization.
They are highly effective and have very poor reversibility,making them permanent solutions for couples who do not wish to have any more children.

(C) $Norplant$ is a hormonal contraceptive implant that releases progestin as its active ingredient.
It works primarily by inhibiting ovulation.
Additionally,it thickens the cervical mucus,which prevents or hinders the entry of sperm into the uterus.
It is a long-acting reversible contraceptive that is effective for up to $5$ years.

(D) Sterilisation techniques are surgical methods used to block the transport of gametes,thereby preventing conception.
$1$. Vasectomy is a surgical sterilisation procedure in males where the vas deferens is cut or tied to block sperm transport.
$2$. Tubectomy is a surgical sterilisation procedure in females where the fallopian tubes are cut or tied to block the transport of ova.
Therefore,the correct technique for females is Tubectomy.

(D) Emergency contraceptives are used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or sexual assault.
$1.$ Administration of progestogens or progestogen-estrogen combinations are effective if taken within $72$ hours of coitus.
$2.$ Insertion of $IUDs$ (Intrauterine Devices) within $72$ hours of coitus is also a highly effective method of emergency contraception.
Therefore,all three methods ($A, B,$ and $C$) are recognized as effective emergency contraceptive measures.

(A) Contraceptive devices are designed to prevent pregnancy without interfering with the normal sexual drive,desire,or the sexual act of an individual.
Castration involves the surgical removal of the testes in males,which leads to a significant deficiency of the $testosterone$ hormone.
This hormonal deficiency results in the loss of sexual drive (libido) and the inability to perform the sexual act,which is not the purpose of a contraceptive method.
Therefore,castration is not considered a standard contraceptive device.

(A) Lactational amenorrhoea is a natural method of contraception based on the fact that ovulation and the menstrual cycle do not occur during the period of intense lactation following parturition.
This occurs because high levels of prolactin,a hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland,inhibit the release of gonadotropins ($FSH$ and $LH$) from the pituitary gland.
Since $FSH$ and $LH$ are essential for follicular development and ovulation,their inhibition prevents the menstrual cycle from resuming.

(D) The correct matches are:
$1$. Contraceptive pills: Inhibit ovulation and implantation as well as alter the quality of cervical mucus to prevent/retard entry of sperms.
$2$. Barrier methods: Prevent physical meeting of sperm and ovum.
$3$. $IUDs$: Increase phagocytosis of sperms within the uterus and suppress sperm motility and the fertilizing capacity of sperms; they also make the uterus unsuitable for implantation.
$4$. Natural methods: Work on the principle of avoiding chances of ovum and sperm meeting.
Therefore,option $D$ is the wrong match because natural methods aim to avoid,not increase,the chances of fertilization.

(B) $LNG-20$ is a hormone-releasing $IUD$,not a copper-releasing $IUD$.
Progestasert is also a hormone-releasing $IUD$.
Therefore,the option $B$ is incorrectly matched.

(B) Copper-releasing $IUDs$ (like $CuT$,$Cu7$,$Multiload$ $375$) release copper ions $(Cu^{2+})$ into the uterus.
These ions increase the phagocytosis of sperms within the uterus.
Furthermore,the released copper ions suppress sperm motility and the fertilising capacity of sperms,thereby preventing fertilization.

(D) Oral contraceptive pills are hormonal preparations that contain either progestogen alone or a combination of progestogen and estrogen.
They work by inhibiting ovulation and implantation,and by altering the quality of cervical mucus to prevent the entry of sperms.
Option $D$ is incorrect because oral pills are chemical/hormonal methods,whereas physical barriers (like condoms) are a completely different category of contraceptives designed to physically prevent the meeting of sperm and ovum.

(D) 'Saheli' is a non-steroidal oral contraceptive pill for females that is taken once a week. It works by inhibiting the implantation of the embryo in the uterus. Option $D$ is incorrect because increasing the phagocytosis of sperm within the uterus is the mechanism of action for intrauterine devices (IUDs),not 'Saheli'.

(D) Oral contraceptive pills contain either progesterone alone or a combination of progesterone and estrogen. These hormones work by inhibiting ovulation and altering the quality of cervical mucus to prevent or retard the entry of sperms. Additionally,some pills like Saheli work by preventing implantation. Therefore,all these mechanisms are involved in the action of contraceptive pills.

(A) Vasectomy is a surgical sterilization procedure in males where the $vas$ $deferens$ is cut and tied.
This prevents the transport of sperms from the testes to the urethra,meaning the ejaculated fluid will contain no sperms.
However,the accessory glands (seminal vesicles,prostate,and bulbourethral glands) continue to produce seminal fluid,allowing for normal ejaculation.
Furthermore,the testes remain intact and continue to produce male sex hormones (testosterone) which are secreted directly into the blood,ensuring that sexual desire and secondary sexual characteristics remain unaffected.

(B) Tubectomy is a surgical sterilization method in females where a small part of the fallopian tubes is removed or tied up.
Ovulation continues to occur normally after this procedure because the ovaries are not affected.
The method works by blocking the passage of the ovum,preventing it from meeting the sperm,thus fertilization cannot occur.
Therefore,the statement that 'no ovulation occurs' is incorrect.

(C) Condoms are barrier methods of contraception. Besides preventing pregnancy,they provide an additional benefit of protecting the user from contracting $STDs$ (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) and $AIDS$ (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome). Therefore,their use has increased significantly in recent years.

(B) Mala-$D$ is a combined oral contraceptive pill containing synthetic progesterone and oestrogen.
These hormones work by inhibiting the release of $FSH$ and $LH$ from the pituitary gland,thereby preventing ovulation.
In a normal menstrual cycle,progesterone levels rise significantly only after ovulation (in the luteal phase).
However,in a woman taking oral contraceptive pills,the synthetic hormones are administered daily for a specific period (usually $21$ days),maintaining a consistently high level of these hormones in the blood to suppress the natural cycle.
Graph $B$ shows a sustained,elevated level of the hormone during the period of pill intake,which is characteristic of the hormonal profile in a woman using oral contraceptives.

(C) $RU-486$ (mifepristone) is a synthetic steroid that acts as a progesterone receptor antagonist.
It binds to progesterone receptors with higher affinity than progesterone itself,thereby blocking the action of progesterone.
Progesterone is essential for maintaining the endometrial lining during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.
By blocking progesterone,$RU-486$ leads to the shedding of the endometrium,which induces menstruation and terminates early pregnancy.

(C) Intrauterine devices $(IUDs)$ are highly effective contraceptive methods because they increase phagocytosis of sperms within the uterus,suppress sperm motility,and reduce the fertilizing capacity of sperms.
Furthermore,the hormone-releasing $IUDs$ make the uterus unsuitable for implantation and the cervix hostile to the sperms.
Sperms do enter the uterus,but their function is impaired by the $IUDs$.
Therefore,the Assertion is correct,but the Reason is incorrect.

(A) Assertion is correct: Surgical methods,also known as sterilization,are highly effective contraceptive methods that block the transport of gametes (sperm in males and ova in females),thereby preventing fertilization and conception.
Reason is correct: In males,the surgical procedure involves cutting and tying a small part of the vas deferens,which is known as vasectomy.
Conclusion: Since the vasectomy is a specific example of a surgical method that blocks gamete transport,the Reason correctly explains the Assertion.

(A) Saheli is a non-steroidal oral contraceptive pill developed by $CDRI$ (Central Drug Research Institute) in Lucknow,India.
It contains the compound centchroman.
It is taken once a week,which makes it convenient for users.
It has very few side effects and high contraceptive value,primarily working by preventing the implantation of the fertilized egg in the uterus.
Therefore,both the Assertion and the Reason are correct,and the Reason provides a valid description of the pill's characteristics.

(C) Surgical methods,also known as sterilization,are terminal methods used to prevent any further pregnancies by blocking the transport of gametes.
In males,this is called vasectomy (blocking the vas deferens),and in females,it is called tubectomy (blocking the fallopian tubes).
These methods do not prevent the formation of gametes (sperm or ova) in the gonads; rather,they prevent the transport or union of gametes.
Therefore,the Assertion is correct,but the Reason is incorrect.

(A) Castration involves the surgical removal of primary sex organs (testes in males or ovaries in females),which leads to the cessation of gamete production and a significant decrease in sex hormones.
While it effectively prevents pregnancy,it is not considered a standard or ethical method of contraception because it causes permanent sterilization and significantly alters the hormonal balance,which can lead to physical and psychological side effects.
Furthermore,the definition of an ideal contraceptive method includes that it should be user-friendly,easily available,effective,and reversible,with no or least side effects.
Crucially,a contraceptive should not interfere with the sexual drive,desire,or the sexual act of the user.
Since castration causes permanent loss of sex hormones and affects sexual function,the Reason provided is a correct statement regarding the criteria for an ideal contraceptive,and it correctly explains why castration is not a suitable option.

(C) Periodic abstinence is a natural method of contraception where couples avoid coitus from day $10$ to $17$ of the menstrual cycle because ovulation is expected during this time.
This period is known as the 'fertile period' or 'unsafe period' because the chances of conception are very high.
Therefore,the Assertion is correct,but the Reason is incorrect as it labels this period as 'safe'.

(A) Assertion $(A)$ is correct: 'Saheli' is a non-steroidal oral contraceptive pill developed by the Central Drug Research Institute $(CDRI)$ in Lucknow,India.
Reason $(R)$ is correct: 'Saheli' contains a compound called centchroman,which is non-steroidal in nature.
Since the non-steroidal nature of 'Saheli' is the reason why it is considered a unique and safer alternative to conventional hormonal (steroidal) pills,the Reason correctly explains the Assertion.

(A) Surgical methods,known as sterilization,are terminal methods used to prevent further pregnancies. These include vasectomy in males and tubectomy in females.
These procedures are highly effective as they provide a permanent solution to contraception.
However,their reversibility is very poor,meaning it is difficult to restore fertility once these procedures are performed. Therefore,both the Assertion and the Reason are correct,and the Reason correctly explains why these methods are considered terminal.