Question

What are the benefits of using mechanical barriers during the sexual act?
(a)Prevention of infection
(b)Contraception
(c)Both A and B
(d)None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Persons who are suffering from sexually transmitted diseases like AIDS and other types of transmittable disease must use some devices during sexual contact with another person.

Complete answer:
The mechanical barrier method includes the use of condoms, diaphragm, vaults, and cervical caps during sex. These barriers will prevent the ovum and the sperms from physically meeting with each other. These methods are available to males as well as females.
Condoms are made of thin rubber or latex sheath, used to cover the penis in the male or vagina and cervix in the female, just before coitus so as to prevent the ejaculated semen entering into the female reproductive tract. This will prevent conception.
The usage of condoms has shown to be increased in recent years due to its enhanced advantage of protecting both male and the female from sexually transmitted disease (STDs) and AIDS. The condoms are disposable, it can be inserted by one’s self and thus will give privacy to the user.
Additionally, diaphragms, cervical caps, and vaults are barriers that are made of rubber which can be inserted into the female reproductive tract to cover the cervix during sex. They prevent conception(pregnancy) by inhibiting the entry of sperms via the cervix. It is reusable. Spermicidal creams, foams, and jellies might be used together with these barriers to increase the efficiency of the contraceptive.

So, the correct answer is ‘Both A and B’.

Note: To avoid unwanted pregnancy due to rape or unprotected intercourse progestogens or progestogen-estrogen combination administration within 72 hours of coitus is found to be extremely effective.