Question

List any four characteristics of ideal contraceptives.

Answer 1

Hint: It is a method or device which is used to avoid pregnancy by interfering with the normal process of ovulation, fertilization, and implantation.

Complete answer:
An ideal contraceptive should have the following characteristics:
- It should be convenient.
- It should be easily available.
- It should be effective and reversible with the least side effects.
- It should prevent sexually transmitted diseases.
- It should be cost-effective and low-priced.

There is a wide range of contraceptive methods which could be generally grouped into the following categories, i.e. natural, Barrier, Intrauterine devices (IUDs), Oral contraceptives, Injectables, Implants, and Surgical methods.
> Natural methods: Natural methods focus on avoiding the chances of sperm and ovum meet. It involves coitus interruptus, lactational amenorrhea, periodic abstinence.
> Barrier: In this method, the meeting of ovum and sperms are prevented by the help of barriers. It includes Condoms, Diaphragms, cervical caps, and vaults.
> Intrauterine devices: IUDs are another popular and effective method of birth control. These devices are inserted in the uterus through the vagina. It comprises non-medicated IUDs, copper releasing IUDs such as CuT, Cu7, Multiload 375, and the hormone-releasing IUDs (e.g. Progestasert, LNG-20).
> Oral contraceptives: This method small doses of estrogen or estrogen-progesterone combination are taken orally by females. It is used in the form of tablets hence called pills.
> Surgical methods: This method is also known as sterilization in which pregnancy is avoided by the blocking gamete transport via the termination method. In males, this sterilization method is known as vasectomy and in females, it is called tubectomy.

Note:
> Ovulation is the monthly process by which an ovarian follicle ruptures and releases a mature egg cell.
> Depo Provera is a contraceptive injection that contains the hormone progestin and is given every three months.