Question

List four methods of contraception used by humans. How does their use have a direct effect on the health and prosperity of a family?

Answer 1

Hint: Use of artificial methods or techniques in order to prevent pregnancy is called contraception. It can be done at various stages such as, before sexual intercourse, surgically or by using some oral medications.

Complete answer:
Pregnancy can occur if the ejaculated fluid reaches the ovum. Unwanted pregnancies can cause a lot of emotional and psychological stress for the couple as well as their families. In order to avoid this, various methods of contraception are followed. Most easy and natural way is to avoid sexual intercourse on the day of ovulation i.e. from 10^th to 17^th day of menstrual cycle. Use of condoms is also a safer option and is called a ‘Barrier method’. Condoms avoid any contact between ejaculated fluid and ovarian tissue and hence prevents fertilization. Nowadays medicines that can be taken orally are also available. These can be hormonal pills, which prevent ovulation before intercourse. Surgically blocking the fallopian tubes in females and blocking of vasa deferentia in males is also a method of contraception. Some contraceptive devices are also available such as Copper-T. These are placed in the uterus to prevent fertilization and hence pregnancy.
These methods have some severe effects on the well-being of the people involved and their health. Unwanted and frequent pregnancies affect the health of females adversely. It also helps in family planning and hence controlling the number of children in the family. This also reduces poverty as the population is controlled. The most important use of these methods is to avoid transmission of sexually transmitted diseases such as AIDS.
Note: Using oral contraceptives in high concentration or using it without advice of any doctor can lead to further adverse effects on the health of females. The use of these contraceptives is a part of the population control programme.