Question

Name any two contraceptive methods used by human females.

Answer 1

Hint: The methods are ideal and effective and are also reversible if required. Even though these methods are artificial, they are effective in preventing pregnancy without any side effects.

Complete answer:
Contraception is the deliberate use of artificial methods or other techniques to prevent pregnancy because of sexual intercourse. An ideal contraceptive should be effective and also reversible, with least or no side effects. The two contraceptive methods used by human females are Condoms and Intrauterine Devices.
Condoms: These are latex or rubber sheaths which are put on the penis before starting copulation. These are popularly called as ‘Nirodh.’ These check pregnancy by preventing the deposition of sperms in the vagina. These are very widely used contraceptives in India because they are easily available, low cost, reliable, effective, and with no side effects. These also help prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) including AIDS, syphilis, etc.
Intrauterine Devices (IUDs): these include copper-T, loops that are fitted into the uterus, and prevent the fertilization of the egg or implantation of the embryo. In India, IUDs are the most widely accepted method of contraception in females. Several types of IUDs are available e.g., non-medicated IUDs such as Lippe’s loops; Copper releasing IUDs e.g.’ CUT, Cu7’ and multi- load 375. These release Cu ions which decrease the sperm utility; Hormone releasing IUDs e.g., Progestasert and LNG- 20, whose hormone makes the uterus unsuitable for the implantation and the cervix hostile to sperm.

Additional Information:
- In India, only 43% of couples use different contraceptive methods to prevent pregnancy.
- IUDs have certain drawbacks like occasional hemorrhage, chances of infection, and spontaneous expulsion.

Note: Hindustan Latex of India and Female Health Company of England have introduced a skin- friendly polyurethane condom, known as Femidom. It acts as a clip on the vagina wall blocking the passage to the womb. These were first marketed in Britain in the early nineties.