Question

Periodic abstinence is a method used to avoid which of the following situations?
A. Fertilization of sperm and ovum after coitus
B. Unwanted pregnancy
C. Release of the ovum in a female body
D. None of these

Answer 1

Hint:-Reproduction is an important biological phenomenon in living organisms. In higher organisms, the process of reproduction is complex and is completed through several important stages. In the higher animals including humans, the male and female produce sex cells which are fertilized to form a zygote. However, due to increasing population, there is the need to control the birth of the childrens which are done through a number of processes.

Complete step-by-step solution:
Reproduction is a naturally occurring phenomenon and is important for the survival of any species. However, in recent times, the human population has reached a peak level due to various factors and this urges a practice of artificially controlling the birth. The process of intentionally controlling the birth rate in humans is known as human reproductive planning. The most common way of population control is the abstinence or restraint from sexual activities. The most effective as well as common way of abstinence is the periodic abstinence. This process is also known as the fertility awareness and natural family planning method.
The periodic abstinence refers to a set of practices to determine the fertile and infertile phases of a female and refrain from any kind of fertilization to avoid unwanted pregnancy. It is used to avoid pregnancy and to better plan pregnancy and is also employed as a method to monitor female health.
This method depends upon the observation of ovulation occurring during the monthly changes in females. The menstrual cycle in females is characterized by an early phase of infertility followed by a period of fertility and a post infertile period until the next cycle. The early infertility period is also known as the preovulatory period characterized and this is the stage where no ovum is present to fertilize. This phase is followed by the ovulation phase represented by the presence of ovum in the uterus and is the fertile phase. If fertilization during this period is restricted or does not happen, no pregnancy can occur and is followed by the next post fertile or the postovulatory phase. Thus, if fertilization or coitus is avoided during the ovulation period which takes place approximately from twelve to fourteen days in a month cycle, unwanted pregnancy can be avoided.
The process of fertilization of sperm and ovum after coitus leads to formation of the zygote and subsequently it results in pregnancy.
During the process of ovulation, the ovum is released into the uterus as a female body becomes ready for fertilization and implantation.


Therefore, the correct option is option B.

Note:- Periodic abstinence is also referred to as periodic restrain from fertilization of the ovum which may lead to pregnancy. It is the method used to avoid unwanted pregnancy. It is used as a method of population control. The periodic abstinence method is based on the avoiding of fertilization during the ovulation period or the fertile phase of the menstrual cycle and unwanted pregnancy can be avoided.