Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow :-
The regulation of conception by preventive methods or devices to limit the number of offspring is called birth control or contraception. This basically prevents fertilisation. An ideal contraceptive should be user friendly, easily available, effective and reversible with no or least side effects. It also should not interfere with the sexual drive, desire and the sexual act of the user.
A couple wants a contraceptive that is highly effective now but will still allow them to have a child a few years later. Judged by the features of an ideal contraceptive, which of the following would NOT suit them?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Vasectomy
The passage says an ideal contraceptive must be effective and also reversible. The couple wants to stop pregnancy now but have a child later, so the method must be one whose effect can be undone. Vasectomy is highly effective, but NCERT says the reversibility of surgical methods is very poor. It is advised only as a terminal method.
Option (1) Intra uterine devices (IUDs) — Incorrect. IUDs are ideal for females who want to delay pregnancy or space children. They can be removed when the couple wants a child.
Option (2) Vasectomy — Correct. Vasectomy blocks the vas deferens. Its reversibility is very poor, so it does not suit a couple planning a child later.
Option (3) Oral pills — Incorrect. Pills are taken daily and stopped when the female wants to conceive. They are very effective and well accepted.
Option (4) Condoms — Incorrect. Condoms are used only during coitus. Once their use stops, conception is possible again.
NCERT Extract:
Population Stabilisation and Birth Control – “… Surgical methods, also called sterilisation, are generally advised for the male/female partner as a terminal method to prevent any more pregnancies. Surgical intervention blocks gamete transport and thereby prevent conception. Sterilisation procedure in the male is called ‘vasectomy’ and that in the female, ‘tubectomy’. … These techniques are highly effective but their reversibility is very poor.”
Population Stabilisation and Birth Control – “… IUDs are ideal contraceptives for the females who want to delay pregnancy and/or space children.”