Which of the following contraceptive methods makes the uterus unsuitable for implantation and the cervix hostile to the sperms?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Hormone releasing IUDs
All IUDs increase phagocytosis of sperms within the uterus. Copper-releasing IUDs also release Cu ions that suppress sperm motility. Only the hormone-releasing IUDs (Progestasert, LNG-20) go one step further and make the uterus unsuitable for implantation and the cervix hostile to the sperms.
Option (1) Copper releasing IUDs — Incorrect. Copper-releasing IUDs (CuT, Cu7, Multiload 375) act through Cu ions that suppress sperm motility and the fertilising capacity of sperms.
Option (2) Surgical methods — Incorrect. Surgical methods (vasectomy, tubectomy) block gamete transport by cutting or tying the vas deferens or fallopian tube.
Option (3) Non-medicated IUDs — Incorrect. Non-medicated IUDs such as Lippes loop only increase phagocytosis of sperms within the uterus. They release nothing.
Option (4) Hormone releasing IUDs — Correct. NCERT gives this extra action to the hormone-releasing IUDs.
NCERT Extract:
Population Stabilisation and Birth Control – “… These Intra Uterine Devices are presently available as the non-medicated IUDs (e.g., Lippes loop), copper releasing IUDs (CuT, Cu7, Multiload 375) and the hormone releasing IUDs (Progestasert, LNG-20) (Figure 3.2). IUDs increase phagocytosis of sperms within the uterus and the Cu ions released suppress sperm motility and the fertilising capacity of sperms. The hormone releasing IUDs, in addition, make the uterus unsuitable for implantation and the cervix hostile to the sperms.”