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.
How can birth control be achieved?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → All of these
Contraceptive methods work in different ways. Barrier methods stop the sperms from reaching the ovum. Pills inhibit ovulation. Hormone-releasing IUDs make the uterus unsuitable for implantation. All three are ways of achieving birth control.
Option (1) By preventing the transport of sperms to the ovum — Correct statement, but it is only one of the correct points, so on its own it is not the answer. Condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps and vaults physically keep the sperms away from the ovum. Surgical methods also block gamete transport.
Option (2) By stopping or reducing ovulation — Correct statement, but it is only one of the correct points, so on its own it is not the answer. Oral pills, injections and implants of progestogens or progestogen-estrogen combinations inhibit ovulation.
Option (3) By making the uterus unsuitable for implantation — Correct statement, but it is only one of the correct points, so on its own it is not the answer. Hormone-releasing IUDs make the uterus unsuitable for implantation and the cervix hostile to the sperms. Pills also inhibit implantation.
NCERT Extract:
Population Stabilisation and Birth Control – “… In barrier methods, ovum and sperms are prevented from physically meeting with the help of barriers. Such methods are available for both males and females.”
Population Stabilisation and Birth Control – “… The hormone releasing IUDs, in addition, make the uterus unsuitable for implantation and the cervix hostile to the sperms.”
Population Stabilisation and Birth Control – “… They inhibit ovulation and implantation as well as alter the quality of cervical mucus to prevent/retard entry of sperms.”