Read the following statements about barrier methods of contraception:
A. Condoms are barriers made of thin rubber/latex sheath used to cover the penis in the male or vagina and cervix in the female.
B. Diaphragms, cervical caps and vaults are inserted into the female reproductive tract to cover the cervix during coitus.
C. Diaphragms, cervical caps and vaults prevent conception by blocking the entry of sperms through the cervix. They are disposable.
D. Spermicidal creams, jellies and foams are usually used along with these barriers to increase their contraceptive efficiency.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → A, B and D only
Barrier methods stop the ovum and sperms from meeting physically. They are available for both males and females.
A. Condoms are barriers made of thin rubber/latex sheath used to cover the penis in the male or vagina and cervix in the female. — True. Condoms are put on just before coitus so that the ejaculated semen does not enter the female reproductive tract. They also protect the user from STIs and AIDS.
B. Diaphragms, cervical caps and vaults are inserted into the female reproductive tract to cover the cervix during coitus. — True. These are rubber barriers that sit over the cervix during coitus.
C. Diaphragms, cervical caps and vaults prevent conception by blocking the entry of sperms through the cervix. They are disposable. — False. The first part is right, but these barriers are reusable. It is the male and female condoms that are disposable.
D. Spermicidal creams, jellies and foams are usually used along with these barriers to increase their contraceptive efficiency. — True. Spermicides kill sperms that may get past the barrier, so the method works better.
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. Condoms (Figure 3.1 a, b) are barriers made of thin rubber/ latex sheath that are used to cover the penis in the male or vagina and cervix in the female, just before coitus so that the ejaculated semen would not enter into the female reproductive tract. … Both the male and the female condoms are disposable, can be self-inserted and thereby gives privacy to the user. Diaphragms, cervical caps and vaults are also barriers made of rubber that are inserted into the female reproductive tract to cover the cervix during coitus. They prevent conception by blocking the entry of sperms through the cervix. They are reusable. Spermicidal creams, jellies and foams are usually used alongwith these barriers to increase their contraceptive efficiency.”