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.
Couples avoid coitus from day 10 to 17 of the menstrual cycle because the chances of fertilisation are very high during this period. What is this method of birth control called?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Periodic abstinence
Around the middle of the menstrual cycle, from about day 10 to 17, ovulation can be expected. Fertilisation is most likely then, so these days are called the fertile period. Avoiding coitus during these days is the natural method called periodic abstinence.
Option (1) Periodic abstinence — Correct. This is periodic abstinence, as described in the question.
Option (2) Lactational amenorrhea — Incorrect. Lactational amenorrhea relies on the absence of ovulation during intense breast-feeding after childbirth. It does not depend on avoiding coitus on certain days.
Option (3) Use of vaults — Incorrect. Vaults are rubber barriers that cover the cervix during coitus. They are used during coitus, not in place of it.
NCERT Extract:
Population Stabilisation and Birth Control – “Natural methods work on the principle of avoiding chances of ovum and sperms meeting. Periodic abstinence is one such method in which the couples avoid or abstain from coitus from day 10 to 17 of the menstrual cycle when ovulation could be expected. As chances of fertilisation are very high during this period, it is called the fertile period. Therefore, by abstaining from coitus during this period, conception could be prevented.”