Which one of the following is a natural contraceptive method?

The correct answer is Option (3) → Lactational amenorrhea

Natural methods of contraception use no drug or device. They work by keeping the sperm and the ovum from meeting.

(1) Cervical caps — Incorrect. These are barrier devices. They are fitted over the cervix and stop the sperm from reaching the ovum.

(2) Pills — Incorrect. Oral contraceptive pills are hormonal. They block ovulation, so they use a drug.

(3) Lactational amenorrhea — Correct. During intense lactation after childbirth there is no ovulation and no menstrual cycle. As long as the mother breast-feeds fully, conception is almost impossible. This holds for six months at most.

(4) IUDs — Incorrect. Intra-uterine devices are placed in the uterus by a doctor, so they are not natural.

Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2022 on 20-08-2022 (Slot 1).

NCERT Extract:
Population Stabilisation and Birth Control – “… Withdrawal or coitus interruptus is another method in which the male partner withdraws his penis from the vagina just before ejaculation so as to avoid insemination. Lactational amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) method is based on the fact that ovulation and therefore the cycle do not occur during the period of intense lactation following parturition.”