Read the given passage and answer the following questions:
Oral administration of small doses of either progestogens or progestogen –estrogen combinations is another contraceptive method used by the females. They are used in the form of tablets and hence are popularly called the pills. Pills have to be taken daily for a period of 21 days starting preferably within the first five days of menstrual cycle. After a gap of 7 days (during which menstruation occurs) it has to be repeated in the same pattern till the female desires to prevent conception. They inhibit ovulation and implantation as well as alter the quality of cervical mucus to prevent/retard entry of sperms. Pills are very effective with lesser side effects and are well accepted by the females. Saheli –the new oral contraceptive for the females contains a non-steroidal preparation. It is a ‘once a week’ pill with very few side effects and high contraceptive value. Progestogens alone or in combination with estrogen can also be used by females as injections or implants under the skin. Their mode of action is similar to that of pills and their effective periods are much longer. Administration of progestogens or progestogen-estrogen combinations or IUDs within 72 hours of coitus have been found to be very effective as emergency contraceptives as they could be used to avoid possible pregnancy due to rape or casual unprotected intercourse.
Which of the following statements about the use of contraceptives are correct?
A. Contraceptives are not regular requirements for the maintenance of reproductive health.
B. The widespread use of contraceptive methods has a significant role in checking uncontrolled growth of population.
C. Contraceptives are practised against a natural reproductive event, i.e., menstruation.
D. The selection of a suitable contraceptive method should always be undertaken in consultation with qualified medical professionals.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → A, B and D only
A. Contraceptives are not regular requirements for the maintenance of reproductive health. — True. A healthy reproductive system does not need contraceptives. People use them by choice, to prevent, delay or space pregnancy.
B. The widespread use of contraceptive methods has a significant role in checking uncontrolled growth of population. — True. When many couples use these methods, fewer unplanned births take place, so they help in checking population growth.
C. Contraceptives are practised against a natural reproductive event, i.e., menstruation. — False. Contraceptives work against conception or pregnancy, not against menstruation. Pills, for example, are planned so that menstruation still occurs in the 7-day gap.
D. The selection of a suitable contraceptive method should always be undertaken in consultation with qualified medical professionals. — True. Contraceptives can have side effects such as nausea, abdominal pain or irregular bleeding, so the choice should be made with medical advice.
NCERT Extract:
Population Stabilisation and Birth Control – “… It needs to be emphasised that the selection of a suitable contraceptive method and its use should always be undertaken in consultation with qualified medical professionals. One must also remember that contraceptives are not regular requirements for the maintenance of reproductive health. In fact, they are practiced against a natural reproductive event, i.e., conception/pregnancy. One is forced to use these methods either to prevent pregnancy or to delay or space pregnancy due to personal reasons. No doubt, the widespread use of these methods have a significant role in checking uncontrolled growth of population.”