Which of the following is not a characteristic of an ideal contraceptive?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → It should be irreversible.
A contraceptive is a method that prevents pregnancy. An ideal one lets a couple avoid or delay pregnancy without harm, and lets them have a child later when they wish. So it must be easy to use, easy to get, effective, safe and reversible.
Option (1) It should be user-friendly. — A characteristic of an ideal contraceptive. A method that is easy to use is followed correctly and regularly, so it works better.
Option (2) It should be easily available and effective. — A characteristic of an ideal contraceptive. The method should be within the reach of people and should prevent pregnancy reliably.
Option (3) It should be with no or least side-effects. — A characteristic of an ideal contraceptive. The method should not harm the health of the user.
Option (4) It should be irreversible. — Not a characteristic of an ideal contraceptive. An ideal contraceptive is reversible: when it is stopped, the person can conceive again. Permanent methods such as vasectomy and tubectomy are advised only as a terminal method, when the couple wants no more children.
NCERT Extract:
Population Stabilisation and Birth Control – “… Let us describe some of the commonly used contraceptive methods, which help prevent unwanted pregnancies. An ideal contraceptive should be user-friendly, easily available, effective and reversible with no or least side-effects. It also should in no way interfere with the sexual drive, desire and/or the sexual act of the user.”