(a) What is meant by contraceptive ? What are the different methods of contraceptive ?
(b) What is done in the contraceptive method known as (i) vasectomy, and (ii) tubectomy?

Answer

### Step-by-Step Text Solution

**(a) What is meant by contraceptive? What are the different methods of contraceptive?**

1. **Definition of Contraceptive**:
- A contraceptive is a method or device used to prevent pregnancy by inhibiting the fusion of male and female gametes (sperm and egg).

2. **Purpose of Contraceptives**:
- The primary purpose of contraceptives is to prevent unwanted pregnancies.

3. **Different Methods of Contraceptives**:
- **Physical Methods**:
- These include barriers that prevent sperm from reaching the egg. An example is the use of condoms, which are worn by males during intercourse.
- **Chemical Methods**:
- These involve hormonal pills, such as oral contraceptives, which contain hormones like progesterone and estrogen. These hormones prevent ovulation and implantation of the fertilized egg.
- **Surgical Methods**:
- These are permanent methods of contraception. Two common surgical methods are:
- **Vasectomy**: A procedure for males where the vas deferens (the duct that carries sperm) is cut and tied to prevent sperm from being released.
- **Tubectomy**: A procedure for females where the fallopian tubes are cut and tied to prevent the egg from traveling to the uterus.

**(b) What is done in the contraceptive method known as (i) vasectomy, and (ii) tubectomy?**

1. **Vasectomy**:
- In this method, the vas deferens in males is surgically cut and tied. This prevents sperm from being mixed with semen during ejaculation, thereby preventing fertilization.

2. **Tubectomy**:
- In this method, the fallopian tubes in females are surgically cut and tied. This prevents the egg from traveling to the uterus and meeting sperm, thus preventing fertilization.