Explain:Contraceptive methods

Explanation

The sexual act always has the potential to lead to pregnancy. There are many ways that have been devised to avoid pregnancy and there- by achieving population control.
Contraceptive methods fall in following categories :
(1) Mechanical barrier : By the use of it sperm does not reach the egg.
Condoms or similar barriers worn in the vagina can serve this purpose.
Other contraceptive Intrauterine devices (IUD) such as loop or copper-T are placed in the uterus to prevent pregnancy. It may cause side effects due to irritation of the uterus.
(2) Chemical methods : In this method, contraceptive pills have to be taken orally by female.
The drugs in contraceptive pills change the hormonal balance of the female body in such a way that eggs are not released making fertilisation impossible.
Since they change hormonal balances, they can cause side-effects too.
(3) Surgical methods : If the vas deferens in the male is blocked, sperm transfer will be prevented. If the fallopian tube in the female is blocked, the egg will not be able to reach the uterus. In both cases fertilisation will not take place.
Surgical methods can be used for such blocks. While surgical methods are safe in the long run, surgery itself can cause infections and other problems if not performed properly.