Question

Short answer question.

Comment on any two mechanical contraceptive methods.

Answer 1

Mechanical means / Barrier methods:

In this method, the ovum and sperm are prevented from physically meeting with the help of barriers. These mechanical barriers are of three types.:

1. Condom:

It is a thin rubber sheath that is used to cover the penis of the male during copulation.
It prevents the entry of ejaculated semen into the female reproductive tract. It can thus prevent conception. It is a simple and effective method and has no side effects.
Condoms should be properly discarded after every use.
Condom is also a safeguard against STDs and AIDS.

e.g. “Nirodh” is the most widely used contraceptive by males. It is easily available and is given free by the government.

2. Diaphragm, cervical caps and vaults:

These devices used by the female are made up of rubber. They prevent conception by blocking the entry of sperms through the cervix. The device is inserted into the female reproductive tract to cover the cervix during copulation.

3. Intra-uterine devices (IUDs):

These clinical devices are plastic or metal objects. A doctor or trained nurse places the IUDs into the uterus. These devices include Lippes loop, copper releasing IUDs (Cu-T, Cu7, multiload 375), and hormone-releasing IUDs (LNG-20, progestasert).

i. Lippes loop:

It is a plastic double “s” loop. It attracts the macrophages stimulating them to accumulate in the uterine cavity. Macrophages increase phagocytosis of sperms within the uterus and act as a contraceptive.

ii. Copper releasing IUDs:

Suppress sperm motility and the fertilizing capacity of sperms.

iii. Hormone releasing IUDs:

Make the uterus unsuitable for implantation and the cervix hostile to the sperms. It delays pregnancy for a longer period.

Drawbacks: Spontaneous expulsion, occasional haemorrhage, and chances of infection are the drawbacks of IUDs.