Question 163 marksShort AnswerSection A

List and explain in brief three methods of contraception.

How do Organisms Reproduce?
Reproductive Health

Official answer

Contraceptive methods are used to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Three major methods of contraception are:


  1. Barrier Methods:
  • Explanation: These methods physically prevent the sperm from meeting the egg.
  • Examples: Condoms worn on the penis or diaphragms/coverings worn in the vagina.

  1. Chemical Methods (Hormonal Contraceptives):
  • Explanation: These involve taking oral pills or drugs that alter the body's hormonal balance so that eggs are not released from the ovaries, preventing fertilisation.
  • Examples: Oral contraceptive pills.

  1. Surgical Methods:
  • Explanation: These are permanent methods where the passage of gametes is blocked surgically.
  • Examples:
  • Vasectomy: In males, a small portion of the vas deferens is blocked or cut to prevent sperm transfer.
  • Tubectomy: In females, the fallopian tubes are blocked to prevent the egg from reaching the uterus.
Answer keywords:Barrier methodscondomsChemical methodsoral pillshormonal balanceSurgical methodsvasectomytubectomycontraception

Marking scheme

  1. 1.Listing and explaining Barrier Methods with example: 1 Mark
  2. 2.Listing and explaining Chemical/Hormonal Methods with example: 1 Mark
  3. 3.Listing and explaining Surgical Methods (Vasectomy/Tubectomy) with example: 1 Mark

Hint

Recall the physical, chemical, and surgical ways to block fertilisation or gamete transfer.

Quick oral answer

Three methods of contraception are barrier methods (like condoms), chemical methods (like oral pills), and surgical methods (like vasectomy and tubectomy).

Common mistakes

  1. 1.Confusing vasectomy (males) with tubectomy (females).
  2. 2.Not mentioning how the method actually works (e.g., failing to explain that chemical methods change hormonal balance to stop egg release).

Analysis and explanation

Contraceptive methods can be broadly classified based on their mechanism of action. Barrier methods are non-hormonal and also help in preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Chemical methods are highly effective at preventing pregnancy but can have side effects due to hormonal changes. Surgical methods are permanent and irreversible, suitable for family planning when no more children are desired. Another method is the use of Intrauterine Contraceptive Devices (IUCDs) like the Copper-T, which prevent implantation in the uterus.

Interesting facts

While barrier methods like condoms protect against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like HIV-AIDS, hormonal and surgical methods only prevent pregnancy and offer no protection against STIs.

Question details

Q16 of 41 questions

Board
CBSE
Class
Class 10
Subject
Science
Year
2012
Section
Section A
Marks
3
Type
Short Answer
Chapter
How do Organisms Reproduce?
Topic
Reproductive Health
Bloom's level
Understanding
Syllabus topic
Reproductive health: Methods of family planning / contraception

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Frequently asked questions

How many marks does this question carry in CBSE Class 10 Science 2012?

This question carries 3 marks in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2012 examination.

Which chapter does this question come from in Science?

This question is from the chapter "How do Organisms Reproduce?" in the CBSE Class 10 Science syllabus.

What topic does this question cover in Science?

This question covers the topic "Reproductive Health" from CBSE Class 10 Science.

What type of question is this in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2012 paper?

This is a Short Answer question from Section A in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2012 paper.