Q13
3 marksShort AnswerSection A

List any four methods of contraceptions used by humans. How does their use have a direct effect on the health and prosperity of a family.

How do Organisms Reproduce?
Reproductive Health and Contraception
Official Answer

Methods of Contraception


Four common methods of contraception used by humans are:

  1. Barrier Methods: Physical devices such as condoms prevent the sperm from meeting the egg. Condoms also help prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
  2. Chemical/Hormonal Methods: Oral pills change the hormonal balance of the body so that eggs are not released from the ovaries, preventing fertilization.
  3. Intrauterine Contraceptive Devices (IUCDs): Devices like the Copper-T are placed inside the uterus by a doctor to block the passage of sperm and prevent implantation.
  4. Surgical Methods: Permanent methods where the vas deferens in males is blocked (Vasectomy) or the fallopian tubes in females are blocked (Tubectomy) to prevent gamete transfer.



Direct Effect on Health and Prosperity of a Family


  • Effect on Health:
  • Maternal Health: Frequent and unwanted pregnancies take a heavy toll on a woman's body. Spacing children using contraceptives allows the mother's body to recover, reducing maternal mortality and improving overall health.
  • Prevention of STIs: Barrier methods (like condoms) protect both partners from sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and gonorrhea.
  • Effect on Prosperity:
  • Resource Allocation: A smaller family size ensures that limited financial resources can be utilized effectively to provide quality nutrition, education, and healthcare to each child.
  • Economic Stability: Controlling family size prevents economic strain, leading to a higher standard of living and long-term prosperity for the family.
Barrier methodsCondomsHormonal pillsCopper-TVasectomyTubectomyMaternal healthSTIsFamily planningResource allocation

Marking Scheme

  • 1Listing any four correct methods of contraception (0.5 marks each) (2 marks)
  • 2Explaining the direct positive effect on the health of the family (especially the mother) (0.5 marks)
  • 3Explaining the direct positive effect on the economic prosperity of the family (0.5 marks)

Hint

Think about the four main categories of birth control (physical, hormonal, mechanical, and surgical) and how family size impacts resources like food, education, and maternal recovery.

Quick Oral Answer

The four main methods of contraception are barrier methods, chemical/hormonal methods, intrauterine devices (IUCDs), and surgical methods. They improve family health by preventing unwanted pregnancies, allowing maternal recovery, and preventing STIs, while boosting prosperity by keeping family sizes manageable relative to household income.

Analysis & Explanation

Contraceptive methods are essential tools for family planning. They can be broadly classified into barrier, chemical, mechanical (IUCDs), and surgical methods. Each method acts at a different stage of the reproductive process to prevent fertilization or implantation.


Reproductive health is not just about preventing pregnancy but also about maintaining physical, mental, and social well-being. By limiting family size, parents can avoid the financial stress of raising many children, which directly correlates with the economic prosperity and educational advancement of the family unit.

Common Mistakes

  1. 1Confusing vasectomy (male) with tubectomy (female).
  2. 2Assuming all contraceptive methods protect against STIs (only barrier methods like condoms do).

Interesting Facts

Surgical methods of contraception (vasectomy and tubectomy) are considered permanent and are highly effective, but they do not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many marks does this question carry in CBSE Class 10 Science 2015?

This question carries 3 marks in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2015 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 and Contraception" from CBSE Class 10 Science.

What type of question is this in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2015 paper?

This is a Short Answer question from Section A in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2015 paper.