What are various ways to avoid pregnancy? Elaborate any one method.

Contraception is the prevention of pregnancy by interfering with the normal process of ovulation, fertilisation and implantation.

There are 3 methods of contraception: (i) Barrier method (ii) Chemical method (iii) Surgical method.

1. Barrier method: In the barrier methods of preventing preganancy, the physical devices such as diaphragm (or cap) and condoms are used. Diaphragm (or Cap) is used by human females which is put over the cervix. Condoms are used by males.

2. Chemical method: In the chemical methods of preventing pregnancy, the females use two types of pills- oral pills and vaginal pills. The oral pills contain hormones which stop the ovaries from releasing ovum into the oviduct. The vaginal pills contain the chemical called spermicides which kill the sperms.

3. Surgical method: Vasectomy and tubectomy

(i) Vasectomy: It is a surgical method to block the gamete transfer. It is done in males. In this method, a small portion of the Vas deferens is removed by surgical operation and both the cut ends are ligated properly. This prevents the sperms from coming out.

(ii) Tubectomy – It is also a surgical method to block gamete transfer in females. In this method, a small portion of the fallopian tube is removed and the cut ends are ligated. This prevents the entry of ovum into the oviducts.