Question

Which is/are true for ‘periodic abstinence’?

1. Abstaining from coitus from day 18 to 28 of the menstrual cycle.
2. It is a 100% effective method of birth control.
3. Spermicidal agents are used in this method to enhance the effect of contraception.
4. Abstaining from coitus from day 10 -17 of the menstrual cycle.

• A. 1 only
• B. 1, 2 and 3 only
• C. 4 only
• D. 2, 3 and 4 only
  

Answer 1

The correct option is C 4 only

There are several methods of birth control that are used for the prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. The first is natural methods, where there is no use of any mechanical or chemical contraceptive substances. The main purpose of the natural method of contraception is to restrict or avoid the meeting of sperm and ovum naturally. These include withdrawal or coitus interruptus, lactational amenorrhea and periodic abstinence.
Periodic abstinence is also termed as a rhythm method or safe period. It is temporary abstinence where the couple refrain from any sexual intercourse when conception is most likely to happen. Ovulation occurs on about the ${14}^{\mathrm{th}}$ day of menstruation so, abstaining from coitus from day 10-17 of the menstrual cycle (a few days before and after ovulation) prevents conception.
One of the drawbacks of this method of contraception is that the efficiency is low as the actual time of ovulation cannot be predicted efficiently. Its failure rate is very high as women have irregular cycles of menstruation.
The spermicidal agent is used with barriers to enhance the efficiency of the contraception by killing the sperms inside the vagina, but not in the natural method of contraception.