Intra Uterine Devices are presently available as

(a) Non-medicated IUDs (e.g., Lippes loop).

(b) Copper releasing IUDs (e.g., Cu-T, Cu-7, Multiload 375).

(c) Hormone releasing IUDs (e.g., Progestasert, LNG-20).

Mode of Action of Hormonal Contraceptives

The hormones releasing IUDs, make the uterus unsuitable for implantation and the cervix hostile to the sperms. Progesterone can also be used as injections and implants (slow release of hormones) to inhibit ovulation.

Advantages of Hormonal Contraceptives

Administration of progestogens or progestogen-oestrogen combinations or IUDs within 72 hrs of intercourse have been found to be effective as emergency contraceptives as they could be used to avoid possible pregnancy due to rape or causal unprotected intercourse.

Disadvantages of Hormonal Contraceptives

(i) IUDs are suggested as ideal contraceptives for the females but they can have serious side effects.

(ii) Can cause allergic reaction.

(iii) If displaced, can cause tissue damage and profuse bleeding.

(iv) IUDs can damage the normal hormonal balance and later even if desired, pregnancy may not be achieved.

(v) Artificial intake can disrupt normal hormonal interactions in the body system.

Diseases or infections which are transmitted through sexual intercourse are collectively called Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) or Venereal Diseases (VD) or Reproductive Tract Infections (RTI).

Though all persons are vulnerable to these infections, their incidences are reported to be very high among persons in the age group of 15-24 years. STDs can be considered as self-invited diseases.

STDs include gonorrhoea, syphilis, genital herpes, chlamydiasis, genital warts, trichomoniasis, hepatitis-B, HIV. These diseases may cause some complications Pelvic Inflammatory Diseases (PID), abortions, still births, ectopic pregnancies, infertility, or even cancer of the reproductive tract.

Hepatitis-B and HIV are such diseases that get transmitted by the following ways besides sexual contacts

(i) Sharing of injection needles or surgical instruments with infected persons.

(ii) Transfusion of infected blood.

(iii) Transfer from infected mother to the foetus through placenta.

Preventive Measures

By following simple principles, STDs can be prevented

(i) Avoid sex with unknown partners/multiple partners.

(ii) Always use condoms during coitus.

(iii) Contact a qualified doctor for any doubt in early stage of infection.

Yes, the ban is necessary because amniocentesis is misused now-a-days. It is used to determine the sex of the foetus and in many cases it led to female foeticide. It became so serious that it disturbed the male female ratio that can have a negative impact on society. The test is actually meant to determine the genetic defects or metabolic disorders in foetus by doing a chromosomal analysis. In such extreme cases that would be incurable, a decision to abort the foetus could be taken.

The reasons for introducing sex education to school-going children are as follows

(i) At school level, children from age group 12 and above should be counselled for reproductive system, processes and practices and importance of safe and responsible sex.

(ii) Sex related issues and problems like adolescence changes, menstrual cycle, menstrual problems, unwanted pregnancy, unsafe abortion, reproductive tract infections (STDs) and cancers.

(iii) They should know about body changes during their age and taught about healthy habits including personal cleanliness and hygiene.

(iv) Students should become part of such education, so that they overcome hesitation and gain confidence to discuss any query with their teacher or parents.

(v) Counselling and awareness regarding reproductive organs, safe and hygienic sexual practices will play an important role to make people reproductively healthy.