Question

On which of the following facts does the method of periodic abstinence is based?
A. Ovulation occurs on about the 14th day of menstruation.
B. Ovum remains alive for about 1 - 2 days.
C. Sperms survive for about 3 days.
D. All of these

Answer 1

Periodic abstinence, also known as fertility awareness, natural family planning, and the rhythm technique, comprises not having sexual intercourse on days of a woman's menstrual cycle when she could become pregnant or utilising a birth barrier (such as a condom, the diaphragm, or a cervical cap) for delivery.

Complete answer:
Periodic abstinence for family planning is based on detecting the fertile phase of the menstrual cycle, which occurs around ovulation, and avoiding sexual activity during that time. Due to the difficulty of correctly estimating the fertile period, abstinence is sometimes required for a significant portion of the cycle.
Periodic abstinence is a natural contraception strategy in which couples avoid pregnancy by not having sexual contact during the ovulation period, which lasts from day 10 to day 17 of the menstrual cycle. During this time, the odds of fertilisation are very high. Ovum can live for up to 1-2 days, whereas sperm can live for up to 3 days.
Periodic abstinence, on the other hand, is preferable to no approach and can provide a variety of other benefits, such as knowledge of female physiology. Couples may be able to detect the fertile phase and employ barrier techniques just on days that are thought to be fertile, leading to the use of more effective contraception. Ovulation detection techniques are also helpful in the diagnosis and treatment of infertility.

So, option B is the right answer.

Note: In recent significant studies, about 20% of women who used the sympto-thermal approach and approximately 25% of those who used the cervical mucus method became pregnant within a year, compared to fewer than 5% of those who used oral contraceptives or IUDs.