Natural method is used to prevent meeting of sperm with ovum. i.e., Rhythm method (safe period), coitus interruptus, continuous abstinence and lactational amenorrhoea.
a. Periodic abstinence/rhythm method: Ovulation occurs at about the 14th day of the menstrual cycle. Ovum survives for about two days and sperm remains alive for about 72 hours in the female reproductive tract. Coitus is to be avoided during this time.
b. Continuous abstinence is the simplest and most reliable way to avoid pregnancy is not to have coitus for a defined period that facilitates conception.
c. Coitus interruptus is the oldest family planning method. The male partner withdraws his penis before ejaculation, thereby preventing deposition of semen into the vagina.
d. Lactational amenorrhoea : Menstrual cycles resume as early as 6 to 8 weeks from parturition. However, the reappearance of normal ovarian cycles may be delayed for six months during breast-feeding. This delay in ovarian cycles is called lactational amenorrhoea. It serves as a natural, but an unreliable form of birth control. Suckling by the baby during breast-feeding stimulates the pituitary to secrete increased prolactin hormone in order to increase milk production. This high prolactin concentration in the mother's blood may prevent menstrual cycle by suppressing the release of GnRH (Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone) from hypothalamus .and gonadotropin secretion from the pituitary.

A collection of procedures, which includes the handling of gametes and/or embryos outside the body to achieve a pregnancy as known as Assisted Reproductive Technology. It increases the chance of pregnancy in infertile couples. ART includes intra-uterin insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization, (IVF) Embryo transfer, (ET), Zygote intra-fallopian transfer (ZIPT), Gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT), Intra-cytoplasmic, sperm Injection (ICSI), .Preimplantation genetic diagnosis, oocyte and sperm donation and surrogacy.
(i) Intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI): In this method only one sperm is injected into the focal point of the egg to fertilize. The sperm is carefully injected into the cytoplasm of the egg. Fertilization , occurs in 75 - 85% of eggs injected with the sperms. The zrgote is allowed to divide to form an 8 celled blastomere and then transferred to the uterus to develop a productive pregnancy.
(ii) Surrogacy: Surrogacy is a method of assisted reproduction or agreement whereby a woman agrees to carry a Pregnancy for another person, who will become the newborn child's parent after birth. Through in vitro fertilization (IVF), embryesz are created in a lab and are transferred into the surrogate mother's uterus.

cervial cancer: Cervical cancer is caused by a sexually transmitted virus called Human Papilloma virus (HPV). HPV may cause abnormal growth of cervical cells or cervical dysplasia.
The most common symptoms and signs of cervical cancer are pelvic pain, increased vaginal discharge and abnormal vaginal bleeding. The risk factors for cervical cancer include
(i) Having multiple sexual partners
(ii) Prolonged use of contraceptive pills
Cervical cancer can be diagnosed by a Papanicolaou smear (PAP smear) combined With an HPV test. X-Ray, CT scan, MRI and a PET scan may also be used to determine the stage of cancer. The treatment options for cervical. cancer include radiation therapy, surgery and chemotherapy.
Modern screening techniques can detect precancerous changes in the cervix. Therefore screening is recommended for women above 30 years once in a year. Cervical cancer can be prevented with vaccination. Primary prevention begins with HPV vaccination of girls aged 9 - 13 years, before they become sexually active. Modification in lifestyle can also help in preventing cervical cancer. Healthy diet, avoiding tobacco usage, preventing early marriages, practicing monogamy and regular exercise minimize the risk of cervical cancer.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) or veneral diseases(VD) or Reproductive tract infections (RTI) are called as Sexually transmitted infections (STI).
Transmissions:
1. Normally STI are transmitted from person to person during intimate sexual contact with an infected partner.
2. Infections like Hepatitis-B and HIV are transmitted sexually as well as by sharing of infusion needles, surgical instruments, etc with infected people, blood transfusion (or) from infected mother to baby.
3. People in the age of 15 to 24years are prone to these infections.
4. The bacterial STI are gonorrhoea syphilis, chancroid, chlamydiasis and lymphogranuloma venereum.
5. The viral STI are genital herpes, genital warts Hepatitis-B and AIDS.
6. Trichomoniasis is a protozoan STI, and candidiasis is a fungal STI.

1. Avoid sex with unknown partner/multiple partner
2. Use condoms.
3. In case of doubt, consult a doctor for diagnosis and get complete treatment.