Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) are inserted by medical experts in the uterus through the vagina. These devices are available as copper releasing IUDs, hormone-releasing IUDs and nonmedicated IUDs. IUDs increase phagocytosis of sperm within the uterus. IUDs are the ideal contraceptives for females who want to delay pregnancy. It is one of the popular methods of contraception in India and has a success rate of 95 to 99%.
Copper releasing IUDs differ from each other by the amount of copper. Copper IUDs such as Cu T-380 A, Nova T, Cu 7, Cu T 380 Ag, Multiload 375, etc. release free copper and copper salts into the uterus and suppress sperm motility. They can remain in the uterus for five to ten years.
Hormone-releasing IUDs such as Progestasert and LNG - 20 are often called as intrauterine systems (IUS). They increase the viscosity of the cervical mucus and thereby prevent sperms from entering the cervix.
Non-medicated IUDs are made of plastic or stainless steel. Lippes loop is a double S-shaped plastic device.

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.

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.

Breast self examination and early diagnosis of cancer.
(i) Breast is divided into 4 quadrants and the center (Nipple) which is the 5th quadrant.
(ii) Each quadrant of the breast is felt for lumps using the palm of the opposite hand.
(iii) The examination is done in both lying down and standing positions, monthly once after the 1st week of menstrual cycle. This way if there are lumps or any deviation of the nipple to one side or any blood discharge from the nipple we can identify cancer at an early stage. Mammograms are done for women above the age of 40 years and for young girls and women below 40 years. Ultrasound of the breast aids in early diagnosis.

A collection of procedures which includes the handling of gametes and/or embryos outside the body to achieve a pregnancy is known as Assisted Reproductive Technology. ART includes
(i) Intra - uterine insemination : This is a procedure to treat infertile men with low sperm count. The semen is collected either from the husband or from a healthy donor and is introduced into the uterus through the vagina by a catheter after stimulating the ovaries to produce more ova. The sperms swim towards the fallopian tubes to fertilize the egg, resulting normal pregnancy.
(ii) Zygote intra - fallopian transfer(ZIFT)
The zygote is allowed to divide to form 8 celled blastomere and transferred to the fallopian tube by laparoscopy. The zygote continues its natural divisions and migrates towards the uterus where it gets implanted.
(iii) Intra uterine transfer (iUT)
Embryo with more than 8 blastomeres is inserted into uterus to complete its further development.
(iv) Gamete Intra-falloplan transfer(GIFT)
Transfer of an ovum collected from a donor into the fallopian tube. In this, the eggs are collected from the ovaries and placed with the sperms in one of the fallopian tubes. The zygote travels toward the uterus and gets implanted in the inner lining of the uterus.
(v) Intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICS):
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 occursin 75% -  85% of eggs injected with the sperms. The zygote is allowed to divide to form an 8 celled blastomere and then transferred to the uterus to develop a protective pregnancy.