AI-generated practice question — model-generated for extra practice, not a previous-year CBSE board question.
A condom acts as a mechanical barrier covering the penis, thereby preventing direct contact between body fluids during sex and thus blocking the transmission of many sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhoea, syphilis, and HIV-AIDS.
Source: Reproductive Health, Section 7.3.3(d), Chapter 7
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The key point examiners look for is the mechanism (physical/mechanical barrier) and the outcome (prevents transmission of STIs). Naming one or two example infections (gonorrhoea, HIV-AIDS) strengthens the answer but is not strictly required for 1 mark. Do not confuse this with the contraceptive function — the question is specifically about STI prevention.