Science (086) — AI-generated practice question

Condoms act as a mechanical barrier that prevents the transfer of body fluids during sexual intercourse. This serves two purposes simultaneously:

1. Contraception – They prevent sperm from reaching the egg, avoiding unwanted pregnancy.
2. Protection from STDs – They prevent transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as gonorrhoea, syphilis, warts, and HIV-AIDS.

For a person with multiple sexual partners, the risk of contracting STDs is significantly higher. Other contraceptive methods (pills, copper-T, surgical methods) only prevent pregnancy but do not protect against STDs. Hence, condoms are more useful in such cases.

Source: Chapter 7 – Reproduction, Section 7.3.3

---

Examiners expect students to clearly distinguish two functions of condoms — contraception AND STD prevention — and explicitly state why other methods fall short (they only prevent pregnancy). The key phrase to use is "mechanicaI barrier." The question targets this dual-function advantage, so mentioning STDs by name (HIV-AIDS, syphilis, gonorrhoea) adds precision and earns marks. Do not confuse copper-T or pills with condoms — they have no role in STD prevention.