If a woman is using a copper-T, will it help in protecting her from sexually transmitted diseases?
No, using a copper-T will not protect a woman from sexually transmitted diseases. The copper-T is a contraceptive device placed in the uterus to prevent pregnancy, but it does not create any barrier against infections.
Sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhoea, syphilis, warts and HIV-AIDS can be transmitted during the sexual act. To prevent the transmission of these infections, a covering called a condom should be used during sex. Condoms serve as a mechanical barrier that helps prevent transmission of many infections to some extent.
Therefore, copper-T is effective only for preventing pregnancy, not for protection against sexually transmitted diseases.
Explanation
The textbook context clearly distinguishes between different contraceptive methods. Copper-T is described as a device 'placed in the uterus to prevent pregnancy' with no mention of disease protection. In contrast, condoms are specifically mentioned as helping 'to prevent transmission of many of these infections to some extent.' This question tests whether students understand that contraceptive devices and disease prevention are separate functions - copper-T prevents pregnancy but does not protect against STDs.