Which of the following is NOT a family planning method?

Analyze the question: We are asked to find the option that is not a family planning method. Family planning means the methods people use to control the number of children they have and when they have them (spacing births or preventing pregnancy).

Explain the concept: Family planning methods fall into these groups:

• Natural methods: abstinence, rhythm (calendar) method, withdrawal
• Barrier methods: male and female condoms, diaphragm
• Chemical/hormonal methods: contraceptive pills, injections, implants, spermicides
• Mechanical devices: intrauterine device (IUD/coil)
• Surgical methods: sterilization (vasectomy in men, tubal ligation in women)

Go through the options:

• A. Abstinence: Avoiding sexual intercourse prevents pregnancy, so it is a family planning method.
• B. Contraceptive device: Items like the IUD and diaphragm are used to prevent pregnancy, so this is a family planning method.
• C. Masturbation: This is self-stimulation. It is not used to space or limit births and is not a recognized family planning method.
• D. Sterilization: Vasectomy and tubal ligation are permanent family planning methods.
• E. Use of condoms: Condoms are a barrier method, so this is a family planning method.

Answer: The option that is not a family planning method is C. masturbation.

Exam tip: For "NOT a family planning method" questions, look for the option that does not deliberately prevent fertilization or implantation. Remember the groups as natural, barrier, chemical, mechanical, and surgical. Anything outside these groups is likely the odd one out.