PSM Made Easy

Features of an Ideal Contraceptive

Demography and Family Planning

The desired features of an "ideal contraceptive” are as follows:

  • Safe (S)
  • Effective (E)
  • Acceptable (A)
  • Inexpensive (I)
  • Reversible (R)
  • Simple to administer (S)
  • Independent of coitus (I)
  • Long lasting (L)
  • Requires little or no medical supervision (M)

(Mnemonic: SEAL M SIR)

Reference:

  1. Park K. Demography and family planning. In: Park K. Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 24th ed. Jabalpur, India: Banarsidas Bhanot Publishers, 2017; pp. 525-52.
  2. Contraceptives. In: Mastering Practicals – Community Medicine. Eds. Tiwari P, Tiwari S. Lippincott William & Wilkins; Wolters Kluwer. New Delhi Buy at: https://www.amazon.in/Mastering-Practicals-Community-Medicine-thePoint/d...