Chapter 4: Reproductive Health

Ans: The following are the various Assisted Reproductive Techniques: 

1. IVF (In-vitro Fertilization): This is a technique in which the sperm from the male and the ovum from the female is taken out. They are then allowed to undergo fertilization in the laboratory. 

2. ET (Embryo Transfer): This is a technique that is the next step after the IVF. There are two ways of doing embryo transfer. The zygotes which have up to 8 blastomeres are transferred to the fallopian tube and this technique is called the ZIFT (Zygote IntraFallopian Transfer). Another technique involves the transferring blastocyst into the uterus and this is called the Intra-Uterine Transfer (IUT). 

3. The GIFT (Gamete Intra Fallopian Transfer): This is the technique that involves the transfer of an ovum collected from a donor into the fallopian tube of another female who cannot produce their own.

4. The ICSI (Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection): This technique is a highly specialized one. In this technique, the sperm is directly injected into the ovum in the laboratory. 

5. The AI (Artificial Insemination): In this technique, the semen collected either from the husband or a healthy donor is artificially introduced either into the vagina or into the uterus of the female. 

Ans: The mode of the Action of the Hormonal Contraceptives: These contraceptives prevent ovulation and implantation. They also alter the quality of the cervical mucus which suppresses the entry of the sperms into the uterus. 

The advantages are as follows: 

1. These are the convenient ones & most of them are available as oral pills. 

2. These do not disturb the normal sexual activity of the couple.

3. They have fewer side effects.

The disadvantages are as follows: 

1. Some of them show long-term side effects which are associated with hormonal contraceptives. 

2. These may result in increased cholesterol levels and may result in obesity. 

3. In some cases, they can also alter the menstrual cycle. 

Ans: The diseases are mentioned as follows:

Trichomoniasis: This happens due to a protozoon named Trichomonas vaginalis. The symptoms of this disease include whitish discharge from the vagina, constant itching in the genitalia, and a foul smell. The males are the carrier of the parasite. 

Prevention-: 

By maintaining good hygiene especially during menstruation.

AIDS: The Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome is a sexually transmitted disease that affects the immune system. At present no cure for this disease has been found.

Prevention-: 

1. By avoiding sexual contact with the unknown or the multiple partners.

2. By using disposable syringes and needles.

3. Using a barrier method of contraceptive during the coitus reduces the chances of STDs.

Ans: Amniocentesis is a useful technique that can provide clues to any abnormality in the fetus. But sadly this technique is being used for the wrong purpose in our country. India is a country where the male child is most sought after and a female child is often given the second class treatment. Many of us resort to the MTP as soon as we discover that the unborn child is going to be a girl. This is termed female foeticide. The girl child has been killed while she is still in the womb. This is a cruel practice and is the root of many social evils in India. The sex ratio is highly skewed throughout the country and is worse with some states such as Haryana and Punjab. Many boys grow up with such a mindset that they have little respect for women. This malaise is evident in rising cases of crimes such as rapes and dowry deaths. This trend can only be arrested if girls are given better chances of survival as well as career development. Therefore in India, the statutory ban on amniocentesis is fully justifiable. Along with that we also need to change the mindset of the people to ensure the equal treatment of girls. 

Ans: Following are the five reasons for introducing sex education to school-going children. 

1. Addressing the curiosity of adolescents: The school-going children are of impressionable age. At this age, any wrong information can create very long-lasting impressions on their mind. This can be highly counterproductive for them as far as reproductive health is concerned. 

2. To explore different aspects of reproductive health: We know that reproductive health does not have physical health as the only aspect. Reproductive health also includes social, behavioral and psychological aspects. 

3. Preparing better adults: If children are given sex education at the right age, they will learn to understand the importance of the right behavior, proper age of marriage and childbearing, and the importance of small family size. They will also learn to respect the privacy of other individuals. 

4. Reducing the chances of STDs: The proper awareness about the reproductive system can help in reducing the prevalence of STDs & also motivate people to go to a doctor at the right time. 

5. Family Planning: The proper awareness will help people to understand the importance of a small family. It will help in controlling the population growth in the country.