Reproductive Health, STIs and Infertility
BiologyReproductive HealthFor NEET aspirants
Reproductive health means total well-being in every aspect of reproduction: physical, emotional, behavioural and social. This page covers its meaning, the national programmes and strategies that promote it, amniocentesis, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and their prevention, and infertility with the assisted reproductive technologies, as in the NCERT Class 12 chapter Reproductive Health. In NEET, reproductive health questions often test the STIs that are not curable, the 15-24 years age group, and where ZIFT, IUT and GIFT place the zygote, embryo or ovum.
On this page1Meaning2Problems and strategies3Amniocentesis4STIs5Infertility6ART7Exam essentials8Quick revision9Solved examples10Practice
Key Points at a Glance
- ★ Must learn Reproductive health (WHO): total well-being in all aspects of reproduction: physical, emotional, behavioural and social.
- India was among the first countries to start national programmes for reproductive health: family planning began in 1951.
- Today these run as the Reproductive and Child Health Care (RCH) programmes.
- ★ Must learn Amniocentesis: amniotic fluid of the foetus is analysed for genetic disorders; its use for sex determination is banned by law.
- Saheli, an oral contraceptive for females, was developed at the CDRI, Lucknow.
- STIs are also called venereal diseases (VD) or reproductive tract infections (RTI).
- ★ Must learn Not completely curable: hepatitis-B, genital herpes and HIV. Other STIs are curable if detected early and treated properly.
- STI incidence is very high in the 15-24 years age group.
- Infertility: inability to conceive or produce children even after 2 years of unprotected sexual co-habitation.
- ★ Must learn ZIFT: zygote or early embryo (up to 8 blastomeres) into the fallopian tube. IUT: embryo with more than 8 blastomeres into the uterus.
- ★ Must learn GIFT: donor ovum into the fallopian tube. ICSI: sperm injected into the ovum. AI: semen into the vagina or uterus (IUI).
- Legal adoption is one of the best options for couples looking for parenthood.
1. What is Reproductive Health?
- In a simple sense, reproductive health means healthy reproductive organs that function normally.
- Its broader meaning also includes the emotional and social aspects of reproduction.
- ★ Exam imp WHO (World Health Organisation) definition: reproductive health is a total well-being in all aspects of reproduction, that is, physical, emotional, behavioural and social.
- A reproductively healthy society has people with physically and functionally normal reproductive organs.
- In such a society, people also show normal emotional and behavioural interactions in all sex-related aspects.
★ Very important Reproductive health is total well-being in all aspects of reproduction: physical, emotional, behavioural and social. Healthy organs alone are not enough.
Memory Trick
The four aspects in the WHO definition spell PEBS: Physical, Emotional, Behavioural, Social. Picture four pebbles on one scale: all four must balance for reproductive health.
Key idea
Reproductive health = physical + emotional + behavioural + social well-being in reproduction.
2. Reproductive Health: Problems and Strategies
2.1 National programmes
- ★ Exam imp India was among the first countries in the world to start national action plans and programmes for total reproductive health as a social goal.
- These programmes, called family planning, began in 1951.
- They were assessed from time to time over the following decades.
- Improved programmes now cover wider reproduction-related areas under the name Reproductive and Child Health Care (RCH) programmes.
- Their two major tasks are:
(i) creating awareness about reproduction-related aspects;
(ii) providing facilities and support to build a reproductively healthy society.
2.2 Creating awareness
- Governmental and non-governmental agencies use audio-visual and print media to create awareness.
- Parents, other close relatives, teachers and friends also have a major role in spreading this information.
- ★ Exam imp Sex education in schools should be encouraged. It gives the young the right information.
- It also discourages children from believing in myths and having misconceptions about sex-related aspects.
| Group | Information it needs | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Young people, especially adolescents | Reproductive organs; adolescence and related changes; safe and hygienic sexual practices; sexually transmitted diseases (STDs); AIDS | To lead a reproductively healthy life |
| Fertile couples and people of marriageable age | Birth control options; care of pregnant mothers; post-natal care of the mother and child; importance of breast feeding; equal opportunities for the male and the female child | To bring up socially conscious, healthy families of the desired size |
| Society as a whole | Problems due to uncontrolled population growth; social evils such as sex-abuse and sex-related crimes | To prevent these evils and build a socially responsible, healthy society |
Memory Trick
What fertile couples are taught: Better Care Protects Babies Early = Birth control options, Care of pregnant mothers, Post-natal care of the mother and child, Breast feeding, Equal opportunities for the male and the female child.
2.3 Medical care and infrastructure
- Action plans succeed only with strong infrastructural facilities, professional expertise and material support.
- These are needed to give medical care in reproduction-related problems: pregnancy, delivery, STDs, abortions, contraception, menstrual problems and infertility.
- Better techniques and new strategies must be introduced from time to time for more efficient care.
- ★ Exam imp Two programmes that merit mention: a statutory ban on amniocentesis for sex determination and massive child immunisation.
- The ban legally checks the increasing menace of female foeticide.
Memory Trick
Problems that need medical care: Patients Deserve Safe And Caring Medical Institutions = Pregnancy, Delivery, STDs, Abortions, Contraception, Menstrual problems, Infertility.
2.4 Amniocentesis
- Amniocentesis: a procedure in which some amniotic fluid of the developing foetus is taken out.
- The fluid is used to analyse the foetal cells and the dissolved substances in it.
- ★ Exam imp It tests for certain genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome, haemophilia and sickle-cell anaemia.
- It also helps to determine the survivability of the foetus.
- Because it can also reveal the sex of the foetus, it was misused for female foeticide. Its use for sex determination is banned by law.
★ Very important Amniocentesis itself is a useful test for genetic disorders. Only its use for sex determination is banned, to check female foeticide.
Memory Trick
What amniocentesis checks: Doctors Help Survival = Down syndrome, Haemophilia, Sickle-cell anaemia, and the Survival (survivability) of the foetus.
2.5 Research and signs of improvement
- Governmental and non-governmental agencies encourage and support research on reproduction-related areas.
- The aim is to find new methods or to improve the existing ones.
- ★ Exam imp Example: Saheli, a new oral contraceptive for females, was developed by scientists at the Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Lucknow.
- Counselling and creating awareness is the primary step towards reproductive health.
Signs that the reproductive health of the society has improved:
- Better awareness about sex-related matters.
- More medically assisted deliveries and better post-natal care, which have lowered the maternal and infant mortality rates.
- More couples with small families.
- Better detection and cure of STDs.
- Overall increase in medical facilities for all sex-related problems, including assistance to infertile couples.
NEET Focus
Saheli was developed at the CDRI, Lucknow. NEET pairs it with its institute and its features (non-steroidal, once a week), which are covered with the oral pills on the birth control page. Statements that credit it to another institute, or call it a daily pill, are wrong.
Quick Recall: tap to check
When did the family planning programmes begin in India?
In 1951. Improved programmes now run as the Reproductive and Child Health Care (RCH) programmes.
What is analysed in amniocentesis?
The foetal cells and dissolved substances in the amniotic fluid taken from around the developing foetus.
Name three genetic disorders that amniocentesis can detect.
Down syndrome, haemophilia and sickle-cell anaemia.
Where was Saheli developed?
At the Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Lucknow.
Key idea
Awareness, medical facilities and research build reproductive health; amniocentesis is allowed for genetic disorders, banned for sex determination.
3. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
3.1 Meaning and examples
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): infections or diseases transmitted through sexual intercourse.
- ★ Exam imp Other names: venereal diseases (VD) or reproductive tract infections (RTI).
- Common STIs: gonorrhoea, syphilis, genital herpes, chlamydiasis, genital warts, trichomoniasis, hepatitis-B, and HIV leading to AIDS.
- Among these, HIV infection is the most dangerous. It is studied in detail under human health and disease.
Memory Trick
The eight common STIs in order: Good Students Have Clear Goals; They Help Humanity = Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, genital Herpes, Chlamydiasis, Genital warts, Trichomoniasis, Hepatitis-B, HIV.
3.2 Routes of transmission
| Route | STIs named for this route |
|---|---|
| Sexual intercourse with an infected person | All STIs |
| Sharing injection needles or surgical instruments with infected persons | Hepatitis-B, HIV |
| Transfusion of blood | Hepatitis-B, HIV |
| From an infected mother to the foetus | Hepatitis-B, HIV |
3.3 Cure, symptoms and complications
- ★ Exam imp Except hepatitis-B, genital herpes and HIV, the other STIs are completely curable if detected early and treated properly.
- Early symptoms of most STIs are minor: itching, fluid discharge, slight pain and swellings in the genital region.
- Infected females are often asymptomatic (show no symptoms), so the infection may stay undetected for long.
- Mild early symptoms and the social stigma attached to STIs stop infected persons from timely detection and proper treatment.
- Untreated STIs can lead to later complications (listed below).
- STIs are a major threat to a healthy society. So their prevention, or early detection and cure, gets prime consideration in reproductive health-care programmes.
| Complications of untreated STIs | What it means |
|---|---|
| Pelvic inflammatory diseases (PID) | Inflammatory diseases of the pelvic region |
| Abortions | Loss of the pregnancy |
| Still births | Birth of a dead baby |
| Ectopic pregnancies | Pregnancy that develops outside the uterus |
| Infertility | Inability to have children |
| Cancer of the reproductive tract | Cancer that develops in the reproductive organs |
Memory Trick
Not completely curable: the three H's = Hepatitis-B, genital Herpes, HIV.
Complications: Prevent Any Serious Effect In Couples = PID, Abortions, Still births, Ectopic pregnancies, Infertility, Cancer of the reproductive tract.
Complications: Prevent Any Serious Effect In Couples = PID, Abortions, Still births, Ectopic pregnancies, Infertility, Cancer of the reproductive tract.
Tips and Tricks
Keep two lists apart. Not completely curable: hepatitis-B, genital herpes, HIV. Also spread by needles, blood and mother to foetus: hepatitis-B, HIV. Hepatitis-B and HIV are in both lists; genital herpes is named only in the first. Gonorrhoea, syphilis and the rest are curable if treated early.
3.4 Who is at risk, and prevention
- All persons are vulnerable to STIs.
- ★ Exam imp Their incidence is reported to be very high among persons of the 15-24 years age group.
- There is no reason to panic, because prevention is possible.
Three simple principles keep a person free of STIs:
- Avoid sex with unknown partners or multiple partners.
- Always try to use condoms during coitus.
- In case of doubt, go to a qualified doctor for early detection, and get complete treatment if infected.
★ Very important Hepatitis-B, genital herpes and HIV are not completely curable; all other common STIs are curable if detected early and treated properly. Incidence is highest in the 15-24 years age group.
Memory Trick
Prevention: A-C-D = Avoid unknown or multiple partners, use Condoms, see a Doctor early.
Quick Recall: tap to check
Give two other names for STIs.
Venereal diseases (VD) and reproductive tract infections (RTI).
Which STIs are not completely curable?
Hepatitis-B, genital herpes and HIV.
Why do STIs in females often remain undetected?
Infected females are often asymptomatic, and early symptoms of most STIs are minor.
Name four complications of untreated STIs.
Any four of: pelvic inflammatory diseases (PID), abortions, still births, ectopic pregnancies, infertility, cancer of the reproductive tract.
Which age group shows a very high incidence of STIs?
15-24 years.
Key idea
Most STIs are curable if caught early; hepatitis-B, genital herpes and HIV are not. Prevention is avoiding risky partners, using condoms and early medical help.
4. Infertility
- Infertility: the inability of a couple to produce children in spite of unprotected sexual co-habitation.
- A couple is called infertile if they cannot conceive even after 2 years of unprotected sexual co-habitation.
- A large number of couples all over the world, including India, are infertile.
- Possible causes: physical, congenital, diseases, drugs, immunological or even psychological.
- ★ Exam imp In India the female is often blamed for childlessness, but more often than not, the problem lies in the male partner.
- Specialised health care units, such as infertility clinics, help in diagnosis and corrective treatment of some of these disorders.
- Where correction is not possible, couples can be helped through assisted reproductive technologies (ART).
★ Very important Infertility is the inability to conceive even after 2 years of unprotected sexual co-habitation. It is not always due to the female; more often the cause lies in the male partner.
Memory Trick
Six causes of infertility: Please Check Doctor's Diagnosis In Private = Physical, Congenital, Diseases, Drugs, Immunological, Psychological.
Key idea
Infertility has many causes, often in the male; clinics treat what they can, and ART helps when correction fails.
5. Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)
5.1 In vitro fertilisation and embryo transfer
- ★ Exam imp In vitro fertilisation (IVF): fertilisation outside the body, in conditions almost similar to those inside the body.
- IVF followed by embryo transfer (ET) is popularly called the test tube baby programme.
Steps of IVF followed by embryo transfer:
- Ova are collected from the wife or a female donor, and sperms from the husband or a male donor.
- The gametes are induced to form a zygote under simulated conditions in the laboratory.
- The zygote or an early embryo with up to 8 blastomeres is transferred into the fallopian tube: ZIFT (zygote intra fallopian transfer).
- An embryo with more than 8 blastomeres is transferred into the uterus: IUT (intra uterine transfer).
- The embryo completes its further development inside the female.
- Embryos formed by in vivo fertilisation (fusion of gametes within the female) can also be used for such transfer.
- This helps females who cannot conceive.
ZIFT
- Zygote intra fallopian transfer
- Zygote or early embryo with up to 8 blastomeres
- Placed in the fallopian tube
IUT
- Intra uterine transfer
- Embryo with more than 8 blastomeres
- Placed in the uterus
Memory Trick
8 is the dividing line. Up to 8 blastomeres goes to the tube (Z for Zygote in ZIFT); more than 8 goes to the Uterus (U in IUT). The letters IFT always mean intra fallopian transfer.
5.2 Other assisted techniques
| Technique | Full form | What is done | Key point |
|---|---|---|---|
| GIFT | Gamete intra fallopian transfer | An ovum collected from a donor is transferred into the fallopian tube of another female | Used for a female who cannot produce ova but can provide a suitable environment for fertilisation and further development |
| ICSI | Intra cytoplasmic sperm injection | A sperm is directly injected into the ovum in the laboratory to form an embryo | Fertilisation takes place in the laboratory |
| AI | Artificial insemination | Semen from the husband or a healthy donor is artificially introduced into the vagina or the uterus | Used when the male partner cannot inseminate the female, or the sperm count in the ejaculate is very low |
| IUI | Intra-uterine insemination | The form of AI in which the semen is introduced into the uterus | A type of AI |
NEET Focus
Correct: in embryo transfer, embryos are not always placed in the uterus. Up to 8 blastomeres go into the fallopian tube (ZIFT); only embryos with more than 8 blastomeres go into the uterus (IUT). Also, AI corrects low sperm count or inability to inseminate; it does not involve fertilisation in the laboratory.
Tips and Tricks
Decode the names to answer location questions. F in ZIFT and GIFT = fallopian tube. U in IUT and IUI = uterus. First word tells what moves: Zygote (ZIFT), Gamete (GIFT), Sperm (ICSI), semen (AI, IUI).
5.3 Limitations and adoption
- All these techniques need extremely high precision handling by specialised professionals and expensive instrumentation.
- So they are available only in very few centres in the country, and only a limited number of people can afford them.
- Emotional, religious and social factors also discourage people from adopting these methods.
- India has many orphaned and destitute children who may not survive till maturity unless taken care of.
- ★ Exam imp Our laws permit legal adoption. It is one of the best methods for couples looking for parenthood.
Quick Recall: tap to check
What is the test tube baby programme?
In vitro fertilisation (IVF) followed by embryo transfer (ET).
Where is an embryo with more than 8 blastomeres transferred?
Into the uterus, by intra uterine transfer (IUT).
What is transferred in GIFT, and into which organ?
An ovum collected from a donor, into the fallopian tube of another female.
In which technique is a sperm injected directly into the ovum?
Intra cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
When is artificial insemination used?
When the male partner cannot inseminate the female, or the sperm count in the ejaculate is very low.
Key idea
IVF-ET, ZIFT, IUT, GIFT, ICSI and AI help infertile couples, but they are costly and rare; legal adoption is one of the best alternatives.
6. Exam Essentials
Pairs to Match
| Term | Matching fact |
|---|---|
| WHO definition of reproductive health | Physical, emotional, behavioural and social well-being |
| Family planning programmes | Began in 1951 |
| RCH | Reproductive and Child Health Care programmes |
| Amniocentesis | Analysis of amniotic fluid for genetic disorders |
| Saheli | Developed at the CDRI, Lucknow |
| VD and RTI | Other names for STIs |
| Hepatitis-B, genital herpes, HIV | Not completely curable |
| 15-24 years | Age group with very high STI incidence |
| PID, ectopic pregnancy, still birth | Complications of untreated STIs |
| IVF followed by ET | Test tube baby programme |
| ZIFT | Zygote or embryo up to 8 blastomeres into the fallopian tube |
| IUT | Embryo with more than 8 blastomeres into the uterus |
| GIFT | Donor ovum into the fallopian tube |
| ICSI | Sperm injected directly into the ovum |
| AI or IUI | Very low sperm count or inability to inseminate |
Exceptions
- Amniocentesis is not banned as a test; only its use for sex determination is banned.
- Not all STIs are curable: hepatitis-B, genital herpes and HIV are not completely curable.
- Hepatitis-B and HIV spread not only by sexual contact but also by needles, surgical instruments, blood transfusion and from mother to foetus.
- Infected females may show no symptoms at all.
- Infertility is not always due to the female; more often the problem lies in the male partner.
- In embryo transfer, embryos are not always placed in the uterus: up to 8 blastomeres go into the fallopian tube (ZIFT).
- GIFT transfers a gamete (ovum), not a zygote or an embryo.
- In AI the semen may go into the vagina or the uterus; only the uterus route is called IUI.
Numbers to Remember
- Family planning programmes began in 1951.
- Aspects in the WHO definition of reproductive health: 4 (physical, emotional, behavioural, social).
- Common STIs named: 8; not completely curable: 3.
- Age group with very high STI incidence: 15-24 years.
- Infertility: no conception even after 2 years of unprotected sexual co-habitation.
- ZIFT: zygote or embryo with up to 8 blastomeres; IUT: embryo with more than 8 blastomeres.
Examples to Remember
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Common STIs | Gonorrhoea, syphilis, genital herpes, chlamydiasis, genital warts, trichomoniasis, hepatitis-B, HIV (AIDS) |
| STIs named for spread by needles, blood and mother to foetus | Hepatitis-B, HIV |
| Genetic disorders tested by amniocentesis | Down syndrome, haemophilia, sickle-cell anaemia |
| Assisted reproductive technologies | IVF with ET, ZIFT, IUT, GIFT, ICSI, AI (IUI) |
| Causes of infertility | Physical, congenital, diseases, drugs, immunological, psychological |
7. Quick Revision
- Reproductive health (WHO): total well-being in reproduction: physical, emotional, behavioural and social.
- India was among the first countries with national programmes; family planning began in 1951; now RCH programmes.
- Awareness through media, parents, teachers and friends; sex education in schools removes myths.
- Medical care is needed for pregnancy, delivery, STDs, abortions, contraception, menstrual problems and infertility.
- Amniocentesis analyses amniotic fluid for Down syndrome, haemophilia and sickle-cell anaemia; sex determination by it is banned.
- Saheli was developed at the CDRI, Lucknow.
- Signs of improvement: lower maternal and infant mortality, small families, better STD cure, more medical facilities.
- STIs = VD = RTI; eight common ones, from gonorrhoea to HIV.
- Hepatitis-B and HIV also spread by needles, instruments, blood and mother to foetus.
- Hepatitis-B, genital herpes and HIV are not completely curable; others are curable if treated early.
- Complications: PID, abortions, still births, ectopic pregnancy, infertility, reproductive tract cancer; highest incidence at 15-24 years.
- Prevention: avoid unknown or multiple partners, use condoms, see a qualified doctor early.
- Infertility: no children after 2 years of unprotected co-habitation; often the male partner's problem.
- IVF-ET (test tube baby): ZIFT up to 8 blastomeres into the tube; IUT more than 8 into the uterus.
- GIFT donor ovum into the tube; ICSI sperm into ovum; AI or IUI semen into vagina or uterus; legal adoption is a good option.
8. Solved Examples
Solved Example 1
Match List I with List II.
List I: A. ZIFT, B. IUT, C. GIFT, D. ICSI
List II: I. Sperm injected directly into the ovum, II. Embryo with more than 8 blastomeres into the uterus, III. Donor ovum into the fallopian tube, IV. Zygote or embryo up to 8 blastomeres into the fallopian tube
Choose the correct answer:
(A) A-IV, B-II, C-III, D-I
(B) A-II, B-IV, C-III, D-I
(C) A-IV, B-II, C-I, D-III
(D) A-III, B-II, C-IV, D-I
List I: A. ZIFT, B. IUT, C. GIFT, D. ICSI
List II: I. Sperm injected directly into the ovum, II. Embryo with more than 8 blastomeres into the uterus, III. Donor ovum into the fallopian tube, IV. Zygote or embryo up to 8 blastomeres into the fallopian tube
Choose the correct answer:
(A) A-IV, B-II, C-III, D-I
(B) A-II, B-IV, C-III, D-I
(C) A-IV, B-II, C-I, D-III
(D) A-III, B-II, C-IV, D-I
Solution:
Answer: (A). ZIFT places a zygote or early embryo (up to 8 blastomeres) in the fallopian tube (IV); IUT places an embryo with more than 8 blastomeres in the uterus (II); GIFT transfers a donor ovum to the fallopian tube (III); ICSI injects a sperm into the ovum (I).
Solved Example 2
Read the statements about sexually transmitted infections.
A. They are also called venereal diseases.
B. Genital herpes is completely curable if detected early.
C. Hepatitis-B can also spread through blood transfusion.
D. Infected females may remain asymptomatic for long.
E. Their incidence is very high in the 15-24 years age group.
Choose the correct answer:
(A) A, B and C only
(B) A, C, D and E only
(C) B, C and E only
(D) A, B, D and E only
A. They are also called venereal diseases.
B. Genital herpes is completely curable if detected early.
C. Hepatitis-B can also spread through blood transfusion.
D. Infected females may remain asymptomatic for long.
E. Their incidence is very high in the 15-24 years age group.
Choose the correct answer:
(A) A, B and C only
(B) A, C, D and E only
(C) B, C and E only
(D) A, B, D and E only
Solution:
Answer: (B). B is wrong: genital herpes, hepatitis-B and HIV are not completely curable. A, C, D and E are correct.
Solved Example 3
Arrange the steps of the test tube baby programme in the correct order.
A. Transfer of the zygote into the fallopian tube
B. Collection of ova and sperms
C. Further development of the embryo inside the female
D. Formation of the zygote in the laboratory
Choose the correct answer:
(A) D, B, A, C
(B) B, A, D, C
(C) B, D, A, C
(D) B, D, C, A
A. Transfer of the zygote into the fallopian tube
B. Collection of ova and sperms
C. Further development of the embryo inside the female
D. Formation of the zygote in the laboratory
Choose the correct answer:
(A) D, B, A, C
(B) B, A, D, C
(C) B, D, A, C
(D) B, D, C, A
Solution:
Answer: (C). Gametes are collected (B), fused into a zygote under simulated conditions (D), transferred into the fallopian tube by ZIFT (A), and develop further inside the female (C).
Solved Example 4
Which of the following is NOT correct about amniocentesis?
(A) Some amniotic fluid of the developing foetus is taken for analysis
(B) It can detect Down syndrome and sickle-cell anaemia
(C) It can help to determine the survivability of the foetus
(D) Its use for sex determination is legally allowed
(A) Some amniotic fluid of the developing foetus is taken for analysis
(B) It can detect Down syndrome and sickle-cell anaemia
(C) It can help to determine the survivability of the foetus
(D) Its use for sex determination is legally allowed
Solution:
Answer: (D). There is a statutory ban on amniocentesis for sex determination, to check female foeticide. The test remains useful for genetic disorders.
Solved Example 5
Statement I: In India, the female partner is always the cause of a couple's infertility.
Statement II: Artificial insemination can correct infertility caused by a very low sperm count.
Choose the correct answer:
(A) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct
(B) Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
(C) Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct
(D) Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect
Statement II: Artificial insemination can correct infertility caused by a very low sperm count.
Choose the correct answer:
(A) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct
(B) Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
(C) Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct
(D) Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect
Solution:
Answer: (C). The female is often blamed, but more often than not the problem lies in the male partner. AI is used when the male cannot inseminate or the sperm count is very low.
Solved Example 6
Saheli, an oral contraceptive for females, was developed at:
(A) All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi
(B) Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow
(C) National Institute of Virology, Pune
(D) Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi
(A) All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi
(B) Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow
(C) National Institute of Virology, Pune
(D) Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi
Solution:
Answer: (B). Saheli was developed by scientists at the Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI) in Lucknow.
9. Practice Questions
Practice Questions
- Match List I with List II.
List I: A. Gonorrhoea, B. Amniocentesis, C. Family planning, D. Saheli
List II: I. Started in 1951, II. Developed at the CDRI, Lucknow, III. A curable STI, IV. Tests for genetic disorders
Choose the correct answer:
(A) A-III, B-IV, C-I, D-II
(B) A-IV, B-III, C-I, D-II
(C) A-III, B-I, C-IV, D-II
(D) A-III, B-IV, C-II, D-IAnswer: (A). Gonorrhoea is curable if treated early (III); amniocentesis tests for genetic disorders (IV); family planning began in 1951 (I); Saheli came from the CDRI (II). - Read the statements.
A. GIFT transfers a zygote into the fallopian tube.
B. ICSI is done in the laboratory.
C. In IUI, semen is introduced into the uterus.
D. IUT is used for embryos with up to 8 blastomeres.
E. Embryos formed by in vivo fertilisation can also be transferred.
Choose the correct answer:
(A) A, B and C only
(B) B, C and E only
(C) B, C, D and E only
(D) A, C and E onlyAnswer: (B). GIFT transfers an ovum, not a zygote (A wrong); IUT is for embryos with more than 8 blastomeres (D wrong). - Arrange the steps of IVF followed by intra uterine transfer: A. Transfer of the embryo into the uterus, B. Collection of ova and sperms, C. Cleavage of the zygote to more than 8 blastomeres, D. Formation of the zygote under simulated conditions in the laboratory.
Choose the correct answer:
(A) B, D, C, A
(B) B, C, D, A
(C) D, B, C, A
(D) B, D, A, CAnswer: (A). Gametes are collected, the zygote forms in the laboratory, it divides beyond 8 blastomeres, and the embryo is then placed in the uterus (IUT). - Which of the following is NOT a principle for preventing STIs?
(A) Avoid sex with unknown or multiple partners
(B) Always use condoms during coitus
(C) See a qualified doctor early in case of doubt
(D) Use oral pills during coitusAnswer: (D). Pills prevent pregnancy, not STIs. The three principles are avoiding risky partners, using condoms and early medical help. - Statement I: Hepatitis-B and HIV can be transmitted from an infected mother to the foetus.
Statement II: All STIs show severe symptoms in the early stages.
Choose the correct answer:
(A) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct
(B) Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
(C) Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct
(D) Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrectAnswer: (B). Early symptoms of most STIs are minor (itching, discharge, slight pain, swellings), and females are often asymptomatic. - Infertility is the inability to conceive even after how long of unprotected sexual co-habitation?
(A) 6 months
(B) 1 year
(C) 2 years
(D) 5 yearsAnswer: (C). 2 years. - What do you think is the significance of reproductive health in a society?Answer: A reproductively healthy society has physically and functionally normal reproductive organs and normal emotional and behavioural interactions. Awareness and medical care lower maternal and infant mortality, prevent STIs and unwanted pregnancies, keep families small, check population growth and reduce sex-related crimes.
- Suggest the aspects of reproductive health which need to be given special attention in the present scenario.Answer: Sex education and awareness among adolescents; prevention and early cure of STIs including AIDS; birth control options; care of pregnant mothers and post-natal care; checking female foeticide by banning sex determination; stopping illegal abortions; and help for infertile couples.
- Is sex education necessary in schools? Why?Answer: Yes. It gives young people the right information about reproductive organs, adolescence and its changes, safe and hygienic sexual practices, STDs and AIDS. It removes myths and misconceptions and helps them lead a reproductively healthy life.
- Do you think that reproductive health in our country has improved in the past 50 years? If yes, mention some such areas of improvement.Answer: Yes. There is better awareness about sex-related matters, and more deliveries are medically assisted. Better post-natal care has lowered maternal and infant mortality rates. More couples have small families, STDs are detected and cured better, and medical facilities and assistance to infertile couples have increased.
- Amniocentesis for sex determination is banned in our country. Is this ban necessary? Comment.Answer: Yes. The test was misused to find the sex of the foetus, followed by MTP if it was female. This female foeticide is illegal and dangerous for the mother and the foetus. The ban checks it, while amniocentesis stays available for detecting genetic disorders.
- Suggest some methods to assist infertile couples to have children.Answer: Corrective treatment in infertility clinics; IVF followed by embryo transfer (ZIFT or IUT); GIFT; ICSI; artificial insemination (AI or IUI); and legal adoption.
- What are the measures one has to take to prevent from contracting STDs?Answer: Avoid sex with unknown or multiple partners; always try to use condoms during coitus; in case of doubt, consult a qualified doctor for early detection and complete treatment.
- State true or false with explanation: (a) Infertility is defined as the inability to produce a viable offspring and is always due to abnormalities or defects in the female partner. (b) Creating awareness about sex-related aspects is an effective method to improve reproductive health of the people.Answer: (a) False. Infertility is the inability to produce children despite unprotected co-habitation; more often than not the problem lies in the male partner. (b) True. Awareness is the primary step towards reproductive health.
- Correct the statements: (a) All sexually transmitted diseases are completely curable. (b) In E.T. techniques, embryos are always transferred into the uterus.Answer: (a) Except hepatitis-B, genital herpes and HIV, the other STDs are completely curable if detected early and treated properly. (b) In E.T. techniques, a zygote or embryo with up to 8 blastomeres is transferred into the fallopian tube (ZIFT), and one with more than 8 blastomeres into the uterus (IUT).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Watch out
- Saying amniocentesis is banned in India. Correct: only its use for sex determination is banned; it is still used to detect genetic disorders.
- Writing that all STIs are curable. Correct: hepatitis-B, genital herpes and HIV are not completely curable.
- Calling IVF fertilisation inside the body. Correct: in vitro fertilisation occurs outside the body; fusion of gametes within the female is in vivo fertilisation.
- Calling GIFT the transfer of a zygote. Correct: GIFT transfers an ovum (gamete); ZIFT transfers a zygote or early embryo.
- Placing all embryos in the uterus in embryo transfer. Correct: up to 8 blastomeres go into the fallopian tube (ZIFT); more than 8 into the uterus (IUT).
- Blaming the female partner for infertility. Correct: more often than not the problem lies in the male partner.
- Giving 1 year as the period in the definition of infertility. Correct: 2 years of unprotected sexual co-habitation.
- Writing the age group with very high STI incidence as 25-35 years. Correct: 15-24 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is reproductive health according to WHO?
According to the World Health Organisation, reproductive health is a total well-being in all aspects of reproduction: physical, emotional, behavioural and social. So a reproductively healthy society needs normal reproductive organs and also normal emotional and behavioural interactions in all sex-related aspects.
What is amniocentesis, and why is it banned for sex determination?
In amniocentesis, some amniotic fluid of the developing foetus is taken to analyse the foetal cells and dissolved substances. It detects disorders such as Down syndrome, haemophilia and sickle-cell anaemia. It was misused to find the sex of the foetus for female foeticide, so that use is banned by law.
Which sexually transmitted infections are not completely curable?
Hepatitis-B, genital herpes and HIV are not completely curable. Other common STIs, such as gonorrhoea, syphilis, chlamydiasis, genital warts and trichomoniasis, are completely curable if they are detected early and treated properly. Delay can lead to complications such as PID and infertility.
How can sexually transmitted infections be prevented?
Three simple principles prevent STIs. Avoid sex with unknown or multiple partners. Always try to use condoms during coitus. In case of doubt, consult a qualified doctor for early detection and complete treatment. Prevention matters most for the 15-24 years age group, where incidence is very high.
Why do many STIs go untreated until complications appear?
Early symptoms of most STIs are minor, such as itching, fluid discharge, slight pain and swellings, and infected females are often asymptomatic. The social stigma attached to STIs also stops people from seeking help. Untreated STIs can cause PID, abortions, still births, ectopic pregnancy, infertility or even cancer.
What is the difference between ZIFT and IUT?
Both follow in vitro fertilisation. In ZIFT, the zygote or an early embryo with up to 8 blastomeres is transferred into the fallopian tube. In IUT, an embryo with more than 8 blastomeres is transferred into the uterus. So the number of blastomeres decides where the embryo goes.
How are GIFT, ICSI and artificial insemination different?
GIFT transfers an ovum from a donor into the fallopian tube of a female who cannot produce ova. ICSI forms an embryo in the laboratory by injecting a sperm directly into the ovum. Artificial insemination places semen from the husband or a donor into the vagina or uterus (IUI).
Which points of reproductive health are most asked in NEET?
Learn the WHO definition, the start of family planning in 1951, amniocentesis and its ban for sex determination, Saheli and the CDRI, the other names of STIs, the three STIs that are not completely curable, the 15-24 years age group, the 2-year definition of infertility, and ZIFT, IUT, GIFT, ICSI and AI.
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