Reproductive Health and Contraception Essentials
Reproductive Health: Questions and Answers
Fundamental Concepts of Reproductive Health
1. Why does Cu-T act as an effective contraceptive?
Answer: Cu-T releases copper ions which reduce sperm motility and prevent fertilization. It also prevents implantation in the uterus.
2. What do you understand by reproductive health?
Answer: Reproductive health means a healthy reproductive system and the ability to reproduce safely without disease or complications.
3. What substances are present in semen?
Answer: Semen contains sperm, fructose, enzymes, mucus, hormones, and seminal plasma secretions.
4. Mention the different kinds of STDs?
Answer: Some STDs are:
- Gonorrhoea
- Syphilis
- Genital herpes
- AIDS
- Chlamydia
5. Name two contagious diseases?
Answer:
- Tuberculosis
- Measles
6. The disease transmitted through sexual intercourse is called?
Answer: Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) or Venereal Disease.
7. Write short notes on the Embryo sac?
Answer: The embryo sac is the female gametophyte in flowering plants. It contains the egg cell, synergids, antipodals, and polar nuclei.
Preventive Measures and Medical Procedures
1. Write various types of preventive measures (for reproductive health)?
Answer:
- Use of contraceptives
- Sex education
- Avoid multiple sexual partners
- Vaccination
- Regular medical check-ups
2. Write the various methods of cancer detection?
Answer:
- Biopsy
- X-ray
- Blood tests
- MRI/CT scan
- Pap smear
3. Describe various Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART)?
Answer:
- IVF: In Vitro Fertilization (Test tube baby)
- AI: Artificial Insemination
- ICSI: Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection
- GIFT: Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer
These techniques help infertile couples to have children.
4. What are STDs? Mention causes?
Answer: STDs are diseases transmitted through sexual contact. Causes:
- Bacteria
- Viruses
- Parasites
- Unsafe sex
5. What is Cu-T? Write its use?
Answer: Cu-T is an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD). Use: It prevents pregnancy by inhibiting sperm and implantation.
Infections and Population Control
6. What are STIs?
Answer: STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) are diseases that spread from one person to another mainly through sexual contact. They are caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Examples: Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, AIDS (HIV), Genital herpes, Chlamydia. The causes of STDs include:
- Certain microorganisms like HIV, herpes, etc., which are typically transmitted through sexual contact.
- Spread through breastfeeding by an affected mother.
7. Define IVF?
Answer: IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) is an assisted reproductive technique in which fertilization of the egg and sperm occurs outside the human body in a laboratory, and the formed embryo is then transferred into the uterus.
8. Population Control in India?
Answer: Population control refers to reducing the rapid growth of the population. In India, it is controlled by promoting family planning, the use of contraceptives, the small family norm, and awareness programs to reduce the birth rate.
9. Why is sex education necessary in school?
Answer: Sex education is necessary in school because:
- It prevents misconceptions and myths.
- It promotes a healthy attitude and responsible behavior.
- It prevents STDs and promotes hygiene.
AIDS, MTP, and Contraceptive Implants
10. What are the primary symptoms of AIDS? Discuss the methods of prevention of AIDS?
Answer: AIDS (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome) is caused by the HIV virus, which attacks the body’s immune system, especially the helper T-lymphocytes. As immunity weakens, the body becomes vulnerable to many infections. Primary symptoms of AIDS:
- Fungal infection
- Prolonged fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
Methods of prevention of AIDS:
- Avoiding multiple sexual partners and maintaining responsible behavior.
- Screening blood before transfusion to ensure an HIV-free, safe blood supply.
11. What is the full form of MTP and ICSI?
Answer:
- MTP: Medical Termination of Pregnancy
- ICSI: Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection
12. What is MTP? Under what conditions is MTP legally allowed?
Answer: MTP (Medical Termination of Pregnancy) refers to the intentional termination of pregnancy by medical or surgical methods. It is commonly known as abortion. Conditions under which MTP is legally allowed: MTP is permitted under the MTP Act of the Government of India under the following conditions:
- When continuation of pregnancy risks the mother’s life.
- When the fetus shows risk of severe abnormalities or congenital defects.
- When pregnancy is a result of rape, leading to emotional and mental trauma.
- When pregnancy occurs due to contraceptive failure, especially in married women.
- When the pregnancy poses a social or economic burden on the woman.
13. What are implants? How do they help in preventing fertilization?
Answer: Implants are small hormone-releasing devices placed under the skin of a woman’s arm. They slowly release hormones (usually progestin) into the body for several months or years. How implants help in preventing fertilization: The hormones released by implants prevent ovulation, so no egg is released from the ovary. They thicken the cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus. They also make the uterine lining unsuitable for implantation.
Surgical Sterilization Methods
14. Differences between Male Sterilization (Vasectomy) and Female Sterilization (Tubectomy)?
Answer:
Male Sterilization (Vasectomy):
- Target Organ: Vas deferens (Sperm duct).
- Procedure: A small part of the vas deferens is cut and tied (or blocked).
- Mechanism: Prevents sperm from reaching the urethra/ejaculate.
- Complexity: Relatively simple, quick, and done under local anesthesia.
Female Sterilization (Tubectomy):
- Target Organ: Fallopian tube (Oviduct).
- Procedure: A small part of the Fallopian tube is cut and tied (or blocked).
- Mechanism: Prevents the egg (ovum) from traveling down the tube, thus stopping fertilization.
- Complexity: Relatively more complex, requires a minor abdominal incision, usually done under general anesthesia.