What are the assisted reproductive techniques practised to help infertile couples? Describe any three techniques.
ART techniques are described as follows
(i) Test-tube Baby Programmes In this method, ova from the wife/donor (female) and the sperms from the husband/donor (male) are collected and are induced to form zygote under simulated conditions in the laboratory. This process is called In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF).
The zygote or early embryo with upto 8 blastomeres is transferred into the Fallopian tube (process is called Zygote Intra Fallopian Transfer or ZIFT) and embryo with more than 8 blastomeres is transferred into the uterus (process is called Intra Uterine Transfer or IUT).
In females who cannot conceive, embryos formed by fusion of gametes within the female (called in vivo fertilisation) are transferred.
(ii) Gamete Intra Fallopian Transfer (GIFT) It is the transfer of an ovum collected from a donor into the Fallopian tube of another female who cannot produce one, but can provide suitable environment for fertilisation and further development of the embryo.
(iii) Artificial Insemination (AI) In this method, the semen collected either from the husband or a healthy donor is artificially introduced into the vagina or into the uterus (Intra Uterine Insemination or IUI).
This technique is used in cases where the male is unable to inseminate sperms in the female reproductive tract or due to very low sperm counts in the ejaculation.
Discuss the mode of action and advantages/disadvantages of hormonal contraceptives.
Intra Uterine Devices are presently available as
(a) Non-medicated IUDs (e.g., Lippes loop).
(b) Copper releasing IUDs (e.g., Cu-T, Cu-7, Multiload 375).
(c) Hormone releasing IUDs (e.g., Progestasert, LNG-20).
Mode of Action of Hormonal Contraceptives
The hormones releasing IUDs, make the uterus unsuitable for implantation and the cervix hostile to the sperms. Progesterone can also be used as injections and implants (slow release of hormones) to inhibit ovulation.
Advantages of Hormonal Contraceptives
Administration of progestogens or progestogen-oestrogen combinations or IUDs within 72 hrs of intercourse have been found to be effective as emergency contraceptives as they could be used to avoid possible pregnancy due to rape or causal unprotected intercourse.
Disadvantages of Hormonal Contraceptives
(i) IUDs are suggested as ideal contraceptives for the females but they can have serious side effects.
(ii) Can cause allergic reaction.
(iii) If displaced, can cause tissue damage and profuse bleeding.
(iv) IUDs can damage the normal hormonal balance and later even if desired, pregnancy may not be achieved.
(v) Artificial intake can disrupt normal hormonal interactions in the body system.
STDs are a threat to reproductive health. Describe any two such diseases and suggest preventive measures.
Diseases or infections which are transmitted through sexual intercourse are collectively called Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) or Venereal Diseases (VD) or Reproductive Tract Infections (RTI).
Though all persons are vulnerable to these infections, their incidences are reported to be very high among persons in the age group of 15-24 years. STDs can be considered as self-invited diseases.
STDs include gonorrhoea, syphilis, genital herpes, chlamydiasis, genital warts, trichomoniasis, hepatitis-B, HIV. These diseases may cause some complications Pelvic Inflammatory Diseases (PID), abortions, still births, ectopic pregnancies, infertility, or even cancer of the reproductive tract.
Hepatitis-B and HIV are such diseases that get transmitted by the following ways besides sexual contacts
(i) Sharing of injection needles or surgical instruments with infected persons.
(ii) Transfusion of infected blood.
(iii) Transfer from infected mother to the foetus through placenta.
Preventive Measures
By following simple principles, STDs can be prevented
(i) Avoid sex with unknown partners/multiple partners.
(ii) Always use condoms during coitus.
(iii) Contact a qualified doctor for any doubt in early stage of infection.
Do you justify the statutory ban on amniocentesis in our country? Give reasons.
Yes, the ban is necessary because amniocentesis is misused now-a-days. It is used to determine the sex of the foetus and in many cases it led to female foeticide. It became so serious that it disturbed the male female ratio that can have a negative impact on society. The test is actually meant to determine the genetic defects or metabolic disorders in foetus by doing a chromosomal analysis. In such extreme cases that would be incurable, a decision to abort the foetus could be taken.
Enumerate and describe any five reasons for introducing sex education to school-going children.
The reasons for introducing sex education to school-going children are as follows
(i) At school level, children from age group 12 and above should be counselled for reproductive system, processes and practices and importance of safe and responsible sex.
(ii) Sex related issues and problems like adolescence changes, menstrual cycle, menstrual problems, unwanted pregnancy, unsafe abortion, reproductive tract infections (STDs) and cancers.
(iii) They should know about body changes during their age and taught about healthy habits including personal cleanliness and hygiene.
(iv) Students should become part of such education, so that they overcome hesitation and gain confidence to discuss any query with their teacher or parents.
(v) Counselling and awareness regarding reproductive organs, safe and hygienic sexual practices will play an important role to make people reproductively healthy.