Briefly explain IVF and ET, What are the conditions in which these methods are advised?
IVF refers to in vitro fertilisation and ET refers to embryo transfer. Gametes from the male and female are collected hygienically and induced to fuse in the laboratory set up under simulated conditions.
The zygote formed is collected and is introduced into the uterus of a host or surrogate mother at an appropriate time (secretory phase). Early embryos (up to 8 cell) are generally transferred to the Fallopian tube whereas embryos with more than 8 cells are transferred to the uterus.
What are the advantages of natural methods of contraception over artificial methods?
As no medicines or devices are used in these methods, side effects are almost nil.
What are the conditions in which medical termination of pregnancy is advised?
Medical termination of pregnancy is carried out to get rid of unwanted pregnancies. It is also essential when the foetus is suffering from an incurable disease or when continuation of the pregnancy could be harmful or even fatal to the mother and/or foetus.
Comment on the essential features required for an ideal contraceptive.
An ideal contraceptive should
(i) be easily available
(ii) effective and reversible with least or no side effects
(iii) no interference with the sexual drive/desire or the sexual act of the user
(iv) be user-friendly
All reproductive tract infections RTIs are STDs, but all STDs are not RTIs. Justify with example.
Among the common STDs, hepatitis-B and AIDS are not infections of the reproductive organs though their mode of transmission could be through sexual conact also.
All other diseases like gonorrhoea, syphilis, genital herpes, hepatitis-B are transmitted through sexual contact and are also infections of the reproductive tract so, there are STDs and RTI, Whereas, AIDS and hepatitis are STDs but not RTI.