Unit 1: Reproduction

Chapter 3: Reproductive Health

Reproductive Health

• Definition: A state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being in all matters relating to the reproductive system.
• Importance:
  • Responsible Parenthood
  • Prevention of STDs
  • Maternal and Child Health
  • Population Control

Population Explosion & Control

• Population Explosion: Rapid increase in human population.
• Control Measures:
  • Motivational: Promoting small family norms, raising marriageable age, education.
  • Contraceptive Methods: To prevent unwanted pregnancies.

Contraception: Natural Methods

• Periodic Abstinence (Rhythm Method): Avoiding coitus during the fertile period (day 10-17).
• Coitus Interruptus (Withdrawal): Withdrawing the penis before ejaculation.
• Lactational Amenorrhea: Absence of menstruation during intense lactation.

Contraception: Artificial Methods

• Barrier Methods: Condoms, Diaphragms, Cervical Caps.
• Intrauterine Devices (IUDs): Copper-releasing (CuT) or hormone-releasing (Progestasert).
• Oral Contraceptives (Pills): Inhibit ovulation and implantation.
• Implants: Long-term hormonal contraception.
• Surgical Methods (Sterilization): Vasectomy (males) and Tubectomy (females).

Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP)

• Definition: Intentional or voluntary termination of pregnancy (induced abortion).
• Legal Status: Legalized in India (1971) under strict conditions.
• Reasons: Unwanted pregnancies, risk to mother's life, fetal abnormalities.
• Safety: Relatively safe during the first trimester.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

• Infections transmitted through sexual contact.
• Types:
  • Bacterial: Syphilis, Gonorrhoea, Chlamydiasis.
  • Viral: Genital Herpes, Genital Warts, Hepatitis B, AIDS (HIV).
• Prevention:
  • Use condoms.
  • Avoid sex with unknown/multiple partners.
  • Early detection and treatment.

Infertility & Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)

• Infertility: Inability to conceive after 1-2 years of unprotected intercourse.
• ART:
  • IVF (In Vitro Fertilization): Fertilization outside the body ("Test-tube baby").
  • ZIFT/IUT: Zygote/Embryo transfer.
  • GIFT: Gamete transfer.
  • ICSI: Intracytoplasmic sperm injection.
  • AI: Artificial insemination.