Chapter 4: Reproductive Health

Q1. What is the difference between natural and artificial methods of contraception?

Solution

Natural: Periodic abstinence, coitus interruptus, lactational amenorrhea
Artificial: Barrier methods (condoms), IUDs, oral pills, surgical methods (vasectomy, tubectomy)

Q2. What are sexually transmitted diseases? Name four common STDs.

Solution

STDs are diseases transmitted through sexual intercourse. Common ones: (1) AIDS (HIV) (2) Syphilis (3) Gonorrhea (4) Genital herpes

Q3. Why is amniocentesis banned in India?

Solution

Amniocentesis is banned because it was being misused for sex determination of the fetus, leading to female foeticide and skewed sex ratio.

Q4. What are the advantages of breast feeding?

Solution

1. Provides complete nutrition to infant
2. Contains antibodies (IgA) for immunity
3. Promotes mother-child bonding
4. Acts as natural contraceptive (lactational amenorrhea)

Q5. What are the different types of IUDs? How do they work?

Solution

Copper-releasing (CuT, Cu7): Copper ions are toxic to sperm, reduce motility
Hormone-releasing (Progestasert, LNG-20): Alter cervical mucus, inhibit ovulation
Non-medicated (Lippes loop): Act as physical barrier, cause phagocytosis of sperm

Q6. What are the side effects of oral contraceptive pills?

Solution

1. Nausea and vomiting
2. Weight gain
3. Headache and mood swings
4. Irregular menstrual bleeding
5. Risk of blood clots in some women

Q7. What is MTP? Under what circumstances is it legal in India?

Solution

Legal conditions: (1) Risk to life or health of mother (2) Substantial risk of serious fetal abnormality (3) Rape (4) Change in marital status (5) Up to 24 weeks with medical board approval for special cases

Q8. What is population explosion? What are its causes?

Solution

Causes: (1) Decline in death rate due to better healthcare (2) Increased life expectancy (3) Early marriage and reproductive age (4) Lack of awareness about contraception (5) Improvement in food production

Q9. What are the methods of assisted reproductive technology (ART)?

Solution

IVF: Fertilization outside body, embryo transfer (test tube baby)
ZIFT: Zygote Intra Fallopian Transfer (up to 8-cell stage)
GIFT: Gamete Intra Fallopian Transfer (donor gametes)
ICSI: Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (direct injection of sperm into ovum)

Q10. What are the causes and prevention of infertility?

Solution

Causes: (1) Hormonal imbalance (2) Blockage in fallopian tubes (3) Low sperm count (4) STDs (5) Stress
Prevention: (1) Regular health check-ups (2) Safe sexual practices (3) Avoid smoking/alcohol (4) Balanced diet (5) Timely treatment of infections

Q11. What are the preventive measures for STDs?

Solution

1. Avoid sex with unknown or multiple partners
2. Use condoms during intercourse
3. Get early detection and treatment
4. Avoid sharing needles and syringes
5. Get vaccinated (for Hepatitis B)

Q12. What is the RCH programme?

Solution

RCH = Reproductive and Child Health Care programme
Objectives: (1) Create awareness about reproductive health (2) Build reproductively healthy society (3) Education about safe sex (4) Prevent STDs (5) Access to contraception and maternal care

Q13. What are the methods of male contraception?

Solution

Barrier: Condoms
Natural: Coitus interruptus, periodic abstinence
Surgical: Vasectomy (cutting vas deferens)
Chemical: Spermicidal agents (jellies, foams)

Q14. Why is the sex ratio important for society?

Solution

Importance: (1) Reflects gender equality (2) Indicates development level
India's sex ratio (2011 Census): 943 females per 1000 males
Kerala: 1084 (highest), Haryana: 879 (lowest)

Q15. What are the advantages of creating a reproductively healthy society?

Solution

1. Reduced maternal and infant mortality
2. Control over population growth
3. Prevention of STDs
4. Better health of mother and child
5. Gender equality and economic development

← Chapter 3: Human Reproduction Chapter 5: Principles of Inheritance and Variation →

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