Revision: Reproduction >> Reproductive Health Biology (Theory) ISC (Science) ISC Class 12 CISCE

It is a technique in which amniotic fluid is withdrawn from the uterus of a pregnant lady and the amniotic cells are cultured and studied for cytological observations to determine any chromosomal abnormalities.

Birth Control refers to the regulation of conception by preventive methods or devices to limit the number of offspring.

Intentional or voluntary termination of pregnancy before full term is called medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) or induced abortion.

Azoospermia is defined as the absence of spermatozoa in the ejaculate semen on atleast two occasions and is observed approximately in 1% of the population.

Amniocentesis is a technique used to diagnose fetal abnormalities by drawing a sample of amniotic fluid by a hypodermic needle inserted through the mother’s abdomen into the uterus

The area of health care that offers advice on genetic problems is called genetic counselling (a term first introduced by Sheldon Reed in 1940)

• Reproductive health, as defined by WHO, refers to complete physical, emotional, behavioural, and social well-being in all aspects related to reproduction.
• India’s Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) programmes aim to promote reproductive health through family planning, maternal and child care, awareness creation, and access to medical facilities.
• Education and awareness, including sex education for adolescents, help prevent myths, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), unsafe practices, and promote hygienic and responsible sexual behaviour.
• Preventive measures such as menstrual hygiene, genital cleanliness, planned parenthood, immunisation, and statutory bans on sex determination are essential for a healthy society.
• Sexually transmitted diseases like syphilis and gonorrhoea adversely affect reproductive health, highlighting the need for early diagnosis, treatment, and improved medical infrastructure.

1. Rapid population growth is due to improved health facilities, reduced death rate, MMR and IMR, and increased life expectancy.
2. Population explosion leads to scarcity of basic needs like food, shelter and clothing and affects national development.
3. Birth control is essential to maintain balance between birth rate and death rate and to ensure sustainable use of resources.
4. Government measures include family planning programmes (RCH), promotion of small family norm, raising marriageable age, and incentives for small families.
5. Contraceptive methods and awareness through mass media help prevent unwanted pregnancies and control population growth.

• Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) is the voluntary termination of pregnancy before full term, also called induced abortion.
• MTP is done in cases of unwanted pregnancy or when fetal abnormalities are detected, often using amniocentesis.
• Amniocentesis is a diagnostic test that collects amniotic fluid to study fetal chromosomes and detect genetic defects.
• MTP is legally allowed in India under the MTP Act (1971, amended 2017), with conditions and is generally safe in the first 12 weeks.
• It requires the woman’s consent and a doctor’s approval, and is allowed only when pregnancy risks the mother’s life or involves serious fetal abnormalities.

• Infertility is the inability to conceive after 12 months or more of regular unprotected intercourse and may be due to male, female, or both partners.
• Male infertility includes low sperm count, no sperm production, poor sperm motility, or abnormal sperm structure.
• Female infertility may result from hormonal imbalance, poor egg production, or defects in reproductive organs like the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, or cervix.
• Mechanical or physiological problems, such as blocked reproductive tracts or thick cervical mucus, can prevent fertilisation.
• Infertility is diagnosed and treated by identifying the cause and using methods like hormonal therapy, surgery, or lifestyle changes.
• Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) help infertile couples and include IVF, ICSI, GIFT, ZIFT, AI, and IUI, which assist in fertilisation and conception.

• Test-tube baby technique (IVF) involves fertilisation of the ovum by sperm outside the female body under laboratory conditions.
• The fertilised egg (embryo) is allowed to divide up to the 8–16 cell stage and is then transferred into the uterus for implantation.
• IVF is especially useful in cases of infertility caused by blocked fallopian tubes, low sperm count, or failure of natural fertilisation.
• Embryo freezing and surrogacy are advanced extensions of IVF, allowing storage of embryos and use of a surrogate mother in special cases.