Revision: Reproductive Health Zoology HSC Science Class 12 Tamil Nadu Board of Secondary Education

It is a technique in which amniotic fluid is withdrawn from the uterus of a pregnant lady and the amniotic cells are cultured and studied for cytological observations to determine any chromosomal abnormalities.

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 sex ratio is the ratio of males to females in a population. In most sexually reproducing species, the ratio tends to be 1:1.
According to the United Nations, the sex ratio is defined as the number of males per 100 females.

A population explosion means very rapid growth of the population, much faster than economic growth. In India, this has mostly happened because of a high birth rate and a much lower death rate in recent times.

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.

• 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.

• 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.