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It is a technique in which amniotic fluid is withdrawn from the uterus of a pregnant lady and the amniotic cells are cultured and studied for cytological observations to determine any chromosomal abnormalities.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

• 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.