Bihar Board - Class 12 Biology - Chapter 4: Reproductive Health Long Answer Question

Q.1.What is the significance of Reproductive Health?

A.1.According to the WHO- World Health Organisation, Reproductive health refers to the physical, mental and social well-being of an individual in all matters related to the reproductive system, its functions and processes. Listed below are the significance or the main objectives behind reproductive health.

1. It educates every youth about sexual and reproductive health.

2. It creates awareness among adolescents about safe sexual practices.

3. It helps in preventing sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS.

4. It protects both the mother and the child from infectious diseases and delivers a healthy baby.

5. It provides complete knowledge about early pregnancy, infertility, birth control methods, pregnancy, post-childbirth care of the baby and mother, etc.

Q.2. What is in vitro fertilization, gift and isci ?

A.2.In-vitro Fertilization- In-vitro fertilization involves the steps:

1. Stimulation of the ovaries by giving human gonadotropins 

2. Retrieving the released eggs 

3. Fertilization of the eggs with the selected sperms.

4. Development of eggs into embryos under laboratory environment 

5. The embryos are implanted in the uterus of the female

• Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection- In this method, one sperm is injected into the egg. But this procedure might damage the egg. The babies might involve defects in the reproductive organs in case of the abnormal Y chromosome.

• Gamete Intrafallopian Tube Transfer- This method is used in case of fallopian tubes that are functioning properly. In this technique, the eggs and sperms obtained are not fertilized in the laboratory. They are inserted into the far end of the fallopian tube either through the vagina or through the abdomen with the help of a laparoscope.

Q.3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of hormonal contraceptives?
A.3.
Advantages of hormonal contraceptives:

• This is a highly effective method of contraception.

• It can be used for a longer period.

• Causes very light or no menstruation.

• The effects are reversible

Disadvantages of hormonal contraceptives:

• It does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

• Minor surgery is required to insert and remove the device.

• It has several side-effects such as irregular menstruation, depression, weight gain, hair loss, etc.

• The capsule implanted area might get infected.

• It is necessary to take the medications continuously.

• The method is expensive.

Q.4. Explain any two sexually transmitted diseases and suggest ways to prevent them.
A.4. Sexually transmitted diseases are those that are transferred from one partner to another through sexual contact. Two sexually transmitted diseases are explained below:

1. AIDS– The Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). This virus attacks the immune system of the host making him vulnerable to infections. It can be spread through semen, blood, breastmilk, and rectal or vaginal fluids.

2. Genital Herpes- is a chronic disease spread by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). The HSV type 2 virus spreads the disease through sexual intercourse. A person suffering from genital herpes will show symptoms like fever, pain while urinating, vaginal discharge, red blisters on the genitals, etc.

Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Diseases:

• Use protection during sexual intercourse.

• Get vaccinated for Hepatitis and Human Papillomavirus

• Get tested for HIV

• Abstain from sexual activities

• Do not share the under clothing and towels.

Q.5. Why should sex education be introduced to school-going children? List any five reasons.
A.5. Sex education should be introduced to school going children for the following reasons:

• To make the students aware that the bodily changes they are experiencing during puberty are absolutely normal and natural.

• To help them speak up when they face any sexual harassment in society.

• The students will get to know about the facts of life from a supportive source instead of some absurd show or movie.

• They will be made aware of the risks involved in having sex.

Q.6. Describe the Three Manners in Which Fertilization of the Human Ovum by Sperm Can be Prevented?

A.6. The three manners in which fertilization of the human ovum by sperm can be prevented are:

I. Natural Methods: The process where the chances of meeting the gametes need to be avoided. The natural methods are:

1. Periodic Abstinence:  In this process from the 10th to 17th day of the menstrual cycle the couple should avoid coitus as during this period the ovulation is expected.

2. Lactational Amenorrhoea:  During this period due to intense lactation, there is the absence of menstruation.

II. Barrier Methods:  In this process with the help of barriers the ovum & sperms are prevented from coming closer. The barrier methods are:

1. Condoms: These are the barriers that are made up of thin rubber or latex sheath which cover the penis in males or the cervix in females.

2. Diaphragms Cervical Caps:  made up of rubber & are reusable.

3. Spermicidal creams along with these barriers.

III. Surgical Methods:  In this method, the transport of gametes is blocked & thus conception. The surgical methods are:

1. Vasectomy: a small portion of vas deferens is removed or tied up through an incision in the scrotum.

2. Tubectomy: a small portion of the fallopian tube is removed or tied up through the vagina.

Q.7. Briefly Explain the Various Reproductive Technologies to Assist an Infertile Couple to Have Children.

A.7. The various reproductive technologies to assist an infertile couple to have children are:

(i) Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) includes in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET)

(ii) Gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT)

(iii) Zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT), and 

(iv) frozen embryo transfer (FET). 

These techniques also include oocyte donation and gestational carriers. Approximately 99 percent of ART cycles performed are IVF-ET. IVF-ET has helped many couples conceive successfully. ART may be recommended when there is no other option such as intrauterine insemination is successful or when there is severe male factor infertility, severe endometriosis, or tubal obstruction.