ROUTERA

Chapter 4 Reproductive health

Class 12th Biology Chapter hots

1. Define reproductive health. Why is it important for overall societal development?

Answer:
Reproductive health refers to a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being in all matters relating to the reproductive system.
Importance:

  1. Reduces maternal and infant mortality.
  2. Prevents sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
  3. Promotes responsible family planning, ensuring population stability.
  4. Enhances gender equality by empowering women with reproductive choices.
  5. Boosts socio-economic development by reducing healthcare costs.

2. Discuss the objectives and significance of the Reproductive and Child Health Care (RCH) program in India.

Answer:
Objectives:

  • Provide comprehensive reproductive healthcare services.
  • Reduce maternal and infant mortality rates.
  • Promote contraceptive use and family planning.
  • Spread awareness about STIs and adolescent health.

Significance:

  • Encourages safe motherhood practices.
  • Increases immunization rates.
  • Improves access to healthcare facilities in rural areas.

3. Explain the role of contraception in population control. What are its social and ethical implications?

Answer:
Contraceptives help regulate population growth by preventing unintended pregnancies.
Social Implications:

  • Improves women’s health by reducing frequent pregnancies.
  • Enhances family stability by allowing planned parenting.
    Ethical Concerns:
  • Access disparity due to socio-economic inequality.
  • Religious or cultural opposition to contraceptive use.

4. Compare natural and artificial methods of contraception. Discuss their effectiveness.

Answer:

Reproductive health

5. Explain how amniocentesis is performed. Why is its misuse a serious concern in India?

Answer:
Amniocentesis:

  • A needle is inserted into the amniotic sac to collect fluid for genetic analysis.
    Misuse:
  • Used for sex determination, leading to female feticide.
    Concerns:
  • Skewed sex ratio in India.
  • Violation of ethical and legal rights.

6. Discuss the causes and consequences of infertility in males and females.

Answer:
Causes in Males: Low sperm count, hormonal imbalances, lifestyle factors.
Causes in Females: PCOS, endometriosis, blocked fallopian tubes.
Consequences:

  • Psychological stress and societal stigma.
  • Strain on marital relationships.

7. Explain the concept of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART). How do IVF and ICSI differ?

Answer:
ART: Techniques like IVF, ICSI, and surrogacy to aid conception.
IVF: Fertilization occurs in a lab, and the embryo is transferred to the uterus.
ICSI: A single sperm is injected into an ovum, used in severe male infertility cases.

8. Why is it crucial to educate adolescents about reproductive health? Propose measures to spread awareness.

Answer:
Importance:

  • Prevents STIs and early pregnancies.
  • Promotes responsible behavior.
    Measures:
  • School programs on sexual health.
  • Accessible helplines for confidential advice.
  • Media campaigns highlighting safe practices.

9. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of permanent contraceptive methods like vasectomy and tubectomy.

Answer:
Advantages:

  • Highly effective.
  • No need for repeated intervention.
    Disadvantages:
  • Irreversible.
  • Requires surgical procedures with minor risks.
  • Social stigma may discourage acceptance.

10. Explain the role of hormonal pills in contraception. What are their side effects?

Answer:
Hormonal pills inhibit ovulation and alter cervical mucus.
Side Effects:

  • Nausea, weight gain, mood swings.
  • Risk of thromboembolism.

11. What are sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? Explain their causes, symptoms, and prevention methods.

Answer:
Examples: Gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV.
Causes: Unprotected sex, multiple partners, poor hygiene.
Symptoms: Discharge, sores, genital warts.
Prevention:

  • Use of condoms.
  • Regular screening.
  • Avoiding multiple partners.

12. Evaluate the significance of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act. What are the ethical concerns?

Answer:
Significance:

  • Reduces unsafe abortions.
  • Empowers women with reproductive rights.
    Ethical Concerns:
  • Conflict between maternal rights and fetal life.
  • Misuse for gender-selective abortions.

13. How do social taboos and myths hinder reproductive health awareness? Suggest strategies to overcome them.

Answer:
Impact of Taboos:

  • Hesitation to seek medical help.
  • Misconceptions about contraception and STIs.
    Strategies:
  • Community workshops.
  • Involving religious leaders for awareness.
  • Inclusive health education in schools.

14. What are the physiological and psychological impacts of teenage pregnancies?

Answer:
Physiological: Higher risk of complications like anemia, preterm labor.
Psychological: Stress, stigma, interrupted education.

15. Discuss the use of barrier methods of contraception in preventing both pregnancy and STIs.

Answer:
Barrier methods (e.g., condoms) prevent sperm entry and block STI transmission.
Advantages: Cost-effective, no hormonal side effects.
Limitations: Potential for improper use or breakage.

16. How does family planning contribute to national health and economy?

Answer:

  • Reduces burden on healthcare systems.
  • Promotes maternal and child health.
  • Controls population growth, enhancing resource allocation.

17. Why is breastfeeding considered a natural contraceptive? What are its limitations?

Answer:
Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM): High prolactin levels suppress ovulation.
Limitations:

  • Effective only for six months postpartum.
  • Requires exclusive breastfeeding.

18. What is GIFT, and how does it differ from ZIFT?

Answer:

  • GIFT: Gametes are transferred to the fallopian tube for in vivo fertilization.
  • ZIFT: Zygote is transferred to the fallopian tube after in vitro fertilization.

19. Analyze the role of NGOs and government agencies in promoting reproductive health.

Answer:
NGOs: Provide counseling, distribute contraceptives, and raise awareness.
Government Agencies: Implement family planning programs, offer subsidies for contraceptives, and ensure rural healthcare access.

20. Explain the difference between primary infertility and secondary infertility. How are they diagnosed?

Answer:
Primary infertility: Inability to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse.
Secondary infertility: Difficulty conceiving after a previous successful pregnancy.
Diagnosis: Hormonal tests, imaging (e.g., ultrasound), and semen analysis.

21. What are IUDs, and how do they prevent pregnancy? Compare copper-based IUDs with hormonal IUDs.

Answer:
IUDs are intrauterine devices preventing fertilization or implantation.

  • Copper IUDs: Release copper ions toxic to sperm.
  • Hormonal IUDs: Release progestin, thickening cervical mucus and thinning the endometrium.

22. Discuss the ethical and legal challenges of surrogacy in India.

Answer:
Challenges:

  • Exploitation of poor women as surrogates.
  • Issues of parental rights and child citizenship.
  • Legal restrictions under the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act.

23. How do lifestyle choices impact reproductive health?

Answer:

  • Smoking and alcohol affect fertility.
  • Poor diet leads to hormonal imbalances.
  • Stress disrupts menstrual cycles or sperm production.

24. Explain the socio-economic factors influencing contraceptive use in India.

Answer:

  • Rural-urban divide in access.
  • Educational levels affecting awareness.
  • Cultural preferences for larger families.

25. Critically evaluate the effectiveness of awareness campaigns in reducing adolescent pregnancies.

Answer:
Campaigns like “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” have increased awareness about gender equality and reproductive rights. However, gaps in rural education and societal stigma persist, reducing their overall impact.