Human Fertility and Reproduction

Study Notes

Definition: Fertility refers to the ability of a person or couple to conceive a child.
Factors affecting fertility:
- Age: Fertility declines with age, especially after 35 years for women and 40 years for men.
- Lifestyle: Smoking, obesity, and stress can reduce fertility.
- Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can affect fertility.
Fertility testing:
- Semen analysis for men
- Ovulation testing and ultrasound for women

Definition: Contraception refers to the use of methods to prevent pregnancy.
Types of contraception:
- Hormonal methods: Pills, patches, rings, and injections
- Barrier methods: Condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps
- Intrauterine devices (IUDs)
- Sterilization: Vasectomy for men and tubal ligation for women
Effectiveness: Varies by method, with hormonal methods and IUDs being most effective (>90%)

Stages of pregnancy:
1. First trimester: Weeks 1-12, during which the embryo develops into a fetus
2. Second trimester: Weeks 13-26, characterized by rapid fetal growth
3. Third trimester: Weeks 27-40, preparing for birth
Prenatal care: Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider to monitor fetal development and maternal health

Definition: Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections transmitted through sexual contact.
Common STDs:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Syphilis
- HIV
Prevention methods:
- Safe sex practices: Using condoms and other barrier methods
- Mutually monogamous relationships
- Regular STD testing

Definition: MTP is the intentional termination of a pregnancy.
Methods:
- Medication abortion (up to 10 weeks)
- Surgical abortion (up to 24 weeks)
Legal and ethical considerations:
- Varying laws and regulations worldwide
- Moral and religious beliefs

Definition: Infertility is the inability to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected sex.
Causes of infertility:
- Male factor infertility (40%)
- Female factor infertility (40%)
- Unexplained infertility (20%)
Treatment options:
- Medications to stimulate ovulation or improve sperm quality
- Assisted reproductive technologies (ART): In vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)

Fertility declines with age, especially after 35 years for women and 40 years for men.
Lifestyle factors, such as smoking, obesity, and stress, can reduce fertility.
Medical conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can affect fertility.

Hormonal methods of contraception, including pills, patches, rings, and injections, are effective in preventing pregnancy.
Barrier methods, including condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps, are also effective.
Intrauterine devices (IUDs) and sterilization (vasectomy for men and tubal ligation for women) are other options.

The first trimester of pregnancy lasts from weeks 1-12, during which the embryo develops into a fetus.
The second trimester, from weeks 13-26, is characterized by rapid fetal growth.
The third trimester, from weeks 27-40, prepares for birth.
Regular prenatal care is essential for monitoring fetal development and maternal health.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV, can be prevented through safe sex practices and mutually monogamous relationships.
Regular STD testing is crucial for early detection and treatment.

Medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) is the intentional termination of a pregnancy.
Medication abortion is an option up to 10 weeks, while surgical abortion is available up to 24 weeks.
Laws and regulations surrounding MTP vary worldwide, and moral and religious beliefs influence individual perspectives.

Infertility is the inability to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected sex.
Male factor infertility, female factor infertility, and unexplained infertility are common causes.
Medications to stimulate ovulation or improve sperm quality, as well as assisted reproductive technologies (ART), such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), are treatment options.