NCERT SOLUTION REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH Class 12 Biology

1. What do you think is the significance of reproductive health in a society?

Reproductive health is a crucial aspect of overall health and well-being in a society. It encompasses all aspects of sexual and reproductive health, including access to family planning and contraception, safe and legal abortion services, prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections, and maternal health. A society with good reproductive health practices has a lower incidence of maternal and infant mortality, a lower burden of sexually transmitted infections, and greater control over family planning and childbirth. This not only leads to better health outcomes for individuals and families but also contributes to social and economic development by reducing the costs associated with poor reproductive health, such as healthcare expenses and lost productivity. Thus, promoting and ensuring reproductive health is essential for creating a healthy and prosperous society.

2. Suggest the aspects of reproductive health which need to be given special attention in the present scenario.

Reproductive health is an essential aspect of overall health and well-being. In the present scenario, there are several aspects of reproductive health that need special attention to ensure that individuals have access to quality reproductive health services and information.

Firstly, family planning is a crucial aspect of reproductive health that needs to be given special attention. With the increasing population, there is a need to ensure that individuals have access to safe and effective methods of family planning. This includes promoting the use of modern contraceptive methods and increasing awareness about the same.

Secondly, sexual education is another critical aspect of reproductive health that needs to be given attention. It is essential to provide comprehensive sex education to individuals to promote healthy sexual behavior and prevent unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Thirdly, maternal and child health is a vital aspect of reproductive health that requires special attention. Improving access to quality antenatal care, safe delivery services, and postnatal care can help reduce maternal and infant mortality rates.

Fourthly, addressing the stigma and discrimination associated with reproductive health issues, including STIs and HIV/AIDS, is crucial. This can be done by promoting awareness and providing education to individuals and communities.

Lastly, men’s reproductive health needs to be given special attention, as often, men are left out of the reproductive health conversation. This includes promoting awareness about the importance of men’s sexual and reproductive health and ensuring that men have access to quality reproductive health services.

3. Is sex education necessary in schools? Why?

Sex education is a sensitive topic that has been debated in many societies. Despite the controversies, sex education is necessary in schools as it can provide young people with the necessary information and skills to make informed decisions about their sexual health. Schools are an ideal place to provide this education as students spend a significant amount of their time there and can benefit from structured and age-appropriate lessons.

One of the primary reasons why sex education is necessary is to prevent unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Sex education can provide young people with the knowledge of safe sex practices, including the use of contraception and condoms. This can help prevent unintended pregnancies and reduce the risk of STIs.

Moreover, sex education can also promote healthy relationships and respect for individual choices. It can help young people understand the importance of mutual consent, respect, and communication in relationships. This can contribute to the development of healthy and fulfilling relationships in the future.

Sex education can also address issues such as gender stereotypes, LGBTQ+ rights, and discrimination. It can help create a more inclusive and accepting society by promoting respect and understanding for diversity.

In conclusion, sex education is necessary in schools as it can equip young people with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed decisions about their sexual health and relationships. It can contribute to the development of a healthy and inclusive society.

4. Do you think that reproductive health in our country has improved in the past 50 years? If yes, mention some such areas of improvement.

India has made significant progress in the area of reproductive health in the past 50 years. One of the most notable achievements has been a decline in maternal mortality rate (MMR), which was 212 per 1,00,000 live births in 2007-09 compared to 437 per 1,00,000 live births in 1990-92. This has been possible due to various initiatives taken by the government such as the National Rural Health Mission and Janani Suraksha Yojana, which provide financial incentives to women for delivering in health facilities and for availing antenatal and postnatal care.

Another area of improvement has been the increase in the contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR), which has risen from 13% in 1970 to 54% in 2015-16. This has been possible due to various measures taken by the government, such as the introduction of oral contraceptive pills, condoms, and intrauterine devices, as well as increased awareness about family planning and birth control methods.

The government has also taken steps to address the issue of female foeticide, which was a major concern in the past. The Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act was passed in 1994 to regulate the use of prenatal diagnostic techniques and prevent sex-selective abortions.

However, despite these improvements, there are still several challenges that need to be addressed. The country still has a high adolescent birth rate, which can have serious implications for the health of the mother and the child. The incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS also remains a major concern, especially among vulnerable populations such as sex workers and men who have sex with men.

While there have been significant improvements in reproductive health in India in the past 50 years, there is still a long way to go to ensure that all individuals have access to quality reproductive health services and information.

 

5. What are the suggested reasons for population explosion?

The rapid increase in the size of the world population, popularly known as population explosion, is a growing concern for many nations including India. Several factors contribute to the population explosion. One of the main reasons is the decrease in the death rate due to the advancement in medical science and technology. Modern medicines, immunization, and better health facilities have led to a decline in the death rate, especially in developing countries. However, the birth rate has not declined at the same pace, resulting in an increase in population.

Another significant factor contributing to population explosion is the lack of awareness and education about family planning and contraception methods. Inadequate access to family planning services, along with religious and social beliefs, often discourage couples from using contraception methods. Early marriage, illiteracy, and poverty are also contributing factors to population growth. In rural areas, children are seen as assets, and couples tend to have more children for economic reasons.

Migration is another factor that adds to population growth. The rapid urbanization and industrialization of developing countries have led to an influx of migrants from rural areas to cities in search of employment opportunities. This has resulted in overcrowding and pressure on resources in urban areas, leading to an increase in population.

The population explosion is a complex issue, and addressing it requires a comprehensive approach that includes awareness and education about family planning, access to contraceptives, and poverty eradication measures. The government needs to work together with NGOs, healthcare professionals, and educators to address these issues and bring about sustainable population growth.

6. Is the use of contraceptives justified? Give reasons

Yes, the use of contraceptives is justified for several reasons. Firstly, contraceptives help individuals and couples to plan their families and have control over their reproductive choices. This helps in reducing the number of unintended pregnancies, which can have adverse effects on the health and well-being of both the mother and the child. It also allows couples to have children when they are emotionally, physically, and financially prepared to raise them.

Secondly, the use of contraceptives has a positive impact on the overall health of women. It helps in preventing unwanted pregnancies, which can lead to complications such as unsafe abortions, maternal deaths, and injuries. Contraceptives also help in preventing the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV/AIDS.

Thirdly, the use of contraceptives is important in reducing the burden on the environment and natural resources. Rapid population growth puts pressure on natural resources and can lead to depletion of resources, pollution, and other environmental problems. The use of contraceptives can help in reducing the population growth rate, which can lead to sustainable development.

Overall, the use of contraceptives is a responsible and necessary step towards family planning, reducing maternal mortality, and promoting sustainable development. It is important to promote and encourage the use of contraceptives as a part of reproductive health and family planning programs.

7. Removal of gonads cannot be considered as a contraceptive option. Why?

Gonads are the primary reproductive organs in the body, including testes in males and ovaries in females. Removal of these organs results in permanent sterilization, which means the person will be unable to reproduce. However, the removal of gonads cannot be considered as a contraceptive option because contraceptive methods are designed to prevent unwanted pregnancies without permanently sterilizing the person.

Contraceptives aim to regulate or prevent pregnancy through various methods like barrier methods (condoms, diaphragms), hormonal methods (pills, patches, injections), intrauterine devices (IUDs), and surgical methods like tubal ligation and vasectomy. All of these methods can be used to prevent pregnancy temporarily or permanently, as per the individual’s choice.

On the other hand, removal of gonads is a surgical procedure that results in permanent sterilization. The procedure is usually performed for medical reasons, such as cancer, and not as a contraceptive option. It is irreversible and should not be used as a means of contraception.

Moreover, removal of gonads can have long-term consequences on the body, including hormonal imbalances, bone loss, and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, it is important to choose appropriate contraceptive methods to prevent unwanted pregnancies without resorting to drastic measures like removal of gonads.

8. Amniocentesis for sex determination is banned in our country. Is this ban necessary? Comment.

Amniocentesis is a medical procedure that involves extracting a small amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the foetus in the mother’s womb to detect genetic abnormalities or chromosomal disorders in the foetus. However, amniocentesis for sex determination is banned in India under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994. This ban was necessary to prevent female foeticide and to address the issue of declining sex ratio in India.

The ban was necessary due to the preference for male children in Indian society, which has resulted in the practice of female foeticide. The sex ratio in India has been declining over the years, and this practice has led to an imbalance in the male-female ratio, resulting in social, economic, and health problems. The ban on amniocentesis for sex determination has helped to curb this practice to a great extent.

Amniocentesis for sex determination is considered unethical as it promotes gender-based discrimination and violation of the right to life and equality of the female child. This has led to the imposition of strict regulations to prevent any misuse of prenatal sex determination techniques.

In conclusion, the ban on amniocentesis for sex determination is necessary to prevent female foeticide and promote gender equality. However, prenatal diagnostic techniques are still allowed for medical reasons, and strict regulations must be enforced to ensure that these techniques are not misused for sex determination.

9. Suggest some methods to assist infertile couples to have children.

Infertility is a major concern for many couples who desire to have children but are unable to do so due to various reasons. Fortunately, there are several methods available that can assist infertile couples to have children. Some of these methods are:

1. Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): In this method, sperm is directly placed into the woman’s uterus during ovulation. This increases the chances of fertilization as the sperm is placed close to the egg.
2. In-vitro Fertilization (IVF): This is one of the most popular and effective methods of assisted reproduction. It involves fertilizing the woman’s egg with the man’s sperm outside the body in a laboratory dish. The fertilized embryo is then transferred back to the woman’s uterus for implantation.
3. Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT): In this method, both the egg and the sperm are placed directly into the woman’s fallopian tube during ovulation. This method is preferred when the woman has a healthy fallopian tube and the man has a healthy sperm count.
4. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): This method involves injecting a single sperm into the woman’s egg using a small needle. The fertilized embryo is then transferred back to the woman’s uterus for implantation.
5. Surrogacy: In this method, a woman carries a baby for another couple who are unable to conceive. The sperm and egg are fertilized in vitro, and the resulting embryo is then transferred to the surrogate’s uterus.

The above-mentioned methods have been effective in helping infertile couples to have children. It is important to consult a medical professional to determine the best course of action based on the specific circumstances of each couple.

10. What are the measures one has to take to prevent from contracting STDs?

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can be prevented by taking certain measures:

1. Practice Safe Sex: The best way to prevent STDs is to abstain from sexual activity or have sex with only one uninfected partner. If sexually active, use a barrier method of contraception like condoms. This reduces the risk of transmission of STDs.
2. Get Tested: If sexually active, get tested for STDs regularly, especially if you have multiple sexual partners or unprotected sex. Early detection can help prevent complications.
3. Vaccination: Some STDs like hepatitis B and HPV can be prevented by vaccination. It is recommended for all teenagers and young adults.
4. Communication: Discuss sexual history with your partner before engaging in sexual activity. Honest communication can help identify any potential risks of STDs.
5. Avoid Sharing Needles: Never share needles or other injecting equipment with anyone, as this can lead to the spread of HIV and hepatitis B and C.
6. Be Careful with Blood and Bodily Fluids: If you are a healthcare worker, take precautions while handling blood and other bodily fluids. Wear gloves, wash hands regularly, and dispose of needles and sharp objects properly.
7. Get Treatment: If diagnosed with an STD, get treated immediately. It is important to complete the entire course of treatment as prescribed, even if symptoms disappear. This helps to prevent the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria.

11. State True/False with explanation
(a) Abortions could happen spontaneously too. (True/False)

(b) Infertility is defined as the inability to produce a viable offspring
and is always due to abnormalities/defects in the female partner.
(True/False)
(c) Complete lactation could help as a natural method of
contraception. (True/False)
(d) Creating awareness about sex related aspects is an effective
method to improve reproductive health of the people. (True/False)

Answers :

a) True. Abortions can occur spontaneously, without any medical intervention. This is called a miscarriage, and it usually happens due to chromosomal abnormalities or other developmental problems in the fetus.

(b) False. Infertility is the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected sexual intercourse. It can be due to problems in the male partner, female partner, or both. Infertility in males can be caused by low sperm count, poor sperm motility or quality, or blockages in the reproductive system. In females, it can be due to problems with ovulation, blocked fallopian tubes, or uterine abnormalities.

(c) True. Complete lactation, where the baby is exclusively breastfed, can suppress ovulation and act as a natural method of contraception. However, this method is not completely reliable, and other methods of contraception may still be needed.

(d) True. Creating awareness about sex-related aspects, such as contraception, sexually transmitted infections, and reproductive health, is an effective method to improve the reproductive health of people. It can help individuals make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health and prevent unwanted pregnancies and STIs.

12. Correct the following statements :
(a) Surgical methods of contraception prevent gamete formation.
(b) All sexually transmitted diseases are completely curable.
(c) Oral pills are very popular contraceptives among the rural women.
(d) In E. T. techniques, embryos are always transferred into the uterus.

Answers : (a) Surgical methods of contraception prevent gamete transport rather than gamete formation.

(b) Not all sexually transmitted diseases are completely curable. Some of them such as HIV, herpes, and hepatitis B have no complete cure, and the symptoms can only be managed.

(c) Oral pills are not very popular contraceptives among rural women due to lack of awareness, access and education.

(d) In E.T. (Embryo Transfer) techniques, embryos are transferred either into the uterus or the fallopian tubes depending on the case.