Definition and Importance of Reproductive Health

Reproductive Health: Defined by the WHO as total well-being in all aspects of reproduction: physical, emotional, behavioral, and social.



Objective: To ensure individuals have a satisfying and safe sex life and the capability to reproduce, with the freedom to decide if, when, and how often to do so.

Government Initiatives and Strategies

Family Planning Program: Launched in India in 1951 to control population growth.

RCH Program: Reproductive and Child Health Care program addressing broader reproductive health issues.

Awareness Campaigns: Utilizes media, schools, and family involvement to educate about reproductive health, safe practices, and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Also Read: Study Notes for Class 12-Human Reproduction

Population Explosion and Control

Reasons for Population Explosion:

 - Improved quality of life

 - Better health facilities

 - Decreased mortality rates

 - Increased reproductive age population

Control Measures:

 - Contraceptive use

 - Education on family planning

 - Raising the legal marriage age

 - Incentives for small families

Contraceptive Methods:

Ideal Contraceptive: User-friendly, easily available, effective, reversible, no side effects, and does not interfere with sexual activity.

Types of Contraceptives:

 1. Natural Methods:

    - Periodic Abstinence

    - Withdrawal

    - Lactational Amenorrhea

 2. Barrier Methods:

    - Condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps

 3. Intrauterine Devices (IUDs):

    - Non-medicated (Lippes loop), Copper-releasing (CuT), Hormone-releasing (LNG-20)

 4. Oral Contraceptives:

    - Progesterone or estrogen-progesterone pills

 5. Injectables and Implants:

    - Hormonal injections and implants

 6. Surgical Methods:

    - Vasectomy (male sterilization), Tubectomy (female sterilization)

Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP):

Definition: Voluntary termination of pregnancy before full term.

Legality: Legalized in India in 1971 with restrictions to prevent misuse.

Use: To terminate unwanted pregnancies and in cases where continuation of pregnancy is risky.

Safety: Safer during the first trimester (up to 12 weeks).

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

Common STDs: Gonorrhea, syphilis, genital herpes, chlamydiasis, genital warts, trichomoniasis, hepatitis-B, AIDS.

Transmission: Sexual contact, shared needles, blood transfusions, and from mother to child.

Prevention: Safe sex practices, use of condoms, and regular medical check-ups.

Infertility

Definition: Inability to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse.

Causes: Physical, congenital, diseases, drugs, immunological or psychological factors.

Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART):

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): Fertilization outside the body.

Zygote Intra Fallopian Transfer (ZIFT): Transfer of zygote to fallopian tube.

Intra Uterine Transfer (IUT): Transfer of embryo to uterus.

Gamete Intra Fallopian Transfer (GIFT): Transfer of gametes to fallopian tube.

Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): Injection of sperm into ovum.

Artificial Insemination: Introduction of donor sperm into female reproductive tract.

Important Terms

Amniocentesis: Test for chromosomal abnormalities in fetus.

Lactational Amenorrhea: Absence of menstruation during intense lactation.

Sterilization: Permanent contraception through surgical methods.

Artificial Insemination: Medical introduction of sperm into female reproductive tract.

In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF): Fertilization of egg and sperm outside the body.

Infertility: Inability to conceive after regular unprotected sex.

By understanding these concepts, students can grasp the essential elements of Reproductive Health Class 12, the importance of family planning, the variety of contraceptive methods available, and the significance of managing population growth and preventing STDs. This knowledge is crucial for both NEET and Board Exam preparations.