STDs are a threat to reproductive health. Describe any two such diseases and suggest preventive measures.
Diseases or infections which are transmitted through sexual intercourse called sexually transmitted diseases (STD) or VD (Venereal diseases) or RTI
(Reproductive tract infections).
Examples of STDs:
(i) HIV (AIDS)
(ii) Hepatitis-B
(iii) Genital herpes
(iv) Chlamydiasis
(v) Gonorrhoea
(vi) Genital warts
(vii) Syphilis
(viii) Trichomoniasis
AIDS
• AIDS is caused by HIV virus (Human Immuno deficiency virus or Human T-cell leukemia virus). There is always a time-lag between the infection and appearance of AIDS symptoms (incubation period). Incubation period may vary from a few month to many years (usually 5-10 years).
• ARC (AIDS Related Complex) is a mild or initial form of AIDS which develop after a few mon|h of infection. In AIDS patient, a reduction of 10% weight indicates ARC. After infection, HIV enters in macrophages where RNA of virus replicates to form viral DNA with the help of enzyme reverse transcriptase. Viral DNA incorporated into host cell DNA and directs the infected cell to produce new virus particles. The macrophages continue to produce virus therefore macrophages are called HIV Factory.
• Simultaneously HIV enters into helper T-lymphocytes (TH) or T4 replicates and produce progeny viruses. The progeny viruses released in the blood attack other helper T-lymphocytes. This is repeated leading to a progressive decrease in the number of helper T-lymphocytes in the body of infected person. During this period person suffers from: (i) Bouts of fever, (ii) Diarrhoea, (iii) Weight loss
• Due to the decrease in TH cells, person start suffering from infections that could have been otherwise overcome such as those due to bacteria especially Mycobacterium, virus, fungi and even parasites like Toxoplasma. The patient becomes so immuno-deficient that he/she is unable to protect himself/herself against these infections. Diagnostic test for AIDS is ELISA (Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay).Werstem blot is used as confirmatory or supplemental test for AIDS. Routine test of AIDS is PCR.
Hepatitis-B
Hepatitis-B viras is horizontally transmitted by blood transfusions, contaminated needles, body fluids like semen, saliva, sweat, tear and breast milk. Hepatitis-B is also transmitted vertically from infected mother to foetus through placenta. For prevention and control hepatitis-B vaccine is now available. Hepatitis-B vaccine was developed by Blumberg, for which he was awarded Nobel Prize in 1976.
What are the Assisted Reproductive Techniques practised to help infertile couples? Describe any three techniques.
Do you think that reproductive health in our country has improved in the past 50 years? If yes, mention some such areas of improvement.
Correct the following statements:
(a)Surgical methods of contraception prevent gamete formation.
(b)Ail 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.
STDs are a threat to reproductive health. Describe any two such diseases and suggest preventive measures.
The procedure of GIFT involves the transfer of female gamete to the fallopian tube. Can gametes be transferred to the uterus to achieve the same result? Explain.
Enumerate and describe any five reasons for introducing sex education to school-going children.
Suggest the aspects of reproductive health which need to be given special attention in the present scenario.
Strict conditions are to be followed in medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) procedures. Mention two reasons.
What is the significance of progesterone-estrogen combination as a contraceptive measure?
Suggest the reproduction-related aspects in which counselling should be provided at the school level.
Amniocentesis for sex determination is banned?in our country. Is this ban necessary? Comment
All reproductive tract infections RTJs are STDs, but all STDs are not RTIs. Justify with example.
Comment on the Reproductive and Child Health Care programme of the government to improve the reproductive health of the people.
Suggest some important steps that you would recommend to be taken to improve the reproductive health standards in India.
Strict conditions are to be followed in medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) procedures. Mention two reasons.
Briefly explain IVF and ET. What are the conditions in which these methods are advised?
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)