πΈ Chapter 3
Reproductive Health
(4 Marks )
πΏ Chapter 3 – Reproductive
Health: 4 Marks Questions & Answers
1. Define reproductive health. What
are the important aspects of reproductive health?
Answer:
Reproductive health is a state of physical, mental, and social well-being in
all matters related to the reproductive system.
Aspects:
1.
Sexual
health: Awareness
about reproductive organs and processes.
2.
Maternal
health: Safe
pregnancy and childbirth.
3.
Prevention
of STDs: Maintaining
hygiene and safe practices.
4.
Family
welfare: Proper
spacing and planning of children.
2. Why is there a need to maintain
reproductive health in society?
Answer:
- Prevents spread of sexually
transmitted diseases (STDs).
- Ensures healthy reproductive
life and safe motherhood.
- Reduces maternal and infant
mortality.
- Promotes population control
and a better quality of life.
3. List four strategies adopted by
the Government of India to improve reproductive health.
Answer:
1.
Launch
of RCH Programme (Reproductive and Child Health).
2.
Establishment
of family welfare centres.
3.
Introduction
of sex education in schools.
4.
Awareness
campaigns through
media and NGOs on safe motherhood and contraception.
4. What is the role of sex education
in reproductive health?
Answer:
Sex education:
- Spreads awareness about human
reproduction and safe practices.
- Prevents myths and
misconceptions about sexuality.
- Educates about STDs,
contraception, and gender equality.
- Promotes responsible and
respectful behavior among adolescents.
5. What are sexually transmitted
diseases (STDs)? Mention causes, examples, and prevention.
Answer:
- Definition: Infections transmitted through
sexual contact.
- Causes: Pathogens like bacteria,
viruses, and protozoans.
- Examples:
- Bacterial: Gonorrhea, Syphilis
- Viral: AIDS, Genital Herpes
- Prevention:
- Use of condoms
- Avoid multiple sexual partners
- Proper medical check-ups
6. Differentiate between curable and
incurable STDs with examples.
Answer:
|
Type |
Examples |
Treatment |
|
Curable |
Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Chlamydia |
Treated with antibiotics |
|
Incurable |
AIDS, Genital warts, Herpes |
Managed but not cured |
7. Why is AIDS considered dangerous?
How is it transmitted and prevented?
Answer:
- Danger: It weakens the immune system
by destroying CD4 T-cells.
- Transmission:
1.
Unprotected
sex with infected person
2.
Sharing
needles
3.
Blood
transfusion
4.
Mother
to child during pregnancy
- Prevention: Use condoms, screened blood,
avoid sharing needles.
8. What are contraceptives? Mention
their importance.
Answer:
Contraceptives are devices, drugs, or surgical methods used to prevent
pregnancy.
Importance:
- Prevent unwanted pregnancies
- Control population growth
- Maintain maternal health
- Prevent transmission of STDs
9. What are natural methods of birth
control? Explain with examples.
Answer:
Natural methods rely on avoiding fertilization without drugs or devices.
Types:
1.
Periodic
abstinence:
Avoid sex during fertile period.
2.
Coitus
interruptus:
Withdrawal before ejaculation.
3.
Lactational
amenorrhea:
No ovulation during breastfeeding.
✅ Advantages: No side effects.
❌ Limitation: Unreliable due to human error.
10. Explain the barrier methods of
contraception.
Answer:
Barrier methods prevent sperm from reaching the ovum.
Types:
- Male condoms (latex sheath over penis)
- Female condoms (polyurethane sheath in
vagina)
- Diaphragm/Cervical cap: Fit over cervix in females.
Advantages: - Safe, reversible, and prevent
STDs.
11. Explain the working of
intrauterine devices (IUDs).
Answer:
IUDs are inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy.
Types:
1.
Non-medicated: Lippes Loop
2.
Copper-releasing: CuT, Cu7
3.
Hormone-releasing: LNG-20
Functions:
- Prevent sperm motility.
- Inhibit fertilization and
implantation.
- Highly effective and long-term.
12. Describe hormonal methods of
contraception.
Answer:
Hormonal methods use synthetic estrogen/progesterone to:
- Inhibit ovulation.
- Thicken cervical mucus.
- Prevent implantation.
Examples: - Oral pills (Mala-D, Saheli)
- Injectable and implants.
13. What are surgical methods of
contraception?
Answer:
Surgical methods permanently prevent pregnancy.
- Vasectomy: Vas deferens cut and tied in
males.
- Tubectomy: Fallopian tubes cut and tied
in females.
Result: Prevents sperm and egg transport.
Advantage: Permanent and reliable.
14. What is Medical Termination of Pregnancy
(MTP)? State its significance.
Answer:
MTP is deliberate termination of pregnancy before full term.
Significance:
- Avoids unwanted pregnancy.
- Protects mother’s health in
risky pregnancies.
- Helps in cases of rape or
genetic disorders in fetus.
15. Why is MTP legally restricted to
certain cases?
Answer:
To prevent its misuse and ensure safety.
It is permitted only when:
1.
Pregnancy
endangers woman’s health.
2.
Caused
by contraceptive failure or rape.
3.
Fetus
shows severe abnormalities.
16. What is amniocentesis? Why is it
banned in India?
Answer:
- Definition: A prenatal diagnostic test
where amniotic fluid is withdrawn to detect chromosomal or genetic
disorders.
- Banned: Misused for sex determination
→ led to female foeticide.
- Law: Prohibited under PCPNDT
Act, 1994.
17. Define infertility. Mention its
causes and treatment methods.
Answer:
Infertility: Inability to conceive after one year of unprotected
intercourse.
Causes:
- Low sperm count, blocked tubes,
hormonal imbalance.
Treatment: - Assisted Reproductive
Technologies (ART) like IVF, GIFT, ZIFT.
18. What are Assisted Reproductive
Technologies (ART)? Name any four.
Answer:
ART are medical procedures to help infertile couples conceive.
Examples:
1.
IVF
(In vitro fertilization)
2.
ZIFT
(Zygote intrafallopian transfer)
3.
GIFT
(Gamete intrafallopian transfer)
4.
ICSI
(Intracytoplasmic sperm injection)
19. Explain the process of IVF.
Answer:
1.
Ovum
and sperm are collected.
2.
Fertilization
occurs in laboratory (in vitro).
3.
Embryo
is cultured for a few days.
4.
Transferred
into uterus for implantation.
Used in: Blocked fallopian tubes, infertility.
20. What is the difference between
ZIFT and GIFT?
Answer:
|
Technique |
Material transferred |
Site of transfer |
|
ZIFT |
Fertilized zygote |
Fallopian tube |
|
GIFT |
Ovum + sperm (unfertilized) |
Fallopian tube |
21. Explain the principle of ICSI.
Answer:
- A single sperm is directly
injected into an ovum using micromanipulators.
- Zygote is then transferred to
the uterus.
- Useful in males with very low
sperm count.
22. What is Artificial Insemination
(AI)?
Answer:
Semen from donor/husband is artificially introduced into the female’s
reproductive tract.
Used when:
- Male partner has low sperm
count.
- Cervical problems in females.
23. What is surrogacy? Mention its
benefits and ethical issues.
Answer:
Definition: A woman carries and delivers a baby for another couple.
Benefits: Helps infertile couples have a child.
Ethical issues:
- Emotional complications
- Exploitation of poor women
- Legal disputes on parenthood
24. How do copper ions in IUDs
prevent fertilization?
Answer:
- Copper ions reduce sperm
motility and viability.
- Increase phagocytosis of sperm.
- Make uterine environment
hostile to implantation.
25. Explain how hormonal pills
prevent pregnancy.
Answer:
- Contain estrogen and progesterone.
- Inhibit release of FSH and LH →
prevents ovulation.
- Thicken cervical mucus → blocks
sperm entry.
- Alter endometrium → prevents
implantation.
26. Why are STDs more common among
adolescents?
Answer:
- Lack of knowledge about safe
sex.
- Curiosity, peer pressure.
- Unprotected intercourse.
Prevention: Education, counseling, and use of condoms.
27. Explain the working of “Saheli”
contraceptive pill.
Answer:
- Non-steroidal oral
contraceptive.
- Contains centchroman.
- Taken once a week.
- Prevents implantation and
ovulation.
28. What are the advantages of using
condoms as contraceptives?
Answer:
- Easy to use and cheap.
- Prevents STDs like AIDS.
- No hormonal side effects.
- Available for both men and
women.
29. What are the objectives of the
RCH programme?
Answer:
- Maternal and child health care.
- Immunization of infants.
- Family planning.
- Spreading awareness on
reproductive health.
30. Explain the importance of
maintaining reproductive health in adolescents.
Answer:
- Prevents early pregnancies and
STDs.
- Ensures emotional maturity.
- Encourages respect for opposite
gender.
- Promotes personal hygiene and
self-care.
31. What are the consequences of
uncontrolled population growth?
Answer:
- Food and resource shortage.
- Unemployment.
- Poor living standards.
- Environmental degradation.
32. Suggest four measures to control
population growth.
Answer:
1.
Family
planning education.
2.
Delayed
marriage and childbearing.
3.
Use
of contraceptives.
4.
Government
awareness campaigns.
33. Explain the term “lactational
amenorrhea.” How is it used as contraception?
Answer:
- Period of infertility during
lactation due to absence of ovulation.
- Works for 6 months after
childbirth.
- High prolactin inhibits FSH
& LH secretion → no ovulation.
34. Why are natural methods of
contraception considered unreliable?
Answer:
- Based on timing; human error
possible.
- Irregular cycles may cause
misjudgment.
- No protection from STDs.
35. Mention the significance of
prenatal diagnostic techniques.
Answer:
- Detects genetic and chromosomal
abnormalities.
- Helps in early treatment or
medical termination.
- Ensures healthy childbirth.
(Misuse for sex determination is punishable.)
36. What are the features of an
ideal contraceptive?
Answer:
- Safe and reversible.
- Highly effective.
- Easy to use and affordable.
- Has no side effects and does
not affect libido.
37. What are the social implications
of amniocentesis misuse?
Answer:
- Promotes female foeticide.
- Leads to skewed sex ratio.
- Encourages gender
discrimination.
- Affects social balance and
equality.
38. Differentiate between temporary
and permanent contraception.
Answer:
|
Type |
Duration |
Examples |
|
Temporary |
Reversible |
Condoms, Pills, IUDs |
|
Permanent |
Irreversible |
Vasectomy, Tubectomy |
39. What is the need for ART in
today’s world?
Answer:
- Increasing infertility due to
stress, lifestyle, and pollution.
- Late marriages.
- Genetic disorders.
- Medical advancement making
parenthood possible for infertile couples.
40. Mention the role of education
and awareness in improving reproductive health.
Answer:
- Promotes responsible sexual
behavior.
- Reduces STD transmission.
- Encourages smaller family
norms.
- Eliminates myths about
reproduction.
41. Explain the importance of
contraception in controlling population growth.
Answer:
- Prevents unwanted pregnancies.
- Reduces birth rate.
- Allows spacing between
children.
- Improves health and economy of
families.
42. What are the ethical issues
related to ART?
Answer:
- Exploitation of women as
surrogates.
- Commercialization of gametes.
- Emotional and legal
complications.
- Designer babies and gender
selection concerns.
43. What is the difference between
natural insemination and artificial insemination?
Answer:
|
Type |
Process |
Example |
|
Natural |
Sperm deposited by intercourse |
Normal conception |
|
Artificial |
Sperm injected artificially |
AI, IVF |
44. What are the government schemes
promoting reproductive health in India?
Answer:
- RCH Programme
- National Family Welfare
Programme
- Janani Suraksha Yojana
- Population Education Scheme
45. How does the use of condoms
promote public health?
Answer:
- Prevents spread of HIV and
other STDs.
- Provides safe contraception.
- Promotes awareness about safe
sex.
- Reduces unwanted pregnancies.
46. Why is reproductive health
considered a part of general health?
Answer:
Because it ensures:
- Normal reproductive
functioning.
- Physical and emotional
stability.
- Freedom from reproductive
disorders.
- Healthy offspring and family
stability.
47. What are the functions of the
RCH Programme?
Answer:
- Health checkups for mothers and
children.
- Immunization and family
planning.
- Awareness about contraception
and hygiene.
- Reduce infant and maternal
mortality.
48. How do hormonal contraceptives
control fertility?
Answer:
- Prevent ovulation by blocking
FSH & LH.
- Make cervical mucus thick →
block sperm.
- Alter endometrium → no
implantation.
49. Write short notes on
“Infertility management.”
Answer:
- Diagnosis through hormonal and
imaging tests.
- Treatment via ART (IVF, ICSI,
GIFT).
- Counseling and lifestyle
changes.
- Surrogacy or gamete donation
when required.
50. Explain the relationship between
reproductive health and national development.
Answer:
- Healthy population = productive
population.
- Reduces healthcare burden.
- Promotes economic stability.
- Encourages gender equality and
social balance.

