Chapter: Reproductive Health - Class 12

Biology (CBSE)

1. Introduction to Reproductive Health

• Definition: Reproductive health is the
state of complete physical, mental, and
social well-being in all matters relating to
the reproductive system.
• Significance: Ensures the well-being of
individuals in terms of safe reproduction,
prevention of STDs, family planning, etc.
• Key Points from NCERT:
o The goal of reproductive health is to
maintain a quality life by enabling safe
and satisfying reproductive choices.
o Awareness and access to reproductive
healthcare are critical for the well-
being of society.
 • Previous Year Question (PYQ):
o Q: What is the significance of
reproductive health in society? (2022,
2 marks)
o Solution: Reproductive health
prevents STDs, ensures family
planning, and promotes awareness
regarding safe reproductive choices,
thereby contributing to societal well-
being.

2. Population Explosion and Its Causes

• Key Concepts:
o Definition: Rapid increase in
population due to reduced mortality
rates and improved healthcare.
 o Causes: Lack of family planning
awareness, traditional beliefs, lack of
women’s education, etc.
• Important NCERT Lines:
o The population explosion poses a
significant challenge to resources and
economic growth.
o Statistics: Global population trends
and the need for sustainable
development.
• PYQ:
o Q: Explain the major causes of
population explosion in India. (2020, 3
marks)
o Solution: Major causes include
improved healthcare, low mortality
rates, lack of awareness regarding
family planning, and socio-cultural
factors promoting larger families.
3. Birth Control Methods
• Categories of Methods:
1. Natural Methods: Rhythm
method, coitus interruptus, etc.
2. Barrier Methods: Condoms,
diaphragms.
3. Intrauterine Devices (IUDs):
Copper-T, LNG-20.
4. Oral Contraceptives: Pills
containing hormones to inhibit
ovulation.
5. Surgical Methods: Vasectomy
(male), Tubectomy (female).
• Detailed Explanation of Each Method:
o Natural Method: Avoiding intercourse
during fertile days; has a high failure
rate.
 o Barrier Method: Physical barrier to
prevent sperm from entering the
female reproductive tract.
o IUDs: Inserted into the uterus; highly
effective and long-lasting.
o Oral Pills: Hormonal method that
prevents ovulation; must be taken
daily.
o Surgical Methods: Permanent
method; effective but involves surgery.
• PYQ:
o Q: Describe the role of IUDs in birth
control and mention two examples.
(2019, 3 marks)
o Solution: IUDs are devices inserted
into the uterus to prevent fertilization.
They are highly effective and can last
for several years. Examples include
Copper-T and LNG-20.
4. Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP)
• Definition and Significance:
o MTP, or abortion, is the deliberate
termination of pregnancy.
o Legal and Health Aspects: MTP is legal
in India up to 20 weeks to ensure the
well-being of the mother and prevent
unsafe abortions.
• NCERT Insights:
o Important for controlling population
growth and protecting the health of
women.
o Recognized under law for cases of
unwanted pregnancies due to socio-
economic or health reasons.
• PYQ:
 o Q: Define MTP and state two
conditions under which it may be
legally permitted. (2021, 3 marks)
o Solution: MTP is the medical
termination of pregnancy and is legally
permitted in cases where the
pregnancy threatens the mother’s life
or in cases of rape or severe fetal
anomalies.

5. Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

• Examples and Symptoms:
o Common STDs: Gonorrhea, Syphilis,
AIDS, Hepatitis-B.
o Symptoms: Discharge, pain during
urination, genital sores, etc.
• Prevention and Treatment:
 o Use of condoms, regular health check-
ups, and education on safe sexual
practices.
• PYQ:
o Q: What are sexually transmitted
diseases? List two preventive
measures. (2018, 2 marks)
o Solution: STDs are infections
transmitted through sexual contact.
Preventive measures include the use
of condoms and maintaining a
monogamous relationship.

6. Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)

• Techniques:
o In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF): Fertilization
outside the body; “test-tube babies.”
 o Artificial Insemination (AI): Sperm is
artificially introduced into the female
reproductive tract.
o Gamete Intra-Fallopian Transfer
(GIFT): Transfer of gametes into
fallopian tubes.
o ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm
Injection): Sperm directly injected into
egg.
• Benefits and Challenges:
o ART helps couples with infertility but
may have high costs and ethical
concerns.
• PYQ:
o Q: Explain any two techniques of
Assisted Reproductive Technologies
(ART). (2023, 3 marks)
o Solution:
 1. IVF: Process where fertilization
occurs in a laboratory setting, and
the embryo is later transferred to
the uterus.
2. GIFT: Transfer of male and
female gametes directly into the
fallopian tube, increasing chances
of fertilization.

7. Infertility and its Causes

• Definition: Inability to conceive after one
year of regular unprotected intercourse.
• Causes: Hormonal imbalance, blocked
fallopian tubes, low sperm count, lifestyle
factors.
• Treatment Options: ART methods,
medications, counseling.
• PYQ:
o Q: Define infertility and list two
common causes in humans. (2017, 2
marks)
o Solution: Infertility is the inability to
conceive after regular unprotected
intercourse for a year. Common causes
include hormonal imbalance and
lifestyle factors such as stress and
obesity.