2.3 Flashcards
How do males and females differ in their fertility over the course of each month?
Men have continuous fertility and so are fertile at all times of the month.
Women have cyclical fertlity and therefore have a fertile period of the month.
Give two ways in which you can identify the fertile period in females
- cervical mucus becomes less viscous
- a woman’s body temperature inceases following ovulation, which can be measured using a thermometer
In the treatment of fertility problems, how can ovulation be stimulated?
ovulation can be stimulated by drugs that mimic the action of FSH and LH. Ovulation can also be stimulated by drugs that prevent the negative feedback effect of oestrogen on FSH release.
What are the risks of stimulating ovulation in fertility treatment?
drugs that stimulate ovulation can cause super ovulation, resulting in multiple births.
What is artifical insemination?
a fertility treatment that involves sperm being injected directly into the uterus.
When is artifical insemination used in fertility treatment?
when the male has a low sperm count
When might a sperm donor be used?
if the male partner is sterile
What is ICSI and when is it used?
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)is a method to aid fertility by directly injecting a sperm cell into an ovum. It is used in IVF or when the issue behind fertility is to do with sperm count or sperm viability
Break down the process of IVF into 4 stages
Stage 1 - the woman is given hormonal treatment (FSH and LH) to stimulate ova maturation.
Stage 2 - the mature ova are surgically removed and fertilised with sperm.
Stage 3 - the zygotes are then incubated until an embryo develops.
Stage 4 - one or multiple embryos are then implanted into the woman’s uterus in the lab.
What is pre-implantation genetic screening?
a non-specific approach that checks the embryo for single gene disorders and common chromosomal abnormalities in general.
How can pre-implantation genetic diagnosis be utilised in the process of IVF?
this can be used to identify single-gene disorders and chromosomal abnormalities prior to implantation
Give 5 examples of physical methods of contraception
condoms, intrauterine devices (IUD), diaphragm, spermicidal lubricant, female condoms
What is a condom?
a rubber sheath that fits over the man’s penis or female condoms can be worn inside the vagina.
What is the diaphragm?
a dome-shaped rubber cap that is inserted into the women’s vagina to block the cervix before the act of sexual intercourse.
What is the cervical cap?
a rubber structure that fits tightly round the cervix and can be left in position for a few days.
