Fertility Flashcards
What are the reasons for female infertility?
-Ovaries may fail to produce eggs
-Oviducts blocked or twisted (sperm can’t reach egg)
-STI’s
-Lining of uterus doesn’t develop properly
-Vagina itself is a hostile environment for sperm (acidic)
What are the reasons for male infertility?
-STI’s
-Impotence (erectile dysfunction)
-May not produce enough sperm/may not have healthy sperm
What is super-ovulation?
Stimulation of ovary to produce several eggs (releasing more than two at a time)
If a woman is given fertility drugs (hormones), what happens? What do they affect?
They are given to a woman and they affect her OVARIES, STIMULATING super-ovulation.
Will super-ovulation work if the oviducts are blocked? If not why?
No. It will still release eggs but sperm cannot reach the egg.
What happens in stage 1 of IVF?
The injection of hormones: fertility drugs cause many ova to develop at the same time. This stimulates ovulation.
What happens in stage 2 of IVF?
The ova are collected surgically with a suction device and placed in a Petri dish.
What happens in stage 3 of IVF?
A sample of semen is collected.
What happens in stage 4 of IVF?
The ova and sperm are mixed and fertilisation takes place and the nuclei fuse together.
What happens in stage 5 of IVF?
The ova are checked to make sure that have been fertilised, are growing well (right size) and are a the correct stage of development. They will see the embryo as a result of cell division.
What happens in stage 6 of IVF?
When the fertilised ova have divided to form of cells, they are placed in the woman’s uterus lining.
Hormones are used twice during the IVF process, how?
- To stimulate super-ovulation (oestrogen).
- To ensure the lining of the uterus is thick enough to receive the fertilised egg (oestrogen & progesterone).
The ova are checked before they are implanted, can you think of any ethical issues associated with this process?
Embryos can be discarded.
Why are more than one embryo implanted?
To increase the chance of pregnancy/successful attachment to uterus lining built up.
What are the risks of IVF?
-Multiple births
-Higher risk of premature birth
What are the names of the 3 types of contraception?
Mechanical, chemical and surgical.
What is an example of the mechanical type of contraception? How does it work?
Male or female condom.
MALE: Acts as a barrier to prevent the sperm entering the woman.
FEMALE: Acts as a barrier to prevent the sperm passing up the female reproductive system.
What is the disadvantage of using a condom (mechanical) as a method of contraception?
-Unreliable if not used properly
-Expiration date
What are the advantages of using a condom (mechanical) as a type of contraception?
-Easily obtained
-Protects against sexually transmitted infections such as HIV leading to AIDS, chlamydia and gonorrhoea as some STIs can lead to infertility if untreated, for example chlamydia
What are the examples of chemical types of contraception?
A contraceptive pill or implants.
How does the contraceptive pill work?
It is taken regularly by the woman and prevents the ovaries from releasing eggs by changing hormone levels (contains hormones).
What are the advantages of using the contraceptive pill?
-Very reliable
-Helps clear acne
-Reduces menstrual pain
What are the disadvantages of using the contraceptive pill?
-Can cause some side effects such as weight gain, mood swings and may increase the risk of blood clots
-Woman needs to remember to take the pill daily for around 21 consecutive days in each cycle
-Do not protect against STIs
How do implants (chemical) work as a contraceptive method?
Small tubes about 4cm long that are inserted just under the skin in the arm and release hormones slowly over a long period of time to prevent the development and release of an egg.
What are the advantages of using implants (chemical)?
-Very reliable
-Can work for up to 3 years
What are the disadvantages of using implants (chemical)?
-Do not protect against STIs
-Can prevent menstruation from taking place
What are examples of a surgical type of contraception?
Vasectomy and female sterilisation.
What happens in a vasectomy?
The cutting of sperm tubes, preventing sperm from entering the penis.
What are the advantages of having a vasectomy or female sterilisation (surgical)?
-Virtually 100% reliable
-Very difficult or impossible to reverse
What is the natural method of contraception?
A couple will avoid intercourse for a few days BEFORE and AFTER ovulation.
Why can the natural method be ineffective?
As the female menstrual cycle is often irregular making it very difficult to know exactly when the egg is in the oviduct.
