Grade 12 Human Reproduction Part 8 Fertility and Infertility

Question 1

Define infertility:

Answer 1

Inability to achieve pregnancy after one year of unprotected intercourse

Question 2

What are the causes of male infertility?

Answer 2

• Damage to testes
• Low sperm count
• Poor sperm quality
• Blockage of sperm duct

Question 3

What are the causes of infertility in women?

Answer 3

• Ovulation problems
• Blocked oviducts (fallopian tubes)
• Hormonal imbalance
• STD’s
• Stress
• Age
• Uterine problems - Endometriosis - condition where uterine tissue develops in other organs outside of the uterus

Question 4

How can male infertility be treated?

Answer 4

1. Clear blocked ducts
2. LH and FSH hormone injections given, to correct incorrect male hormone levels.

Question 5

How can female infertility be treated?

Answer 5

1. Fertility drugs - orally or injected (causing release of hormone to trigger or regulate ovulation)
2. Surgican treatments e.g. unblocking fallopian tubes, removing fibroids and clearing endometriosis.
3. Assisted conception - AI and IVF

Question 6

What is AI / Artificial insemination?

Answer 6

• Sperm cells injected directly into the vagina during ovulation.
• Donor sperm cells form sperm bank may also be used - if man cannot produce.
• Sperm banks contain donated sperm - frozen in nitrogen liquid.
• Sperm cells stored until required for AI
• Donars tested for STD’s and HIV/Aids

Question 7

What is IVF (In vitro fertilisation)?

Answer 7

• In vitro - in glass
• Fertilisation occurs outside the body in a glass petri dish in a laboratory
• Method is used when woman’s fallopian tubes are blocked, but ovaries can still produce normal ova
• Expensive procedure

Question 8

Describe the IVF process:

Answer 8

• Hormonal treatment (FSH / LH) to stimulate production of ova
• **Ova harvested **and placed in special solution
• **Sperm **is obtained from husband / partner / donor
• Sperm and ova combined in glass petri dish
• Fertilisation occurs in the petri dish at a** temperature of +- 37 degrees Celsius**
• Observation of fertilised ova to confirm division of cells to form morulas (balls of cells)
• Morulas are inserted via cervix into uterus to increase chances of implantation
• Progesterone treament prepares uterus for implantation

Ethical questions re freezing of sperm…

Question 9

Describe the GIFT process:

Answer 9

• Gamete-Intra-Fallopian-Transfer
• Fertilisation occurs in the Fallopian tube whereas IVF outside of body in glass dish
• Gift is closer to natural process and cheaper than IVF
• Often used for male infertility
• Woman must have at least one functioning Fallopian tube
• Donor sperm cells and or donor ova may be used

Question 10

How can surgery be used to cure infertility?

Answer 10

• Reversal of vasectomy or tubal ligation.
• Low rate of success
• May include treament of conditions like endometriosis

Question 11

Define surrogacy:

Answer 11

When a woman carries and gives birth to a child on behalf of a childless couple.

Question 12

Explain the process of surrogacy:

Answer 12

• **Ova from biological mother are fertilised in vitro and implanted into the uterus of the surrogate mother. **
• OR AI is performed when the surrogate mother provides ova
• Surrogacy is possible solution for childless couples who have tried other treatmets to no avail
• Ethical issues when surrogate mother decides to keep the child
• Rights of child? Legal issues
• Financial gain for surrogate mother may also cause ethical issues
• 100% legal in SA and governed by complex set of guidelines to protect rights and well-being of the parties

Question 13

What legal framework is available in SA to protect the rights of the parties partaking in surrogacy?

Answer 13

1. **No surrogacy may commence unless High Court application granted for approval **
2. **Documents to court include: **
   * Psychological reports fro surrogate mother and commisioning parents
   * Medical reports for commissioning parents with proof that they are unable to achieve pregnancy themselves
   * Social worker’s report for surrogate and commissioning parents.
3. **May not be done for commercial gain. ** Only claim for loss of income and otehr expenses incurred as a direct result of surrogacy.
4. **Surrogate surrends all parental rights. **

Question 14

Complete Learning Activity 20 on pages 124 - 126 of your textbook.