Human Reproduction Should Not be Controlled

Human Reproduction Should Not be Controlled

Humans have many ways in which to manage their own reproduction. They

can choose to prevent or assist fertilisation f an egg by a sperm. (1)

The artificial control of the menstrual cycle in females has two main

purposes:

Firstly as a contraceptive device by preventing ovulation and secondly

as a fertility device by stimulating ovulation. (2)

All human societies have at one time or another developed mechanisms

of birth control. The impact of too many children on the family,

tribe, or population has led to methods as diverse as infanticide and

the sophisticated pharmacology of the contraception. (4)

Contraception refers to the use of methods ort devices that prevent

conception. There are many contraceptive methods available including

physical barriers (such as condoms) that prevent egg and sperm ever

meeting. The most effective methods involve chemical interference in

the normal female cycle so that egg production is inhibited. (1)

Hormonal methods of birth control appear in many different forms and

are extremely popular. These include oral contraceptives, injections

and implants skin patches.

Combined oral contraceptives (Ocs)

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Hormones direct the process of ovulation. Oestrogen and progesterone

are 2 hormones that direct many of the processes surrounding the

menstrual cycle. Artificial analogues of these have proven an

efficient form of birth control. To prevent pregnancy a woman takes a

pill daily which contains both these hormones. This is the combination

pill or simply “the pill”. The oestrogen works by preventing an egg of

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...e effects and applications.

Word Count-1036

References:

1) www.rscbayarea.com/articles/infertil.html

2) Toole G and Toole S (1987) Understanding Biology for Advanced Level

Publishers: Stanley Thornes

3) www.youngwomenshealth.org/femalehormo1.html

4) Janet L. Hopson & Norman K. Wessells. (1990) Essentials of Biology.

International edition. McGray-Hill Publishing Company.

5) Contraception: Female Annual Report, December 2003, page 1, 22p

6) www.pdrhealth.com/context/rx_drugs/chapter/fgrx11.shtml

7) www.africa2000.com/BNDX/BAO238.htm

8) www.rand.org/publications/RB/RB5024/

9) Human Reproduction, April 2004, vol. 19, iss.4 pp.769-774(6) Oxford

University Press

10) www.womenssurgerygroup.com/conditions/Infertility/treatment.asp

11) www.mylifepath.com/bsc/hw_health_article.html