Introduction
The research question undertaken in my research project is as follows: “Is infertility a norm, or could genetically modified (GM) foods be a factor?” According to Mark J. Perry (2013) the current infertility rate has increased immensely over the last two decades. As the concerns of infertility are globalized, it is pertinent that the cause of these increasing infertility rates to be uncovered. These rates could either be a norm due to contraceptives, and other natural causes of infertility in human organisms; however, the increased consumption of GM foods and the manipulation of the DNA structure of foods consumed could also be the possible result the increase in infertility rates. It is my intention to discover whether or not GM foods have contributed to the increase in the current infertility rate.
Infertility
Before the key factors of a fertile human organism is explained, it is vital to understand what infertility is.
The medical definition of infertility is the failure to conceive following twelve months of unprotected intercourse (World health organization, 2014). Fertility in males and females is made possible by several body processes, namely: Gametogenesis, Spermatogenesis, Oogenesis, the menstrual cycle, Meiosis, and finally fertilization. To fully understand the process of pregnancy in relation to each process, each will be fully discussed. The statistical decrease of fertility is shown below.
Graph showing the statistical decrease of fertility http://www.aei-ideas (2014, February 9)
Body:
Chromosomes
To fully understand fertility and infertility, the body processes involved in pregnancy must first be explained. The basis of any process in the body, are chromosomes, as seen below. According to Avise (1...
... middle of paper ...
...ies natural breeding that was an effective way of farming for decades, and has no proven assurance that there are no negative side effects in the future.
Conclusion
The advancement of technology has resulted in an increase of radiation in the atmosphere, which directly affects the fertility of males. The increased usage of contraceptives has caused many females to be temporarily infertile. GM foods however have been introduced more than a decade ago and could have the same effect on humans as it did on rats. The unnatural sequences of the DNA proteins have caused abnormalities in the endocrine system, and hormones are therefore not sufficiently secreted. The increase of GM foods have unknown future affects, and is currently slowly increasing the rate of infertility. In conclusion, I agree that infertility is a norm and GM foods are a definite factor.
(2520)
In summary, I have discussed how the sperm and egg reproduce to create new individuals. I have also described the challenges with the sperm trying to reach the egg to reproduce and how the egg only chooses the most optimal sperm for reproduction. Also, discussed how the protein affects reproduction and that they change over time since they are involved in reproduction. There is future research to gain more information on why there is sometimes reproductive failure. This new research will help a great deal in understanding why an egg and sperm cannot reproduce.
Infertility is the inability to conceive any children after 12 months of trying to conceive after having unprotected sex. The infertility condition can be present in both partners. The cause may be physical, including immature sexual organs, abnormalities of the reproductive system, hormonal imbalance, and dysfunction or abnormalities in other organ systems, or it may result from psychologic or emotional problems. There are treatments for men or women like drugs, assisted reproductive technology, in vitro fertilization (IVF), artificial insemination, and surgery.
Genetically modified food is a significant issue that America is currently dealing with; it has affected millions around the world. Genetically modified food is crops, plants, and animals whose DNA has been altered for agricultural and nutritional reasons. In the Alltime Conspiracies video, “How Dangerous Are GMO Food” he argues that GMOs can have budding effect on humans, and the more we consume the more damage that is being done to our DNA cells. The author Alltime Conspiracy begins building his credibility with personal facts plus highly regarded sources, citing credible facts and statistics,
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a complex series of procedures used to help those who want children but struggle with infertility. The process consists of extracting eggs from a woman and collecting a man’s sperm sample then manually combining them in a lab dish. Once the embryo(s) are created they are transferred to a woman’s uterus. IVF is commonly used in woman who cannot conceive on their own due to different reasonings. “These include but are not limited to blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, male factor infertility, woman with ovulation disorders, genetic disorders, woman who have had their fallopian tubes removed and unexplained infertility.” (American Pregnancy)
First, let’s define Infertility? Infertility is the inability to conceive from unprotected sex within a year. According to National Infertility Association(NIA), approximately 1 in 8 couples in the U.S-about 10-15% experience infertility. Infertility doesn’t discriminate against gender or race, therefore, it impacts both men and women equally, and that range from ages 15-50. In addition, any fertile individual could experience this condition, therefore, one can develop it later in life. This condition is shared by about 6 + million women in the U.S. and about 3-4.7 million men were diagnosed in with infertility, including 14% sperm/semen and 6% varicocele, which is an enlarged vein inside the male scrotum, pouch that holds the testicles of a male, therefore this blocks the blood from through the blood stream.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2.1 million married couples experience troubles with infertility. Infertility is defined as trying for over a year and not becoming pregnant for women under 35 and trying for six months for women over 35. The cause of the infertility is a male factor one third of the instances, female another third, ten percent of the cause is a combination of both male and female factors and the remaining twenty percent is not apparent. In vitro fertilization is a process that tries to eliminate the problems inherent in the mother and father. It involves an egg is fer...
It is assumed by most that we will all be able to grow up, fall in love, get married, and then have children of our own. This is not the lifestyle that all people choose, but it is still the view accepted by the majority of society. What happens when the unthinkable occurs and a happily married couple is unable to get pregnant? This is a reality for 7.1%, or 2.8 million, of the married couples in the United States (Lenox, 1999). Today, there are many people all over the world that decide to use fertility treatments to help them conceive a child, and this often leads to the birth of twins, triplets, or even higher order multiples. There are many risk factors that are involved in this type of pregnancy, and these issues have created a cloud of debate around this subject.
Fertilization is a very important aspect in a human life. Without fertilization, human cannot reproduce and no offspring will be produced. This means that the human race will be completely wiped out in more or less a century. So when there is a problem in the human fertility, it is very important to have a solution to overcome this problem.
Dr. David Brubaker of the Center for Livable Future at Johns Hopkins University said, “The way that we breed animals for food is a threat to the planet. It pollutes our environment while consuming huge amounts of water, grain, petroleum, pesticides and drugs. The results are disastrous.”
Storck, Susan, MD. "In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia." U.S National Library of Medicine. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 26 Feb. 2012. Web.
This has created a large amount of debate on local, national, and international levels about the safety of genetically modified foods to human health. There are many angles that have been taken from different groups on this issue. Some believe it is harmful to our health, with one source stating that, “mice eating GMO corn had fewer and smaller babies (Jagelio 2013).” Without testing on humans how are we to know these harmful effects aren’t impacting our health and reproduction. Other groups see GMOs as being both beneficial and having no impact on human health.
“Managing Infertility.” USNews.com. Stanford University Medical Center, 31 Mar. 2007. Web. 22 Mar. 2010. .
Consuming foods that have been genetically altered have serious health risks based on research done on rats by The American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM), an international organization of physicians. Risks include infertility, immune system problems, accelerated aging, disruption of insulin and cholesterol regulation, gastrointestinal problems and organ damage. Many AAEM physicians have prescribed non-GMO diets for all patients to improve health conditions. Jeffrey M. Smith, an advocate for non-GMO, says scientific research shows the link of GM food to thousands of sick, sterile, and dead livestock; thousands of toxic and allergic reactions in humans; and damage t...
This report explains genetically modified food (GMOs) and discusses the benefits and risks associated with the consumptions of GMOs. Genetically modified foods (GMOs) are foods that have been genetically altered using engineering techniques. The most common technique used today is called recombinant DNA technology; this technology combines different molecules from different plant species to create a plant with a new set of genes, a hybrid plant. Another recombinant DNA technology being used is recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST) an artificial growth hormone; this hormone is being fed or injected into cows to improve milk production. (ThefreeDictionary)
“Genetically modified foods are a "Pandora's box" of known and unknown risks to humans and the environment. They have been forced onto the American public by multinational biotech and agribusiness corporations without adequate oversight and regulation by the United States government (Driscoll, SallyMorley, David C).”Genetically Modified Food is food which has been chemically altered by scientists during the production process to give the food more nutrients, better appearance, and a longer shelf-life (Rich, Alex K.Warhol, Tom). The importance of this issue is that these GMO’s can actually have a negative effect in our society in general. It could mutate in a negative way and cause cancer or other diseases. Genetically modified food should be strictly controlled due to its various detrimental effects on the environment, human health, and potentially insect/animal effects.