Investigation Of Reproduction And Development In Animals

737 Words2 Pages

Investigation of Reproduction and Development in Animals

Cycles, Conception and Contraception

Fertility is the condition of being fertile. The aim of contraception is to

inhibit fertility in individuals, hence, slowing population growth. The system

by which all female contraception must operate: the menstrual cycle.

What is the menstrual cycle? and what hormones are involved in controlling it?

After puberty, the female produces an egg each month. Other changes take place

on a cyclic basis including the uterus lining and hormone levels. These changes

are called the menstrual cycle. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) from the

pituitary gland stimulates the growth of follicles in the ovary. Follicles

produce oestrogen that stimulates the pituitary to produce leutinising hormone

(LH). As LH increases the size of the follicle increases until an egg is

released. The corpus luteum formed in the follicle secretes progesterone that

prepares the lining of the uterus for pregnancy. If fertilisation does not occur

the lining of the uterus is discharged from the body in the process called

menstruation.

What is the birth control pill?

The combined oral contraceptive pill (the pill) is a reversable, hormonal

method of birth control. The pill consists of a mixture of two synthetic

hormones similar to oestrogen and progesterone, the woman’s natural hormones

which regulate the menstrual cycle. The pill is on of the most popular methods

of birth control.

How does it work?

The pill basically prevents ovulation, therefore, the ovaries can’t release a

mature egg. Without an egg for the sperm to fertilize , a woman cannot get

pregnant . The hormones also increase cervical mucus, making it difficult for

sperm to pass into the uterus.

How effective is the pill?

If used correctly, the pill is highly effective. It has a less than one percent

failure rate. However, because many people misuse it, the actual failure rate is

more like three percent. The pill does not provide protection against sexually

transmitted diseases.

How are pills used?

One pill must be swallowed at the same time every day. It is not any single

pill, but the day-to-day process of taking the pill which provides protection

against pregnancy.

What is infertility?

Infertility in humans and other species(animals) is the inability to concieve or

carry a pregnancy to a live birth. The causes of infertility can be identified

in some cases. The majority of cases relate to female factors (50%), 40% relate

to male factors and 10% aree unknown. Infertility sometimes may serve as a

combination of both male and female factors.

If the cause of infertility is known, treatment of some kind may be available.

In other cases a problem may disappear on its own and fertility is restored.

More about Investigation Of Reproduction And Development In Animals

Open Document