Class 12 Biology Chapter 3 Reproductive Health Solutions. Explore Class 12 Biology Chapter 3 Reproductive Health Solutions with NCERT questions and answers, important topics, and easy explanations to boost exam preparation and score better marks.

Class 12 Biology Chapter 3 Reproductive Health Solutions

A. Very Short Answer Questions (1 mark each)

1. What is reproductive health?

Ans: Reproductive health is a state of complete physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in all matters relating to the reproductive system.

2. Write two important measures for birth control.

Ans: (i) Use contraceptives and adopt a small-family norm. (ii) Observe the minimum legal age for marriage: 18 years for women and 21 years for men in India.

3. Name two methods of contraception.

Ans: Use of condoms and Copper-T (an intrauterine contraceptive device).

4. What substances are generally present in contraceptive pills?

Ans: Progestogens, or a combination of progestogen and oestrogen.

5. What is meant by the surgical method or sterilisation?

Ans: Sterilisation is a surgical procedure in which a part of the vas deferens in males or the fallopian tubes in females is cut or blocked to prevent fertilisation.

6. What is the male sterilisation procedure called?

Ans: Vasectomy.

7. What is medically induced abortion?

Ans: It is the intentional termination of pregnancy before the completion of gestation, carried out in accordance with applicable law.

8. Mention one disadvantage of surgical contraception.

Ans: It is intended to be permanent and may be difficult or impossible to reverse; therefore, future conception may not be possible.

9. Define population explosion.

Ans: Population explosion is a very rapid increase in the size of a population.

10. What is female sterilisation called?

Ans: Tubectomy.

11. What are the disadvantages of medically induced abortion?

Ans: (i) It is not legally permitted in every country or socially accepted in every community. (ii) It may involve ethical, social and religious controversies and emotional considerations.

12. Name the causative pathogens of the following sexually transmitted infections: syphilis, gonorrhoea, AIDS, hepatitis B and genital herpes.

Ans: Syphilis: Treponema pallidum. Gonorrhoea: Neisseria gonorrhoeae. AIDS: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B virus (HBV). Genital herpes: Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 or HSV-2). Note: The source gives an incorrect pathogen for genital herpes; human papillomavirus (HPV) causes genital warts and is not the cause of genital herpes.

13. Mention one method used to detect genetic abnormalities in a foetus.

Ans: Amniocentesis.

14. Write the full forms of ART, IVF, IUI, AI, IUT and ZIFT.

Ans: ART: Assisted Reproductive Technology. IVF: In Vitro Fertilisation. IUI: Intrauterine Insemination. AI: Artificial Insemination. IUT: Intrauterine Transfer. ZIFT: Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer.

Fill in the blanks

15. The lifespan of a human ovum is ______ hours.

Ans: 72”; this is generally incorrect for the lifespan of the ovum.

16. During vasectomy, a part of the ______ is removed or cut.

Ans: Vas deferens.

17. Ultrasound is a ______ technique.

Ans: Non-invasive.

18. Diseases transmitted through sexual contact are called ______ diseases. HS ’24

Ans: Venereal / sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

19. Cervical caps and diaphragms are used as ______ contraceptives.

Ans: Barrier methods.

20. Sterilisation is a ______ permanent method of contraception.

Ans: Irreversible.

B. Short-Answer Questions (2 marks each)

21. List the causes of population explosion.

Ans: (i) A decline in the death rate. (ii) A decline in maternal mortality. (iii) A decline in infant mortality. (iv) An increase in the number of people entering the reproductive age group.

22. How does the Copper-T used by women act as an effective contraceptive?

Ans: Copper-T is an intrauterine contraceptive device. It releases copper ions, which reduce sperm motility and fertilising capacity. It also makes the uterine environment less suitable for fertilisation and implantation.

23. Mention some desirable characteristics of a contraceptive.

Ans: (i) It should be easy to use. (ii) It should be highly effective. (iii) It should have few or no side effects. (iv) It should not adversely affect the user’s sexual or reproductive health.

24. What are the symptoms of sexually transmitted infections?

Ans: (i) Itching in the genital or anal region. (ii) Discharge from the genital tract. (iii) Mild pain in the infected area. (iv) Swelling of the infected area.

25. Write measures for preventing sexually transmitted infections.

Ans: (i) Avoid sexual contact with unknown or multiple partners. (ii) Use condoms consistently during sexual intercourse. (iii) Seek timely advice from a qualified medical practitioner and complete the prescribed treatment when necessary.

26. What is meant by the natural method of birth control?

Ans: Natural contraception includes avoiding sexual intercourse during the fertile period of the menstrual cycle. In a typical 28-day cycle, the fertile period is often estimated around days 10–17, but cycle length and ovulation vary, so this estimate is not fully reliable.

27. What is intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)? Describe it.

Ans: In ICSI, a single sperm is injected directly into the cytoplasm of an ovum to achieve fertilisation. It may be used in certain cases of male-factor infertility, such as a very low sperm count or difficulty in sperm delivery. In artificial insemination, semen from the husband or a suitable donor is introduced into the female reproductive tract; this is a different procedure from ICSI.

28. What are the limitations of solving infertility problems?

Ans: These facilities are available only to a limited number of people. Emotional, religious and social concerns may also prevent some people from using such procedures.

C. Descriptive Questions (3–5 marks each)

29. What are the main objectives of the Reproductive and Child Health Care (RCH) programme?

Ans: (1) To create public awareness about various issues related to reproduction. (2) To provide government support for building a reproductively healthy society. (3) To use mass media, such as television, radio and newspapers, along with government and non-government organisations, to spread awareness of reproductive-health issues and care. (4) To dispel myths and misconceptions about reproduction and sexuality; provide scientific education about reproductive organs; and educate people about the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections, including AIDS. (5) To promote a healthy individual and society and encourage family planning by educating people about: (i) the benefits of available contraceptive methods; (ii) care of the mother and child after childbirth; (iii) the importance of breastfeeding; and (iv) equal care and benefits for girls and boys. (6) To raise awareness of the dangers associated with uncontrolled population growth and social problems related to sexuality, including sexual abuse and sexual exploitation.

30. What is the test-tube baby technique? Describe it.

Ans: In the test-tube baby technique, an ovum is collected from the woman or a donor, and sperm are collected from her partner or a donor. The ovum and sperm are brought together under suitable laboratory conditions to form a zygote. The resulting embryo is then transferred to the female reproductive tract. In ZIFT, a zygote or early embryo at up to the 8-blastomere stage is transferred into the fallopian tube. An embryo beyond this stage is generally transferred into the uterus by intrauterine transfer (IUT), where it may implant and continue developing.

31. What measures are necessary for the successful implementation of reproductive-health programmes?

Ans:

(i) Adequate infrastructure.

(ii) Skilled and knowledgeable doctors and other healthcare workers.

(iii) Facilities for treating people with sexually transmitted infections.

(iv) Strict legal measures to prevent the misuse of techniques for sex-selective abortion.

(v) Immunisation of children.

(vi) Adequate arrangements for childbirth under medical supervision and for postnatal care of the child.

32. Why is medically induced abortion performed?

Ans: Medically induced abortion is the intentional termination of pregnancy before its completion, in accordance with applicable law. It may be used to end an unwanted pregnancy, including one resulting from contraceptive failure or sexual assault, and may be necessary in certain circumstances when continuing the pregnancy poses a serious risk to the pregnant woman or foetus.

33. Explain five valid reasons for introducing sex education among school students.

Ans:

(i) It helps prevent students and young people from becoming victims of myths, superstitions and misconceptions about sexuality.

(ii) It gives students accurate knowledge of reproductive organs and the changes associated with puberty. Information about safer sexual practices and sexually transmitted infections, including AIDS, helps young people protect their reproductive health.

(iii) Awareness of sexual harassment and related social problems can help people recognise, prevent and address such behaviour.

(iv) Appropriate sex education enables students to discuss these matters openly and seek reliable information.

(v) Providing sex education at school can contribute to building a responsible, informed and healthy society.

D. Possible Questions and Answers (Reproductive Health Solutions)

1. Write some problems related to reproduction.

Ans: Pregnancy and childbirth, sexually transmitted infections, abortion, contraception, menstrual problems and infertility.

2. What characteristics should an ideal contraceptive have?

Ans: It should be convenient to use, readily available, highly effective, reversible, free from significant adverse effects and should not interfere with sexual activity.

3. What are the natural methods of contraception?

Ans: Natural methods aim to prevent sperm and ovum from meeting. Examples include periodic abstinence (avoiding sexual intercourse during the fertile period) and the lactational amenorrhoea method during breastfeeding.

4. Why is lactational amenorrhoea considered a contraceptive method for only about six months?

Ans: During exclusive or near-exclusive breastfeeding, ovulation and menstruation may be suppressed, reducing the chance of pregnancy. This effect is time-limited and depends on specific conditions; after about six months, or when breastfeeding patterns change or menstruation returns, another contraceptive method is needed.

5. What is infertility, and why is it important in reproductive health?

Ans: Infertility is the inability of a couple to achieve pregnancy despite regular, unprotected sexual intercourse for an appropriate period. It is an important reproductive-health issue because many couples experience infertility due to physical, reproductive, infectious or psychological factors.

6. “Removing the reproductive organs cannot be an alternative method of contraception.” Why?

Ans: Contraceptive methods are used to prevent unintended pregnancy and, in some cases, sexually transmitted infections. Methods include natural, barrier, hormonal, intrauterine and surgical methods. Removing reproductive organs is not an appropriate routine contraceptive method: it is major and potentially irreversible, may cause serious health consequences and may disrupt normal hormone production. Contraception generally aims to prevent fertilisation or pregnancy without unnecessarily removing reproductive organs.

7. What measures should be taken to avoid sexually transmitted infections?

Ans: Sexually transmitted infections can spread through sexual contact with an infected person. Awareness and accurate education, particularly among adolescents, can help reduce risk. Condoms should be used correctly and consistently during sexual intercourse. Avoid sexual contact with unknown or multiple partners, seek prompt medical advice if infection is suspected, and complete the prescribed treatment.

N.B. If you find Class 12 Biology Chapter 3 Reproductive Health Solutions helpful. please share your feedback with us.

Some Educational Guide Books:

1. Class 12 Biology Concept Summary
2. Class 12 Biology Mind Map
3. Class 12 Alternative English Solutions
4. Class 12 English Solutions
5. Class 12 Anthropology Solutions
6. Class 12 Home Science Solutions
7. Class 12 Employability Skills Solutions
8. Class 12 Automotive Solutions
9. Class 12 General Studies Solutions