Reproductive Health
Understand the crucial aspects of maintaining reproductive well-being in society. This section highlights family planning methods, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and modern assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like IVF.

1. The method of directly injecting a sperm into ovum in Assisted Reproductive Technology is called:
a. GIFT
b. ZIFT
c. ICSI
d. ET
Answer: c. ICSI
Explanation: ICSI is a specialized procedure where a single sperm is carefully injected directly into the cytoplasm of an ovum to ensure successful fertilisation. It is primarily used when there are severe male infertility issues, such as very low sperm count or poor motility.
2. Increased IMR and decreased MMR in a population will:
a. Cause rapid increase in growth rate
b. Result in decline in growth rate
c. Not cause significant change in growth rate
d. Result in an explosive population
Answer: c. Not cause significant change in growth rate
Explanation: Increased Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) causes a decline in population growth, while decreased Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) increases it. Because these two factors pull the population growth rate in opposite directions, they balance each other out and do not cause a significant overall change.
3. Intensely lactating mothers do not generally conceive due to the:
a. Suppression of gonadotropins
b. Hyper secretion of gonadotropins
c. Suppression of gametic transport
d. Suppression of fertilisation
Answer: a. Suppression of gonadotropins
Explanation: Intense lactation stimulates high prolactin levels, which in turn strongly suppress the release of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus. This prevents the secretion of LH and FSH, effectively halting ovulation and the menstrual cycle, a condition known as lactational amenorrhea.
4. Sterilisation techniques are generally fool proof methods of contraception with least side effects. Yet, this is the last option for the couples because:
i. It is almost irreversible
ii. Of the misconception that it will reduce sexual urge
iii. It is a surgical procedure
iv. Of lack of sufficient facilities in many parts of the country
Choose the correct option:
(a) i and iii
(b) ii and iii
(c) ii and iv
(d) i, ii, iii and iv
Answer: (d) i, ii, iii and iv
Explanation: While surgical sterilisation is highly effective, couples avoid it because the procedure is almost irreversible and requires clinical facilities. Additionally, it involves surgical intervention and is surrounded by false misconceptions regarding a reduction in sexual drive or performance.
5. A national level approach to build up a reproductively healthy society was taken up in our country in:
a. 1950s
b. 1960s
c. 1980s
d. 1990s
Answer: a. 1950s
Explanation: India was one of the first countries globally to initiate national-level action plans and programmes to attain total reproductive health as a social goal. These comprehensive family planning programmes were officially launched and implemented across the country starting in the year 1951.
6. Emergency contraceptives are effective if used within:
a. 72 hrs of coitus
b. 72 hrs of ovulation
c. 72 hrs of menstruation
d. 72 hrs of implantation
Answer: a. 72 hrs of coitus
Explanation: Emergency contraceptives, such as progesterone-only or combination pills, are specifically designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. To ensure maximum efficacy and prevent implantation, they must be administered no later than 72 hours following the coital act.
7. Choose the right one among the statements given below:
a. IUDs increase phagocytosis reaction in the uterus
b. IUDs suppress gametogenesis
c. IUDs once inserted need not be replaced
d. IUDs are generally inserted by the user herself
Answer: a. IUDs increase phagocytosis reaction in the uterus
Explanation: Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) act primarily by triggering a localized inflammatory response, which significantly increases the phagocytosis (cellular destruction) of sperms within the uterus. They do not suppress gametogenesis, require periodic replacement by doctors, and cannot be self-inserted by the user.
8. Following statements are given regarding MTP. Choose the correct options given below:
i. MTPs are generally advised during first trimester
ii. MTPs are used as a contraceptive method
iii. MTPs are always surgical
iv. MTPs require the assistance of qualified medical personnel
(a) ii and iii
(b) ii and iii
(c) i and iv
(d) i and ii
Answer: (c) i and iv
Explanation: Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) is considered relatively safe only up to the first trimester (12 weeks) and strictly requires qualified medical assistance to prevent serious complications. It is absolutely not meant to be used as a routine contraceptive method, nor is it always a surgical procedure.
9. From the sexually transmitted diseases mentioned below, identify the one which does not specifically affect the sex organs:
a. Syphilis
b. AIDS
c. Gonorrhea
d. Genital warts
Answer: b. AIDS
Explanation: While AIDS is transmitted sexually, the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) directly attacks the host's overall immune system rather than targeting the reproductive organs. In contrast, Syphilis, Gonorrhea, and Genital Warts primarily manifest localized symptoms directly on the male or female sex organs.
10. Condoms are one of the most popular contraceptives becuase of the following reasons:
a. These are effective barriers for insemination
b. They do not interfere with coital act
c. These help in reducing the risk of STDs
d. All of the above
Answer: d. All of the above
Explanation: Condoms are highly favoured as they safely block sperm entry (insemination) without disrupting the natural sexual act or requiring medical intervention. Furthermore, they are the only widely available contraceptive method that provides a dual benefit by significantly protecting the user against STDs.
11. Choose the correct statement regarding the ZIFT procedure:
a. Ova collected from a female donor are transferred to the fallopian tube to facilitate zygote formation.
b. Zygote is collected from a female donor and transferred to the fallopian tube
c. Zygote is collected from a female donor and transferred to the uterus
d. Ova collected from a female donor and transferrerd to the uterus
Answer: b. Zygote is collected from a female donor and transferred to the fallopian tube
Explanation: ZIFT stands for Zygote Intra Fallopian Transfer, a technique where an embryo at the zygote or early cleavage stage is placed directly into the fallopian tube. This specific placement allows the early embryo to naturally travel down the tract into the uterus for successful implantation.
12. The correct surgical procedure as a contraceptive method is:
a. Ovariectomy
b. Hysterectomy
c. Vasectomy
d. Castration
Answer: c. Vasectomy
Explanation: Vasectomy is a standard, safe terminal method of contraception in males where a small segment of the vas deferens is cut and surgically tied off. Ovariectomy, hysterectomy, and castration are major, invasive surgeries involving total organ removal and are not used as family planning methods.
13. Diaphragms are contraceptive devices used by the females. Choose the correct option from the statements given below:
i. They are introduced into the uterus
ii. They are placed to cover the cervical region
iii. They act as physical barriers for sperm entry
iv. They act as spermicidal agents
(a) i and ii
(b) i and iii
(c) ii and iii
(d) iii & iv
Answer: (c) ii and iii
Explanation: Diaphragms are reusable rubber barrier methods inserted into the female reproductive tract to physically cover the cervix during intercourse. They work by mechanically blocking the entry of sperms into the uterus, but they do not contain inherent spermicidal chemicals and must be placed correctly.
