Reproductive Health

ZIFT transfers the zygote or embryos up to 8 blastomeres into the fallopian tube; IUT transfers embryos with more than 8 blastomeres into the uterus

Step 1: In IVF (Test Tube Baby programme), fertilisation occurs outside the body and an embryo is formed in the laboratory. Step 2: ZIFT stands for Zygote Intra Fallopian Transfer — the zygote OR early embryos with UP TO 8 BLASTOMERES are transferred into the FALLOPIAN TUBE. Step 3: IUT stands for Intra Uterine Transfer — embryos with MORE THAN 8 BLASTOMERES are transferred directly into the UTERUS. Step 4: The logic behind this distinction: early embryos (up to 8-cell stage) are placed in the fallopian tube to mimic natural development. More developed embryos are placed directly into the uter

Using foetal cells to determine sex of the unborn child followed by MTP if female

Step 1: Amniocentesis is a legitimate foetal diagnostic procedure where amniotic fluid is taken to analyse foetal cells and dissolved substances. Step 2: Its LEGAL uses include detection of genetic disorders like Down syndrome, haemophilia, sickle-cell anaemia, and to determine the survivability of the foetus — these are OPTIONS A, C, and D. Step 3: The MISUSE highlighted in the NCERT text is using amniocentesis to determine the SEX of the unborn child. Step 4: If the foetus is found to be female, it is frequently followed by MTP (female foeticide) — this is illegal and the government has impo

Genital herpes

Step 1: The NCERT text explicitly states that EXCEPT for hepatitis-B, genital herpes, and HIV infections, other STIs are completely curable if detected early and treated properly. Step 2: This means gonorrhoea (Option A), chlamydiasis (Option B), and trichomoniasis (Option D) are ALL completely curable with early detection and proper treatment. Step 3: The three incurable/difficult-to-cure STIs mentioned are: Hepatitis-B, Genital Herpes, and HIV. Step 4: Among the given options, only GENITAL HERPES (Option C) belongs to the group of STIs that cannot be completely cured. Step 5: Gonorrhoea, chl

Cases where fertilisation fails to occur even when sperm and egg are placed together in vitro

Step 1: It is important to distinguish between different ART techniques and their specific indications. Step 2: GIFT (Gamete Intra Fallopian Transfer) — for females who cannot produce ova (Option A). Step 3: ZIFT/IUT — for females with blocked fallopian tubes or implantation issues (Option B). Step 4: AI (Artificial Insemination) — specifically for males who cannot inseminate or have very low sperm counts (Option C). Step 5: ICSI is a highly specialised procedure where a SINGLE SPERM is directly injected INTO the ovum (egg) in the laboratory. This is used when fertilisation cannot occur natura