4.4 Appreciating the Contribution of Science & Technology to
Human Reproduction
ContraceptionThe practice of preventing pregnancyInvolves the
use of devices / methods to prevent pregnancy
ContraceptionMethods used are based on the following
principles:Preventing ovulation (contraceptive pills)Preventing
sperms from fertilizing the ova (rhythm method, condoms, femidoms
& diaphragm)Killing the sperms (spermicides)
AbortionIntended removal elimination of embryo/foetus from the
womb The longer the pregnancy the higher the riskGoes against
religious belief & moral valuesSometimes necessary for medical
reason
Technology associated with reproduction
Artificial inseminationUsed by a couple when the man is
sterileSperms from donor are injected into the uterus of the woman
during ovulation without involving sexual intercourseAlthough
donors identity is not known to the wife & husband, the genetic
background & health of the donor are screened by specialist
In vitro fertilization (IVF)
Sperm BankSpecialized laboratory used to keep sperms given by
donorsFrozen sperm are kept in sperm bank
