Sexually Transmitted Infections and Infertility
Common STIs, prevention, and ART techniques such as IVF, ZIFT, GIFT and ICSI. (Biology › Reproductive Health, NEET UG syllabus.)
What is Sexually Transmitted Infections and Infertility?
Infections or diseases that are primarily transmitted from one person to another through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
Key points
- Define Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and list common types.
- Describe the causes, symptoms, and complications of major STIs.
- Explain methods for prevention and early detection of STIs.
- Define infertility and identify its potential causes.
Common exam trap
Confusing curable STIs with incurable ones.
Definitions
- Term
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
- Meaning
Infections or diseases that are primarily transmitted from one person to another through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
- Term
Infertility
- Meaning
The inability of a couple to conceive after at least one year of regular unprotected sexual intercourse.
- Term
In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)
- Meaning
A process where an egg is fertilised by sperm outside the body, in a 'test tube' or other culture dish, and then the embryo is transferred to the uterus.
- Term
Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer (ZIFT)
- Meaning
An ART procedure where a zygote or an early embryo (up to 8 blastomeres) is transferred into the fallopian tube.
- Term
Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT)
- Meaning
An ART procedure where ova and sperm are directly transferred into the fallopian tube of a female who cannot produce ova but can provide a suitable environment for fertilisation.
- Term
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
- Meaning
A specialised IVF procedure where a single sperm is directly injected into the cytoplasm of an ovum to achieve fertilisation.
- Term
Artificial Insemination (AI)
- Meaning
A procedure in which sperm is collected from the husband or a healthy donor and artificially introduced into the vagina or uterus of the female.
Learning objectives
Define Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and list common types.
Describe the causes, symptoms, and complications of major STIs.
Explain methods for prevention and early detection of STIs.
Define infertility and identify its potential causes.
Describe various Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) such as IVF, ZIFT, GIFT, ICSI, and AI.
Differentiate between the procedures and applications of different ARTs.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of human reproductive system anatomy and physiology.
Understanding of fertilisation and embryonic development.
Awareness of common diseases and their modes of transmission.
Common mistakes
Confusing curable STIs with incurable ones.
Believing that all STIs show immediate symptoms.
Misunderstanding the specific procedures and indications for different ARTs (e.g., ZIFT vs. GIFT).
Ignoring the importance of prevention and early detection for STIs.
Assuming infertility is solely a female problem.
Keywords
STI
VD
RTI
Gonorrhoea
Syphilis
Chlamydiasis
Genital Herpes
Hepatitis B
HIV/AIDS
Genital Warts
Trichomoniasis
Infertility
ART
IVF
ET
ZIFT
GIFT
ICSI
AI
Test-tube baby
Reproductive Health
Practice preview
Which of the following is a bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI)?…
easy
Which of the following is a primary method for preventing the transmission of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)?…
easy
What does the acronym IVF stand for in the context of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)?…
easy