Response Task 2

• What is the primary cause of male infertility?

  Failure of the testes to produce normal sperm
• What are some factors contributing to male infertility?

  Low sperm count, poor sperm movement, abnormally shaped sperm, genetic abnormalities, infections, trauma, cancer treatment
• What is azoospermia?


  No sperm in ejaculate
• How can blocked sperm tubes affect male fertility?

  They prevent sperm from being ejaculated
• What hormonal deficiencies can lead to male infertility?

  Deficiencies due to pituitary gland issues
• What lifestyle factors can contribute to male infertility?

  Smoking, drug use, chronic diseases, and environmental exposures
• What is Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)?

  A type of Assisted Reproductive Technology where a single sperm is injected into an egg
• Why is ICSI considered appropriate for male infertility issues?

  It directly addresses low sperm quality by bypassing problems related to sperm movement or shape
• What ethical concerns are associated with genetic screening in ART?

  Privacy concerns, disparities due to cost, and potential misuse for "designer babies"
• How might the Dobbs decision impact ART practices?

  It could criminalize aspects of IVF, such as discarding genetically abnormal embryos
• What is Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) and its symptoms?

  OHSS is a risk associated with IVF, with symptoms ranging from mild abdominal pain to life-threatening conditions
• What triggers Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)?

  It is triggered during ovulation induction when hormone injections stimulate the ovaries to release multiple eggs
• What is the definition of infertility?

  The inability of a couple to conceive after 12 months of unprotected intercourse
• What is Artificial Insemination by Donor (AID)?

  AID involves placing sperm from a donor into the female reproductive tract
• Why might AID be chosen by couples?

  When the male partner has no viable sperm or a genetic disorder
• What does In-vitro Fertilisation (IVF) involve?

  Extracting eggs from a woman’s ovaries, fertilizing them in a lab, and implanting the embryo into the uterus
• When is IVF considered suitable?


  For women with blocked fallopian tubes, men with low sperm count, or unexplained infertility
• What is Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT)?

  GIFT involves mixing sperm and eggs and placing them directly into a woman’s fallopian tubes
• Why might couples prefer GIFT?

  They wish for fertilization to happen naturally inside the body
• What is the purpose of Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)?

  To assist fertilization by injecting a single sperm directly into an egg
• When is ICSI used?


  When the male has severe sperm issues, such as low sperm count or poor motility
• What does using a donor egg or embryo involve?

  Using an egg or embryo from a donor for fertilization
• Why might donor eggs or embryos be chosen?

  When the female partner cannot produce viable eggs
• What is surrogacy?


  When another woman carries a pregnancy for the intended parents
• Why is surrogacy chosen?

  When the intended mother is unable to carry a pregnancy
• What are the applications of ART?

  • Artificial Insemination: Useful in male infertility or genetic issues.
  • IVF: Used for blocked fallopian tubes, sperm quality issues, or unexplained infertility.
  • GIFT: Preferred for natural in-body fertilization.
  • ICSI: Chosen for severe male fertility problems.
  • Donor Egg/Embryo: Used when a woman’s eggs are not viable.
  • Surrogacy: Applied when the intended mother cannot carry a pregnancy.
• What are the disadvantages of ART?


  • Artificial Insemination: Lower success rates than IVF, limited to cases where sperm can function naturally.
  • IVF: Expensive, risk of multiple births, emotionally taxing.
  • GIFT: Requires laparoscopy, uncertain fertilization rates.
  • ICSI: Risk of fertilizing genetically abnormal sperm.
  • Donor Egg/Embryo: Emotional and legal challenges.
  • Surrogacy: Legal complications and emotional strain.
• What are the supporting arguments for and against ART?

  Supporting Arguments for ART:

  • Helps couples with infertility fulfill their dreams of having a child.
  • Supports same-sex couples.
  • Allows genetic screening to reduce inherited disorders.

  
  

  Supporting Arguments Against ART:

  • Ethical concerns regarding "designer babies."
  • Religious opposition.
  • Concerns about the welfare of the child born through these technologies.
• What are the ethical issues surrounding genetic screening?

  • Potential for eugenics and selection of embryos based on desired traits.
  • Commodification of reproduction.
  • Concerns about "playing God" and deciding which lives are worth living.
• What is the difference between gestational and traditional surrogacy?

  • Gestational Surrogacy: The surrogate carries a baby conceived through IVF; no genetic relation to the surrogate.
  • Traditional Surrogacy: The surrogate’s egg is used; the surrogate is genetically related to the child.
• What is the genetic similarity in gestational surrogacy?

  The child has no genetic connection to the surrogate
• What is the genetic similarity in traditional surrogacy?

  The child is genetically related to the surrogate