Question

Write explanatory notes on the following: (i) Sterilization (ii) Infertility.

Hint:

One is a deliberate, permanent contraceptive choice; the other is an unwanted medical condition with a range of causes.

Answer 1

Step 1: Sterilization, what it is.
Sterilization refers to surgical birth control methods that permanently block the passage of gametes, so fertilisation cannot happen. It is meant for couples who do not want any more children, since it is usually not easily reversible.

Step 2: Sterilization, the two procedures.
In males, the procedure is vasectomy, a small cut is made in the scrotum and each vas deferens (the tube carrying sperm) is cut and tied, so sperm can no longer reach the semen. In females, the procedure is tubectomy, where each fallopian tube is cut and tied, so the egg can no longer meet sperm or reach the uterus.

Step 3: Infertility, what it is.
Infertility is the inability of a couple to conceive a child even after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse. The cause can lie with either partner and includes physical, hormonal, functional, psychological, or congenital reasons.

Step 4: Infertility, how it is addressed.
Once the specific cause is diagnosed, treatment can range from correcting the underlying problem to using Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF), where fertilisation is done outside the body and the resulting embryo is transferred into the uterus.

Final Answer:
Sterilization (vasectomy in males, tubectomy in females) permanently blocks gamete transport for birth control, while infertility is the inability to conceive after a year of trying, treatable with methods including ART like IVF.