Module 4 Fertilization to Birth

Lesson 4—Reproductive Technologies: Enhancing or Reducing Fertility, Monitoring Development and Use in Parturition

 

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Humans have been trying to control their reproductive potential for thousands of years. Some of the earliest known reproductive technologies were contraceptive practices dating back to 1550 BC. “According to an ancient medical manuscript called the Ebers Papyrus (1550 BC), women were advised to grind together dates, acacia (a tree bark), and a touch of honey into a moist paste, dip seed wool into the sweet gel and place it in the vulva. As primitive as this sugary mix appears, it was usually effective. Acacia eventually ferments into lactic acid, a well known spermicide.” This quote, along with a host of additional contraceptive information and displays, are at ‘The History of Contraception Museum’, just outside of Toronto, Canada. The museum, which is world renowned and one of a kind, boasts to have over 600 different forms of contraceptives.

Reproductive technology now includes much more than just contraceptives. In this lesson, reproductive technologies are divided into three broad groups: enhancing or reducing fertility, monitoring development, and use in parturition. Far more technologies are available to study than could be dealt with in this lesson or course alone.

 

It seems that as humans we are quite concerned as to the right timing of fertility. The possibility of having an offspring when an individual is not ready has also driven much research into reducing reproductive potential. In fact, as mentioned above, some of the oldest research is in controlling reproductive potential.

Some of the technologies that reduce reproductive potential are abstinence, tubal ligation, vasectomy, physical and chemical barriers, and natural family planning. Contraceptive hormone treatment, another variety of technology that reduces the possibility of conception, was used by Sarah, when she went on the ‘pill’, and then again when both she and Sam were placed on the hormone ‘Clomid’.

Technologies that enhance reproductive potential are some of the most advanced of all the assisted reproductive technologies used. As sterility or infertility can happen for a wide range of reasons, and the desire for couples and individuals to have children is so strong, much research and advancement has gone into creating fertility enhancing technologies. Some technologies such as artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization, surrogate mothers, ovulation test kits, and superovulation all assist in trying to bring forth a new offspring.

 

Before conception, technologies such as at-home fertility test kits may help a couple determine their reproductive potential, and determine the optimal time to try conceiving. Another of the first technologies used is a take-home pregnancy test that test pregnancy hormone levels in a woman’s urine; these can be purchase in most local drug stores. More formal urine and blood tests done through a medical laboratory should follow in order to confirm fertilization, as did Jane and John.

 

Once conception has successfully occurred, other technologies are needed to monitor the events of embryonic and fetal development. After fertilization has been established, there are many technologies that can be used to monitor the development of the embryo and fetus. The following tests are used to monitor the development: Ultrasonography (including regular ultrasound, 3D and 4D ultrasound) are, and have been widely used for over 50 years to monitor embryonic and fetal development. Fetal surgery is a last resort option technology used to treat certain life-threatening congenital abnormalities. Other technologies that can be used to understand genetic conditions of the fetus are cordiocentesis (fetal blood sampling), amniocentesis, and chorionic villi sampling. The last two technologies will both be discussed further in Unit C.

 

Finally, reproductive technologies that will also be examined are those that can be used in parturition. One such technology has already been discussed, that of a C-section childbirth. When it is time to deliver the baby, various technologies are used to assist with the birthing process. These include induction medication (oxytocin drip), fetal heart monitor, epidural, episiotomy, forceps, and suction, among others.

 

Needed shortly after childbirth, another reproductive technology that is often used was addressed in Biology 20. In the study of the Rh System is the use of an anti-Rh antibody that is given to a mother within 72 hours of after childbirth if she was Rh- and the fetus being born was Rh+. “The anti-Rh antibodies in the injection attack any of the baby’s red blood cells in the mother’s blood before these cells can stimulate her immune system to produce her own antibodies. This procedure will not help if the woman has already begun to produce antibodies. Thus, the timing of the injection is crucial.”

 

Turn to page 297 of your textbook and examine Figure 8.31.

The Fertility Case Study couples had to use a number of the reproductive technologies mentioned above. As the fertility doctor for the remaining two couples, Sarah and Sam, and Don and Dina, who have not been successful in having a positive fertilization test, you now need to discuss with your patients their options to having the family they so desire.

 

This lesson will take approximately 80 minutes.

 

Module 4: Lesson 4 Assignment

 

There is no assignment for this lesson. The information from this lesson will be assessed in your module assessment.

Here is a tutorial video for this lesson that you can watch if it suits your learning style. Bio30 tut#2.4.4 Medical Use of Hormones

 

** The Self-Check and Try This questions in this lesson are not marked by the teacher; however answering these questions will help you review important information and build key concepts that may be applied in future lessons. You can respond to these mentally, write out your response, or record your answer in any other way that works for you.