Animal Coordination, Control and Homeostasis

Drawbacks of Fertility Treatment

Considerations for individuals undergoing fertility treatment, including emotional and physical stress, low success rates and cost, risk of multiple births, and ethical concerns.

Infertility

The inability to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term due to various factors like hormonal imbalances, structural issues, or medical conditions.

Fertility Drugs

Medications like FSH and LH used to stimulate egg maturation and ovulation, aiding in fertility treatments such as IVF or AI.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

Procedure involving fertilizing eggs with sperm in a lab setting and transferring resulting embryos into the uterus, recommended for fertility issues like blocked oviducts or sperm-related problems.

Artificial Insemination (AI)

Procedure inserting sperm directly into the uterus or cervix, with hormone-containing fertility drugs sometimes used, having a success rate of around 10-15% per cycle.

Hormonal Contraception

Methods like the Pill, Patches, and Implants that alter hormonal balance to prevent pregnancy, with positive effects in preventing fertilization but negative effects like weight gain and mood changes.

Barrier Methods

Contraceptive methods like condoms, femidoms, and diaphragms that prevent fertilization by blocking sperm from reaching the egg, with varying effectiveness and protection against STIs.

Condoms

A barrier contraceptive method that is placed on the penis to prevent sperm from entering the female reproductive tract. This 95% effective and provides protection against sexually transmitted infections

Diaphragms

A barrier contraceptive method that is inserted into the vagina before sex. This covers the cervix to prevent sperm from entering. This is 92-96% effective but increases risk for cystitis and does not protect against STIs

Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)

Devices like coils that prevent embryo implantation by releasing copper, fitted by healthcare providers and affecting cervical mucus to deter sperm.

Spermicidal Agents

Kill or disable sperm, preventing fertilization. While effective, some individuals may be allergic to them

Hormones in the Menstrual Cycle

Hormonal interactions during the menstrual cycle, including the roles of FSH, LH, estrogen, and progesterone in stages like egg maturation, ovulation, and uterus lining maintenance.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

A hormone in the menstrual cycle that is released mainly during day 14. It is a key in ovulation.

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

A hormone in the menstrual cycle that is released mainly during 2-3 days. It is a key in egg maturation

Estrogen

A hormone in the menstrual cycle that is released mainly during days 4-15. It is key in growing uterus lining and ovulation

Progesterone

A hormone in the menstrual cycle that is released during days 15-27. Key in maintaining uterus lining and at the end of the menstrual cycle.

FSH and LH

Hormones that are inactive during pregnancy.

Estrogen and Progesterone

Hormones that remain in high levels during pregnancy. These maintain the uterus lining and stimulate breast growth and milk duct development.

Reproductive Hormones in Puberty

Testosterone in males and estrogen in females, driving changes like secondary sex characteristics and sex cell production during adolescence, essential for growth, puberty, and fertility.

Kidney Failure

Condition where the kidneys are unable to filter waste products, leading to toxin accumulation in the body.

Dialysis

Treatment for kidney failure involving the use of a machine to filter blood outside the body, balancing salt and glucose concentrations.

Osmoregulation

The process by which organisms regulate the balance of water and solutes in their bodies to maintain a stable internal environment.

Countercurrent System

Method in dialysis where blood and dialysis fluid flow in opposite directions to maintain a concentration gradient for efficient waste removal.

ADH (Anti-Diuretic Hormone)

Hormone released by the pituitary gland that regulates water reabsorption in the kidneys, impacting urine concentration.

Dehydration

Condition triggering increased ADH release, enhancing water reabsorption in the kidneys and leading to concentrated urine.

Over-Hydration

Situation where less ADH is released, reducing water reabsorption in the kidneys and resulting in diluted urine.

Osmotic Challenges

Changes in urine composition due to factors like sweating, over-drinking, or high salt intake, affecting ADH release and urine concentration.

ADH Imbalances

Health issues arising from irregular ADH levels, such as diabetes insipidus or edema, highlighting the need for monitoring and treatment.