Understanding Reproductive Processes and Contraceptive Methods
Classified in Biology
Written at on 
English with a size of 3 KB.
Stages of Reproduction
The formation of gametes, fertilization in order to form the zygote, and the development of the embryo.
Ovarian Cycle
Oogenesis occurs regularly in women from puberty onwards, every 28 days, and takes place in 3 stages:
Follicular Phase
Lasts 14 days.
Ovulation
Consists of the release of an ovum through the ovary as a consequence of the production of the hormone LH by the hypophysis.
Secretory Phase
Once the ovum is released, the corresponding area transforms into a mass of cells that produces and secretes the hormone progesterone.
Fertilization
Takes place inside the female reproductive system, usually in the fallopian tubes. Every ejaculation expels more than 300 million sperm, but only one of them will fertilize the ovum. When sperm surround the ovum, they secrete certain substances that separate its cells. Next, after both gametes recognize each other, the sperm join in the pellucid of the ovum. When the first sperm penetrates the ovum's membrane, the nuclei of the gametes fuse. It is then that the zygote is formed. A protective cover is formed that stops other sperm from entering.
Contraceptive Methods
There are two groups: natural and artificial.
Natural Methods
- Basal Temperature: This method entails measuring a woman's temperature after ovulation.
- Ogino: Observing menstrual cycles for several months to calculate when ovulation takes place.
- Billings Method: Estimates the approximate time of ovulation by observing changes in the vaginal discharge from the cervix.
- Sympto-Thermal: A combination of the methods mentioned above.
- Coitus Interruptus: Removing the penis from the vagina before ejaculation.
Artificial Methods
- Barrier: Male condom, female condom, diaphragm (rubber cap at the uterus), IUD (copper and plastic device to incapacitate sperm).
- Chemical: Spermicides (substances that destroy sperm), hormone contraceptives (pills to stop ovulation), morning-after pill (high concentration of hormones to prevent implantation of the blastocyst), 5-day morning-after pill (similar to the one above).
- Surgical: Tubal ligation (fallopian tubes in females are cut and joined, making females permanently sterilized), vasectomy (the ductus deferens in males are cut and joined to prevent sperm from reaching the semen).
Diseases
Hepatitis B: Caused by the HBV virus, it causes fatigue and fever and can lead to serious liver damage and cancer.
Genital Herpes: Caused by the VHS virus, it results in painful blisters on the genitals and sometimes periodically recurring chronic infections.