1A How? Birth control pills contain estrogen and or progestin. These hormones are released in regulated amounts during the woman’s monthly cycle which prevents irregular periods. The estrogen and progestin in the birth control pill prevents LH and FSH from being produced. This prevents ovulation and produces a thinner endometrial lining and thus less painful periods. Why Irregular periods are brought on by fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone each month. Birth control pills release regulated amounts of estrogen/progesterone to smooth out the cycle each month. Painful periods are brought on by prostaglandin which causes the uterine lining to contract. The birth control pill causes the uterine lining to be less thick which will cause less pain and cramping.

1b 1% Student clearly stated one of the following: 1. The woman cannot get pregnant. 2. Increased chance of blood clots especially if she is a smoker. 3. Increased cancer rates (breast/uterine). 4. Weight gain. 5. Mood swings.

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3. 1. People are under-educated and lack birth control knowledge. 2. People lack money and cannot afford the cost of purchasing birth control. 3. There is a high infant mortality rate due to inadequate or non-existent medical technology so natality rate will be high for replacement purposes. 4. Cultural or religious values prevent the use of birth control methods.

4a Answer: Any two of the following: – 1. ovulation did not occur – 2. scar tissue in the oviducts – 3. endometriosis – 4. damaged eggs – 5. vagina is very acidic – 6. vas deferens are blocked

1b 1. monitoring ovulation times to select the best time for conception 2. changes in lifestyle such as dieting or strenuous exercise 3. hormonal supplements 4. surgery 5. removing environmental factors that can damage the eggs 6. adoption

1c Answer: Any two of the following: 1. superovulation 2. IVF 3. IVM 4. surrogate motherhood 5. artificial insemination

5 Adult stem cells are more readily available and in much larger quantities than embryonic stem cells. The sources are varied and much easier to extract. There are less ethical issues with using adult stem cells because when embryonic stem cells are used, the cell is no longer functional.

6 If a female’s menstrual cycle has stopped and metabolism has slowed then the pituitary gland (or anterior pituitary gland) is most likely damaged because it releases hormones that control these symptoms.

7 If the only form of human reproduction was asexual, then the human population would increase and there would be less variety among individuals, which could lead to the loss of gender. This could also lead to less desirable traits being more common in the population and therefore less adaptability by individuals.

8 Birth control pills can be used to treat menopause because they contain hormones that can replace the ones lost during menopause (or lessen the effects of menopause).

9 Already had puberty - menstrual cycle slowed / stopped / altered Not at puberty - delayed / prevented / stays the same.

10 sperm can live for days - menstrual cycle varies (from month-month) - difficult to monitor temp and vaginal discharge for release of eggs - stress, exercise, drugs, etc. may affect - diet