Human Reproduction

Peer-Reviewed Journal Article

In this article, the writers talk about the effects of obesity on male infertility. Many people have associated obesity with cardiovascular problems without considering that it can also affect a man’s reproductive capability. Reis and Dias write, “Obesity may adversely affect male reproduction by endocrinologic, thermal, genetic and sexual mechanisms” (780). Men suffering from obesity experience a reduction in sperms, however, more research about this phenomenon continues to raise questions and concerns in the scientific field. Infertility associated with obesity is treated through weight loss. This also guarantees hormonal balance. The writers insist that patients should be given the right information about fertilization. Patients deserve to know both benefits and risks involved in obesity-related fertility problems and treatment. Thorough consultation and research should be done concerning this subject. I chose this article because it is a peer-reviewed article and talks about human reproduction, which is a biological topic.

Scientific Textbook Chapter

This book is called ‘Human Reproductive Biology’ and chapter six discusses puberty in relation to reproduction. In this book, the authors talk about the differences that exist during human sexual development. The reproductive structures of men and women “develop from embryonic tissues that are initially sexually indifferent” (Jones and Lopez 138.). The Y chromosome determines whether the embryonic tissues develop into a male or female direction. The SRY gene influences the Y chromosome to develop into a testis while lack of the SRY genes leads to the development of the ovaries. The authors also say that human beings become reproductive once they have reached the age of puberty. They describe puberty as, “the transition period that takes a person from being a sexually immature child to a reproductively fertile adult” (Jones and Lopez 149). Fertility comes with the development of sexual organs in both males and females. Early puberty promises early sexual maturity. Females become fertile earlier than males because they experience puberty earlier than males. It is estimated that females hit puberty two years before the average male. Physical changes in both males and females include general growth and maturation of their body systems and tissues. They both become taller and heavier as they grow. Females develop breasts and males develop broad shoulders. Menstruation is the ultimate sign of puberty in females. Males experience deep voices and other physical changes to mark puberty.

“About Science” Article

In the article, “Regulating and treating conception problems”, the government has laid out measures to help childless parents. Nevertheless, these measures ensure that rules and regulations are strictly adhered to by the relevant bodies. The government banned, “human cloning, rent-a-womb contracts and the sale of human eggs and sperm” (CBCNews, “Regulating and treating conception problems”). Bill C-13 clearly distinguishes which practices are safe and which ones are prohibited. This is to ensure the safety of children and reproduction researches. The regulatory body established by the government under this Act ensures that principles are followed, and prohibitions are imposed. The article provides a summary of what is allowed and what is not allowed. Cloning human beings and stem cells, sex selection, changing human DNA and the trade of human reproductive material are strictly prohibited. These methods are considered inhumane, and their practices deny human beings their deserved dignity. However, the regulatory body allows surrogacy, donation of human reproductive material, “using embryos, sperm and eggs to assist conception and stem cells for research” (CBCNews, “Regulating and treating conception problems”). The article also looks into the different treatments for infertility using fertility medication and ‘Assisted Reproductive Technology’ or ART.

Work cited

CBCNews. “Regulating and treating conception problems.” Cbc.ca. 22 December 2010. Web. 30 July 2012.

Jones, Richard E, and Kristin H. Lopez. Human Reproductive Biology. Amsterdam: Elsevier Academic Press, 2006. Print.

Reis, Leonardo O. and Fernando Goulart. F. Dias “Male Fertility, Obesity and Bariatric Surgery.” Reproductive Sciences 19.8 (2012): 778-785. Print.