Herszon,+Phil

Phil Herszon

Assignment 1 1. Sex has become more liberal. Both men and women have gone from regarding it as a private, almost sanctimonious emotional experience to viewing it as something that is merely pleasurable and is almost meaningless, mentally speaking. Women give away their virginity much more liberally, and men don't feel the need to have a single partner or respect said partner. However, a benefit to come from this increased sexual freedom is that now the reproductive system and its intricacies are much more widely known. The general public has more knowledge about reproduction and what it entails; however, ignorance is still rampant in society, leading to many unnecessary pregnancies, diseases, controversies, and even deaths.

2. The complexity of the reproductive system inherently causes its success to be dependant on many different factors that may or may not be under a person's control. For example, if a man's sperm is not kept at the right temperature, the semen ejaculated during sexual intercourse may not be capable of fertilization. If any part of either reproductive system is not working at optimum functionality, reproduction is not likely to take place. Each link depends on the previous one, and if one of them breaks, the entire chain is lost.

Assignment 2 > Philippe Herszon > Period 3
 * 1) Norplant Presentation
 * 1) Norplant was developed in Finland by the Population Council. Manufactured by Leiras Oy Pharmaceuticals, its contract ran out on December 2006. Norplant was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1990 and sold from 1991 to 2002 (remaining units were available until 2004).
 * 2) Norplant is a hormonal contraceptive (uses progestin). It is not prescription based since it is administered once and is effective for up to 5 years.
 * 3) Six small but long capsules (about the size of matchsticks) are inserted subdermally in a fan-shaped spread. Progestin is continuously released through the tubules. Norplant prevents ovulation, thickens mucus in the cervix (preventing sperm from entering the uterus), and thins the endometrial, which prevents a fertilized egg from attaching in the uterus.
 * 4) Norplant is not currently sold in the U.S. The costs can vary from $500 to $750 without coverage, due to the fact that insertion and removal (which costs between $100 and $200) require minor surgery. However, due to its long-term effectiveness, it can be said to be more cost-effective than other monthly or daily contraceptives.
 * 5) There is no difference between perfect use and typical use, since the user takes no part in the administration of the implant (ignoring any accidental or willful damage to capsules - the set should be replaced imediately). Norplant is said to be one of the most reliable methods of contraception due to its continuous nature, and is 99% to 99.95% effective.
 * 6) Women with liver disease, breat cancer, or blood clots should not use Norplant, and women who are already pregnant or suffer from vaginal bleeding should consult with their doctor first if Norplant use is safe. Even though Norplant is effective for up to 5 years, the capsules can be easily removed (few cases involved complications) and pregnancy achieved, so this method is recommended for most situations. Due to the lack of estrogen, women who are older, smoke, or have high blood pressure can also utilize Norplant.
 * 7) Advantages: Highly reliable (%99 to %99.95); quickly inserted and easily removable; usually minor side effects; does not require action prior/during/after intercourse; can reduce the risk of some cancers/diseases, as well as ectopic pregnancies.
 * 8) Disadvantages: Not widely available; complications may occur with insertion/removal of implants; does not protect against STI's; usually more expensive due to its minor surgical nature; several possible side effects, including irregular/nonexistent menstrual periods, anxiety, weight gain, acne, and rashes.
 * 9) Bibliography: []; []; [].

Assignment 3

Ultrasound CVS Test Glucose screening and tolerance test Group B strep test Amniocentesis
 * 1) Taken from as early as 4 and a half weeks (gestational sac) to 12 weeks of gestation(determine the sex).
 * 2) Done at a hospital or anywhere that an ultrasound is available.
 * 3) Looks at the growing fetus to check for any abnormalities during pregnancy.
 * 1) Taken 10-13 weeks after the last period.
 * 2) Done at a hospital where the doctor can take a sample of amniotic fluid.
 * 3) Determines chromosomal or genetic disorders in the fetus.
 * 1) Done at 26-28 weeks (third trimester).
 * 2) Done by a doctor, usually in an office.
 * 3) Determines if there is a possibility of gestational diabetes.
 * 1) Done in between 35-37 weeks of gestation.
 * 2) A blood test is needed, so it is done at a hospital.
 * 3) Determines if the mother has Group B Strepptococcus, a bacterial infection in the digestive tract.
 * 1) Between weeks 16-20 of pregnancy.
 * 2) Done at a hospital, similarly to the CVS test.
 * 3) DNA from the amniotic fluid is observed to check for genetic disorders/abnormalities.