1.
ABSTRACT
Define infertility: inability to conceive after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse.
Mentioning about the global and Indian context – rising cases due to lifestyle, environment, etc.
The project will cover types, causes (in males and females), effects, and treatment options.
Concluding with a note on how infertility, though sensitive, can be managed with medical and emotional
support.
2. THEORY
Primary Infertility : When a couple has never had a child despite trying for years.
Secondary Infertility : When a couple has had children before but is now unable to conceive.
Explaining about the reproductive cycle in brief (both male and female) to give scientific context.
Discussing how hormonal imbalances, ovulation failure, and sperm count/motility relate to infertility.
3. EFFECTS
a. Psychological Impact
Emotional distress, anxiety, depression, marital problems.
Pressure from society and family increases mental strain.
Infertility may affect self-esteem, especially for women in traditional cultures.
b. Social Impact
Stigma attached to childlessness in many communities.
Cultural beliefs blaming women more than men.
In some places, childless couples face exclusion from rituals or inheritance denial.
4. CAUSES
a. Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
Infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea can damage reproductive organs.
b. Genetic Causes
Chromosomal abnormalities (e.g., Turner syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome).
Genetic mutations that affect hormone production or organ development.
c. General Factors
Poor lifestyle: smoking, alcohol, obesity, stress, poor nutrition.
Delayed parenthood: reduced fertility with age (especially after 35 in women).
Environmental toxins: exposure to pesticides, plastics, radiation.
5. INFERTILITY IN FEMALES
Ovulation Disorders: PCOS, thyroid imbalance, early menopause.
Tubal Blockage: Due to infection, surgery, or endometriosis.
Uterine Issues: Fibroids, polyps, abnormal uterus shape.
Hormonal Problems: Disruption in FSH, LH, estrogen, progesterone.
Age: Female fertility declines significantly after 35.
6. INFERTILITY IN MALES
Low Sperm Count or Poor Sperm Quality : Most common reason.
Erectile Dysfunction or Ejaculation Disorders : Stress, neurological issues.
Hormonal Imbalances : Low testosterone levels.
Varicocele : Swelling in the veins of the scrotum.
Infections or Blockages : STIs, injury, or past surgeries.
a. Combined Infertility
When both partners have contributing factors.
b. Unexplained Infertility
When all tests are normal but conception still doesn’t happen.
7. TREATMENT
Lifestyle Changes : Diet, exercise, quitting alcohol/smoking.
Hormonal Therapy : For both men and women.
Medications : To induce ovulation (Clomid, Letrozole).
Surgical Treatments : Removal of fibroids, tubal repair.
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)
IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) : Egg and sperm combined outside, embryo implanted.
ICSI : A single sperm injected into egg (for very low sperm count).
IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) : Sperm directly inserted into uterus.
ZIFT & GIFT : Zygote/Gamete transferred to fallopian tube.
Donor Programs : Donor eggs/sperm for couples with poor gamete quality.
8. EFFECT ON THE POPULATION (Approx. 1 Page)
Increasing infertility affects birth rates, especially in urban populations.
Emotional burden leads to mental health problems.
Couples may delay treatment due to social stigma or lack of awareness.
Financial burden on families for ART procedures.
Inequality in treatment access – mostly urban privilege.
9. CONCLUSION
Infertility is common and should be normalized like other health issues.
Advanced technology offers hope, but awareness is key.
Support systems and counseling must be made available.
Adoption and surrogacy are great alternatives and should be encouraged.
10. REFERENCES
NCERT Biology Class 12 Textbook.
WHO (World Health Organization) guidelines on infertility.
Articles from WebMD, Mayo Clinic, NHS UK.
Research publications from medical journals.
ACKNOLEGMENT
The satisfaction that accompanies the successful completion of this
project would be incomplete without the mention of people, whose
ceaseless co-operation, made it possible, whose constant guidance
and encouragement crown all, efforts with success.
I would like to express my heartful gratitude to our respected
principal Brother Johnson V. George and Biology Teacher Mrs. Sweta
Sinha for giving me the golden, opportunity to do this project on the
topic “Infertility: its causes and treatment” which helped me in
gaining a lot of knowledge. I am also thankful to our biology lab
Assistant without whom all this would have been possible.
CERTIFATE
This is to certify that Gulshan Kumar Class XII- ‘A’ of Loyola High
School, Patna has completed the project on the topic “Infertility: its
causes and treatment”
during the academic year 2025-2026 towards partial fulfilment of the
Biology Practical examination of AISSCE 2025-2026.
……………………………..... ………………………………..
Signature of Internal Examiner Signature of External Examiner
LOYOLA HIGH SCHOOL PATNA,KURJI
BIOLOGY investigatory PROJECT
2025-2026
“Infertility: its causes and treatment”
Submitted by:
Name:-Gulshan Kumar
Class:-XII ‘A’
Roll no:-20
Board Roll no:-
