How Safe is Sex?

Sex or copulation is the primary tool for the reproduction of the human species. The young man across the street and his girlfriend next door wish that having sex could be structured, in such a way, that there is no attendant risk to it. However, unwanted pregnancies and incidents of sexually-transmitted diseases do occur. These make sexual contact less appealing for some. With the unprecedented advances in technology, what progress have we made in the area of birth control? It seems to be a lot if we based it on the data for the period 2015-2017 of the National Survey of Family Growth. It showed close to 47 million or 64.9% of women in the US in the 15-49 age category using some form of contraception.

Female sterilization or tubal ligation is the most preferred method of birth control at 18.6%. Although it involves a surgical procedure to seal or block the fallopian tube, it is popular because it does not affect sexual libido and does not have the side effects of other methods of contraception. Oral contraceptive pills came in close at 12.6%, mainly because of their convenience and affordability.  Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) like IUDs were at third with 10.3%. Bringing up the rear is the ever-reliable male condoms at 8.7%.

One can enjoy sex and stay away from unwanted pregnancies by using proven contraception methods. Be well-informed of the advantages and disadvantages of each, however, before making a choice. It is your body, after all.

by Dr. Barry Verkauf, author of the book, Sex, Science, Society, and Reproduction: The Pill that changed America

What is Holding Back Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)?

 According to the Center for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC), 1.9% or 73,254 of the 3,855,500 infant births in the US in the year 2017 were made possible with the use of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART). ART is a myriad of procedures that involve the removal of a woman’s eggs from her ovary, the eggs fertilization with a man’s sperm in a laboratory, and the re-insertion of the embryos that form into the woman’s uterus or to that of a surrogate. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the leading example of ART. Variations have emerged like gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) and zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT). Cryopreservation of embryos is an important aspect of ART.

Despite its successes, ART is not yet widely used. One of the main reasons is the cost. A round of IVF will cost $12,000 that is above the reach of ordinary individuals. If the implantation of the embryo is not successful on the first attempt, more rounds will be needed, and the cost escalates. Other than the cost, ART can lead to multiple pregnancies. In the 2017 data, 14.7% of multiple births (twins, triplets) in the US were attributed to ART. Lastly, the emotional toll on failed ART rounds is high. It can lead to extreme anxiety and depression.

ART will continue to play a role in the future of reproduction. To make this a reality, there should be a concerted effort from all stakeholders to address the concerns that are holding ART back.

by Dr. Barry Verkauf, author of the book, Sex, Science, Society, and Reproduction: The Pill that changed America

Sex, Reproduction, and the Meaning of Life

 Reproduction and propagation of the human species are increasingly leaning toward advanced methods of assisted reproductive technologies, otherwise known as ART.  Under this increasing scenario, a mere skin biopsy from an individual can lead to the normal birth of his clone. With ART as the backbone of human reproduction, sexual copulation for some could graduate into just another form of entertainment.  

Assisted reproductive technologies encompass a gamut of procedures that involve the surgical removal of eggs from a woman's ovary, the subsequent artificial insemination of the egg with sperm in a laboratory setting, and the implantation of the embryo back into the woman's body or into another woman who agrees to be a gestational carrier.  In vitro fertilization as well as freezing and preservation of eggs, sperm, and embryos, are the more widely known aspects of ART.  Because the process can involve genetic testing before the implantation of the embryo, it is a widely held view in the scientific circles that we will eventually start to remove abnormal genes in embryos and/or introduce new ones to improve the quality of life using gene-editing technologies.  

The continuing advances in human reproductive technologies that stare us keenly in the face have caused us to recalibrate our view on sex and reproduction.  Could these eventually alter our beliefs on the meaning of life and what it means to be fully human? 

by Dr. Barry Verkauf, author of the book, Sex, Science, Society, and Reproduction: The Pill that changed America