Chapter 19, Problem 1TQ

Summary Introduction

Infertility is defined as a reproductive system disorder, which is the inability to achieve pregnancy. The most common reason for infertility includes diabetes, genetic defects, undescended testicles, and abnormal production of sperm in males. In females, infertility problem is due to ovulation, uterine, and tubal blockage. It also associated with age-related factors and pelvic inflammatory diseases.

Answer to Problem 1TQ

The birth rate of Denmark is dropping. This is due to the fact that both women and men are older when they start their families, and inadequate sperm count in men because of chemical exposure.

Therefore, the option (d) is correct.

Explanation of Solution

Justify reasons for the correct statement:

Denmark is a Nordic country in northern Europe where infertility is most common. Approximately, every one in ten children in Denmark is born by reproductive technologies. The major reason for the decrease in birth rate in Denmark includes late marriage by both men and women, and inadequate sperm count in men due to the chemical exposures.

Option (d) is given as “all of the above”.

Hence, the option (d) is correct.

Justify reasons for the incorrect statements:

Option (a) is given as “women are now older when they begin a family”.

In Denmark, women are now older when they begin a family. This is not the only reason for the decrease in birth rate in Denmark. Hence, it is a wrong answer.

Option (b) is given as “men are now older when they begin a family”.

In Denmark, men are now older when they begin a family. This is not the only reason for the decrease in birth rate in Denmark. Hence, it is a wrong answer.

Option (c) is given as “exposure to chemicals is decreasing the sperm count in men”.

In Denmark, exposure to chemicals is reducing the sperm count in men. This is not the only reason for the decrease in birth rate in Denmark. Hence, it is a wrong answer.

Hence, options (a), (b), and (c) are incorrect.

Conclusion

Women and men are older when they start their families and inadequate sperm count in men due to exposure to various harmful chemicals are main reasons for dropping of birth rate in Denmark.