(i) In the female menstrual cycle what is meant by the fertile period? (ii) Name two hormones that have a role in the menstrual cycle - Leaving Cert Biology - Question c - 2016

Two key hormones involved in the menstrual cycle are:

• Oestrogen
• Progesterone Additionally, Luteinizing Hormone (LH) also plays a critical role in regulating the cycle.

Infertility is defined as the inability to produce offspring, which can be diagnosed after a couple has tried unsuccessfully to conceive for a certain period, typically one year.

One common cause of infertility in women is the blockage of Fallopian tubes, which may result from conditions such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or surgeries.

In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is a medical procedure that involves fertilizing an egg with sperm outside of the body, typically in a laboratory setting. The fertilized egg is then implanted into the uterus to establish a pregnancy.

The placenta serves several important functions:

1. It allows nutrients and oxygen to pass from the mother to the baby while also removing waste products like carbon dioxide from the baby's blood.
2. It produces hormones that are essential for maintaining pregnancy and preventing maternal blood from mixing with fetal blood.

Breastfeeding offers numerous benefits, including:

1. Antibodies provided through breast milk help strengthen the baby’s immune system and protect against infections.
2. It ensures a balanced intake of nutrients necessary for the baby’s growth and development, promoting bonding between mother and child.