Infertility in the Modern World: Present and Future Prospects

by Gillian R. Bentley, C. G. Nicholas Mascie-Taylor

Overview

As we enter the twenty-first century, a number of medical, environmental, and social changes have profoundly affected human reproduction. This book discusses some of the more dramatic changes in an accessible manner, illustrating the ways in which human biology and culture can affect fertility. It provides a unique interdisciplinary perspective on the subject. Topics of discussion include medical technological advances that equip us with potential cures for many causes of infertility; diseases, such as AIDS, that have a devastating impact on the reproductive and social lives of humans; increasing industrialization and the development of fabricated materials that pollute our environment in unforeseen ways with possibly devastating effects on human health and fertility; and social revolutions that profoundly alter human relationships, such as nonmarital unions between heterosexual couples, same-sex relationships, and adoption and surrogacy.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521643641
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	11/30/2000
Series:	Biosocial Society Symposium Series , #12
Pages:	278
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 9.02(h) x 0.75(d)

About the Author

Bentley, Gillian R.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction G. R. Bentley and C. G. Nicholas Mascie-Taylor; Part I. Biomedical Perspectives on Fertility: 2. Reproductive possibilities for infertile couples: present and future S. Fishel, K. Dowell and S. Thornton; 3. Genetic influences on human infertility A. H. Bittles and P. L. Matson; Part II. Environmental Influences on Fertility: 4. Environmental pollutants and fertility G. R. Bentley; 5. From STD epidemics to AIDS: a socio-demographic and epidemiologic perspective on Sub-Saharan Africa J. C. Caldwell and P. Caldwell; Part III. Social Perspectives on Infertility: 6. Voluntary childlessness: trends and implications F. McAllister and L. Clarke; 7. Sexual orientation and fertility C. J. Patterson and L. V. Friel.

Editorial Reviews

"The chapters included within this text are soundly written and well-articulated." Archives of Sexual Behavior

"Infertility garners much attention acros disciplinary lines because the condition implicates behavioral, sociocultural, political, economic, psychological, physiological, and ecological domains of human experience. Infertility in the Modern World is a useful addition to this literature... I would recommend the book to social and biological scientists interested in infertility." Elaine M. Drew, American Journal of Human Biology

"This well-written volume presents some extremely useful information for infertility specialists, including, most beneficially, a number of careful and up-to-date reviews of existing data. All in all, the volume is a testament to the complexity and persistence of human reproduction 'gone awry,' as well as to the considerable hope that lies ahead in solving this fundamental human problem." LUCE Press Clippings

From the Publisher