Human reproduction differs significantly from animal reproduction in one feature: most animals do not feel the same pleasure that humans know from the sexual act.

Reproduction happens when two people have a child. Even when there are two children, the technical language still speaks of reproduction. Families with more children, on the other hand, have multiplied because they were previously two people and the number of their children now exceeds that number. After the death of the parents, there will be more people in the world than before.

Reproduction begins with the parents’ sexual act and ends with the birth of the child. As in the animal kingdom, it serves to preserve humanity and is part of life for most people. The joy of sex and the desire to have children, which most women and men have, are decisive for reproduction.

The process of reproduction in humans is similar to that in other mammals: the egg and sperm come together, combine the DNA of both parents and after 9 months of pregnancy the woman gives birth to the child.

function & task

Reproduction ensures the survival of the species, but in humans it is somewhat different from reproduction in the animal kingdom. Most people feel a desire to have children, which becomes so strong after a certain age that they concentrate intensively on having children. 

In addition, the sexual act brings pleasure to humans, which is rare even among mammals. Although some mammals know the sexual climax , they do not feel the same pleasure as humans during reproduction. It can be assumed that the desire to have children and the joy of sexual intercourse ensure reproduction in humans.

Health-promoting aspects are even associated with reproduction. This begins with the mental well-being of the human being. Since most adults have a desire to have children, which grows out of deep-rooted needs, involuntary childlessness can become a serious emotional burden. Procreation and the fulfillment of the desire to have children can also be an ordeal for the parents, but it is also a fulfillment.

In addition, investigations and studies regularly show that events in life associated with reproduction are said to be beneficial for various aspects of health. For example, frequent sexual intercourse in men reduces the risk of developing prostate cancer. Women who have given birth also reduce various cancer risks.

Diseases & Ailments

Reproduction is a not entirely uncomplicated bodily function. In their context, a variety of problems can arise. Occasionally, reproduction does not succeed on its own, whether due to congenital or acquired infertility or physical or psychological problems that stand in the way of reproduction. 

With modern medicine, it is precisely these reproductive problems that can be easily treated, be it through hormone therapy or artificial insemination if no other method helps. In the case of congenital malfunctions or deformities as well as diseases of the internal genital organs , surgical procedures are also possible, which can enable reproduction despite congenital infertility.

Once the fertilization and implantation of an egg cell has been successful, it is necessary to survive a 9-month pregnancy until reproduction is complete. Especially in the first few weeks and in the critical first 3 months of pregnancy, it can happen that the woman suffers an abortion .

This happens either due to external circumstances, illnesses or, more rarely, due to a faulty combination of the DNA of both parents. Sometimes the woman’s body recognizes early on when a malformed child could be born and terminates the pregnancy on its own.

Reproductive errors during fertilization are a comparatively common problem in reproduction. The embryo is not always rejected, because otherwise there would be no children with Down syndrome , for example . Such congenital disorders arise during egg and sperm production and fertilization, when DNA is not properly divided and reassembled at these crucial moments. Missing or too common building blocks cause serious problems – if a viable child is nevertheless created, it is born with congenital limitations and health problems.

Reproduction involves a certain risk in every living being. Reproductive errors, birth itself and the development of the unborn child in the womb of the mother are not easy tasks for the human body.

Nevertheless, humans are comparatively far advanced in terms of reproduction. Human reproduction can now be optimally supported with modern medicine, be it in the case of problems getting pregnant or in the support of pregnant women even under difficult circumstances.

Modern medical treatment options and new options allow reproduction even if it would be difficult or impossible without this support from outside.