Fertility and Infertility Practice Questions

Q: Which of the following is not considered a marker of ovarian reserve?

Inhibin A. ***Inhibin A*** - **Inhibin A** levels primarily rise during the mid to late luteal phase and are involved in regulating FSH, but they are not a reliable or commonly used marker for **ovarian reserve**. - Its fluctuations are more indicative of the presence of a **corpus luteum** and short-term ovarian function rather than the total follicular pool. *Inhibin B* - **Inhibin B** is produced by granulosa cells of small antral follicles and is an important marker of **ovarian reserve**. - It inversely correlates with **FSH** levels in the early follicular phase, reflecting the number of developing follicles. *Ovarian volume* - **Ovarian volume**, particularly when measured by ultrasound, can be an indicator of **ovarian reserve**. - Smaller ovarian volume is generally associated with a reduced number of **antral follicles** and lower ovarian reserve. *Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH)* - **AMH** is a well-established and highly reliable marker of **ovarian reserve**, produced by the granulosa cells of preantral and small antral follicles. - Its levels correlate directly with the total number of remaining **primordial follicles** and are relatively stable throughout the menstrual cycle.

Q: What does teratozoospermia refer to?

Morphologically defective sperm. ***Morphologically defective sperm*** - **Teratozoospermia** specifically refers to the presence of an unusually high percentage of **abnormally shaped sperm** in an ejaculate. - These malformations can affect the **head, midpiece, or tail** of the sperm, potentially impairing its ability to fertilize an egg. *Low sperm count* - This condition is known as **oligozoospermia**, which refers to a sperm concentration below the normal range. - While low sperm count can affect fertility, it is distinct from issues with sperm morphology. *Sperm with abnormal motility* - This condition is called **asthenozoospermia**, characterized by reduced or absent sperm movement. - Poor motility impacts the sperm's ability to reach and penetrate the egg, but it is not directly related to sperm shape. *Absence of sperm in semen* - The complete absence of sperm in the ejaculate is known as **azoospermia**. - This is a severe form of male infertility, different from having sperm with structural defects.

Q: What is the most common presenting symptom of TB endometritis?

Infertility. ***Infertility*** - **Infertility** is the most common presenting symptom of **tuberculosis (TB) endometritis**, particularly secondary infertility. - The infection leads to inflammation and scarring of the endometrium and fallopian tubes, impairing implantation and ovum transport. *Abdominal pain* - While **abdominal pain** can occur in TB endometritis, it is typically a less frequent or prominent presenting symptom compared to infertility. - Pain often arises from pelvic inflammation or adhesions but is not the cardinal complaint that prompts diagnosis. *Amenorrhoea* - **Amenorrhea** (absence of menstruation) can be a symptom, especially in advanced cases where there is significant destruction of the endometrium. - It is, however, less common than infertility as the initial presenting symptom. *Vaginal discharge* - **Vaginal discharge** is an uncommon symptom of TB endometritis. - When present, it is often non-specific and not characteristic enough to suggest TB as the underlying cause.

Q: On which day LH & FSH should be measured?

1-3rd day. ***1-3rd day*** - Measuring **LH** (Luteinizing Hormone) and **FSH** (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) on cycle days 1-3 provides a baseline assessment of **ovarian reserve** and pituitary function. - At this early follicular phase, hormone levels are relatively stable and reflect the intrinsic **gonadal feedback** mechanisms before significant follicular development begins. *7th day* - By day 7, **follicular development** is usually well underway, and FSH levels might be decreasing as a dominant follicle is selected. - Measuring hormones on this day would not provide an accurate baseline assessment, as the levels are already influenced by **follicular growth**. *14th day* - Day 14 is often associated with the **LH surge** that triggers ovulation, making it unsuitable for a baseline assessment of ovarian reserve. - FSH levels would also be significantly different from the early follicular phase due to the ongoing **ovarian cycle events**. *10th day* - On day 10, **estrogen levels** are typically rising, which would already be providing negative feedback to the pituitary, affecting FSH and LH levels. - This timing would not be ideal for assessing baseline hormone levels for **fertility evaluations**.

Q: Ovarian reserve is best indicated by

Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH). ***Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH)*** - **AMH is currently considered the best single biochemical marker** for assessing ovarian reserve - Produced by **granulosa cells of preantral and small antral follicles**, directly reflecting the size of the primordial follicle pool - **Cycle-independent** - can be measured at any time during the menstrual cycle - **More sensitive and specific** than FSH for detecting diminished ovarian reserve - **Minimal inter-cycle and intra-cycle variability**, providing consistent and reliable results - Widely used in **fertility assessment, IVF protocols**, and predicting ovarian response to stimulation *Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)* - Elevated **early follicular phase FSH** (measured on day 3) indicates diminished ovarian reserve - Historically the most commonly used marker, but **less sensitive than AMH** - **Cycle-dependent** - must be measured on specific days (day 2-4 of cycle) - A **late marker** - rises only when ovarian reserve is already significantly diminished - Still clinically useful and widely available, but not the "best" indicator *Luteinizing hormone (LH)* - **LH** primarily triggers ovulation and does not directly reflect ovarian reserve - Elevated in conditions like **PCOS** but does not assess the quantity or quality of remaining follicles - Not a reliable indicator of overall ovarian reserve *LH/FSH ratio* - An elevated **LH/FSH ratio** (>2:1 or >3:1) is associated with **Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)** - Reflects anovulation and hormonal imbalance, not the number or viability of ovarian follicles - Does not assess ovarian reserve capacity

Q: For routine diagnostic purposes, endometrial biopsy is usually done at which phase of the menstrual cycle?

Just before menstruation. ***Just before menstruation*** - An endometrial biopsy is typically performed in the **late secretory phase (just before menstruation)**. This timing is crucial for evaluating the endometrial response to progesterone and for detecting abnormalities that may be evident during this phase. - This timing allows for the assessment of the **full development of the secretory glands** and stroma, which can reveal issues like **inadequate luteal phase** or **endometrial hyperplasia** more clearly. *10-12 days after menstruation* - This time point corresponds to the mid-proliferative phase, where the endometrium is still growing under **estrogen influence**. - While suitable for evaluating proliferative changes, it might **miss subtle secretory phase abnormalities** or early signs of hyperplasia that are more evident later. *Just after menstruation* - This period is the early proliferative phase, where the endometrium is **thin and regenerating**. - Biopsying at this time might yield insufficient tissue for comprehensive evaluation and would be too early to assess **hormonal responses** that occur later in the cycle. *At the time of ovulation* - Ovulation marks the transition from the proliferative to the secretory phase, influenced by a surge in **luteinizing hormone (LH)**. - An endometrial biopsy at this phase would primarily show a proliferative endometrium and would not provide adequate information about the **key features of the secretory phase**, which are important for diagnostic purposes related to fertility or abnormal bleeding.

Q: Most common site of ectopic pregnancy is -

Tubal. ***Tubal*** - The **fallopian tubes** are the most common site for ectopic pregnancies, accounting for over **95%** of all cases. - This is because the fertilized ovum typically implants in the tube rather than reaching the uterus. *Abdominal* - **Abdominal ectopic pregnancies** are rare, occurring when the fertilized egg implants in the abdominal cavity. - They account for about **1%** of all ectopic pregnancies and often result in significant maternal complications. *Ovarian* - **Ovarian ectopic pregnancies** are very rare, occurring when the ovum is fertilized within the ovary itself. - They represent less than **1%** of all ectopic cases and can be difficult to diagnose. *Cervical* - **Cervical ectopic pregnancies** involve implantation within the cervical canal. - These are also very rare (less than **1%** of ectopic pregnancies) and are associated with a high risk of severe hemorrhage.

Q: Human sperm remains fertile for how many hours in a female genital tract ?

Up to 5 days (120 hrs). ***Up to 5 days (120 hrs)*** - **Sperm viability** within the female reproductive tract can extend up to **5 days (120 hours)** under optimal conditions. - This extended viability is crucial for fertility, as it allows for fertilization even if ovulation occurs several days after intercourse. *6-8 hrs* - This timeframe is significantly **too short** for typical human sperm viability in the female genital tract. - While some sperm may lose motility or viability relatively quickly, a substantial portion remains viable for much longer. *12-24 hrs* - This represents the average **lifespan of an ovum** (egg) after ovulation, not the typical viability of sperm. - Sperm generally survive longer than an unfertilized egg. *24-48 hrs* - This duration underestimates the maximum potential survival time of human sperm in the female reproductive tract. - While many sperm may be viable within this period, it does not represent the full potential for fertilization.

Q: The thickness of the endometrium at the time of implantation is:

7 - 10 mm. ***7 - 10 mm*** - At the time of **implantation** (day 6-10 post-fertilization, around day 20-24 of the menstrual cycle), the endometrium is in the **mid-secretory phase** and measures **7-10 mm** in thickness. - This is the **optimal thickness** for successful embryo implantation, characterized by a receptive endometrium with **decidualization**, **spiral artery development**, and **glycogen-rich glandular secretions**. - Endometrial thickness <7 mm is associated with **poor implantation rates** and reduced pregnancy success. *3 - 4 mm* - An endometrial thickness of 3-4 mm is **too thin** for successful implantation. - This thickness is typically seen in the **early proliferative phase** (immediately after menstruation), not during the implantation window. - Thin endometrium (<7 mm) is associated with **poor receptivity** and lower pregnancy rates in both natural conception and assisted reproduction. *20 - 30 mm* - An endometrial thickness of 20-30 mm is **abnormally thick** and not conducive to normal implantation. - Such thickness may indicate **endometrial hyperplasia**, **polyps**, or other pathological conditions requiring investigation. *30 - 40 mm* - An endometrial thickness of 30-40 mm is **severely abnormal** and would likely prevent successful implantation. - This extreme thickness suggests significant pathology such as **endometrial hyperplasia** or **malignancy** and requires urgent evaluation.

Q: Which of the following is the least invasive assisted reproductive technique?

Intra-Uterine Insemination. ***Intra-Uterine Insemination (IUI)*** - **IUI** involves directly placing **sperm** into the **uterus**, bypassing the cervix after sperm washing, making it the least invasive method among the options. - It is often used for mild male factor infertility, unexplained infertility, or when a woman has cervical mucus issues. *GIFT (Gamete Intra-Fallopian Transfer)* - **GIFT** is more invasive as it requires a **laparoscopic procedure** to place both **sperm** and **eggs** directly into the fallopian tube. - While fertilization occurs *in vivo* (in the body), the surgical aspect makes it more invasive than IUI. *ZIFT (Zygote Intra-Fallopian Transfer)* - **ZIFT** involves **IVF** to fertilize eggs in the lab, but then requires a **laparoscopic procedure** to place the resulting **zygotes** (early embryos) into the fallopian tube. - The combination of *in vitro* fertilization and surgical placement makes it more invasive than IUI. *IVF (In Vitro Fertilization)* - **IVF** involves **oocyte retrieval** (a transvaginal ultrasound-guided procedure) and **fertilization in vitro** (in the lab), followed by **embryo transfer** into the uterus. - While embryo transfer is less invasive than laparoscopic procedures, the initial oocyte retrieval makes IVF generally more invasive than IUI.

Question 1

Which of the following is not considered a marker of ovarian reserve?

Accepted Answer

Inhibin A

Answer

Ovarian volume

Answer

Inhibin B

Answer

Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH)

Question 2

What does teratozoospermia refer to?

Accepted Answer

Morphologically defective sperm

Answer

Low sperm count

Answer

Sperm with abnormal motility

Answer

Absence of sperm in semen

Question 3

What is the most common presenting symptom of TB endometritis?

Accepted Answer

Infertility

Answer

Amenorrhoea

Answer

Vaginal discharge

Answer

Abdominal pain

Question 4

On which day LH & FSH should be measured?

Accepted Answer

1-3rd day

Answer

7th day

Answer

14th day

Answer

10th day

Question 5

Ovarian reserve is best indicated by

Accepted Answer

Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH)

Answer

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

Answer

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

Answer

LH/FSH ratio

Question 6

For routine diagnostic purposes, endometrial biopsy is usually done at which phase of the menstrual cycle?

Accepted Answer

Just before menstruation

Answer

10-12 days after menstruation

Answer

Just after menstruation

Answer

At the time of ovulation

Question 7

Most common site of ectopic pregnancy is -

Accepted Answer

Tubal

Answer

Cervical

Answer

Abdominal

Answer

Ovarian

Question 8

Human sperm remains fertile for how many hours in a female genital tract ?

Accepted Answer

Up to 5 days (120 hrs)

Answer

6-8 hrs

Answer

12-24 hrs

Answer

24-48 hrs

Question 9

The thickness of the endometrium at the time of implantation is:

Accepted Answer

7 - 10 mm

Answer

20 - 30 mm

Answer

30 - 40 mm

Answer

3 - 4 mm

Question 10

Which of the following is the least invasive assisted reproductive technique?

Accepted Answer

Intra-Uterine Insemination

Answer

GIFT

Answer

ZIFT

Answer

IVF

Fertility and Infertility — MCQs

Fertility and Infertility — MCQs

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