Fertility and Infertility — MCQs

A female presents with 6 weeks of amenorrhea, experiencing vaginal bleeding and slight abdominal pain. A urine pregnancy test is positive, and her hCG level is 2800 IU/L. A mass measuring 3 x 2.5 cm is observed on the left adnexa. She is hemodynamically stable. What is the most appropriate management for this patient?

Q289

What will be the Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) finding?

Q290

Most common site for fertilization?

Fertility and Infertility Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs

Question 281: Which of the following is NOT an indication for hysterosalpingography?

A. Evaluate fallopian tube patency in infertility
B. Study uterine anomalies
C. Detect uterine synechiae
D. Detect endometriosis (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Detect endometriosis*** - Hysterosalpingography (HSG) primarily visualizes the **uterine cavity** and **fallopian tubes**; it cannot directly detect endometrial implants outside the uterus. - **Laparoscopy** is the gold standard for diagnosing endometriosis, allowing direct visualization and biopsy of lesions. *Study uterine anomalies* - HSG is effective in outlining the shape and structure of the **uterine cavity**, making it useful for identifying congenital abnormalities like **septate** or **bicornuate uteri**. - It helps distinguish between different types of anomalies that can impact fertility or pregnancy outcomes. *Detect uterine synechiae* - **Intrauterine adhesions**, or synechiae (Asherman's syndrome), appear as filling defects or irregular contours within the endometrial cavity on an HSG. - The contrast medium outlines these adhesions, indicating areas where the uterine walls are abnormally fused. *Evaluate fallopian tube patency in infertility* - HSG is a standard diagnostic tool to assess whether the **fallopian tubes are open** (patent) or blocked, which is a common cause of infertility. - The spill of contrast medium into the peritoneal cavity indicates tubal patency, while absence of spill suggests **tubal obstruction**.

Question 282: Least common site of ectopic pregnancy in the fallopian tubes is?

A. Interstitium (Correct Answer)
B. Ampulla
C. Infundibulum
D. Isthmus

Explanation: ***Interstitium*** - The **interstitial portion** of the fallopian tube is the narrowest and thickest part, making it the least common site for an ectopic pregnancy within the tube itself. - While less frequent, interstitial pregnancies are associated with a **higher risk of rupture** and hemorrhage due to the surrounding myometrial tissue. *Ampulla* - The **ampulla** is the most common site of ectopic pregnancy in the fallopian tube, accounting for about 80% of all tubal ectopics. - Its wider diameter and convoluted lumen easily trap the fertilized egg. *Infundibulum* - The **infundibulum**, or fimbrial end, is a relatively common site for ectopic pregnancies after the ampulla, accounting for about 5% of cases. - Pregnancies here are often referred to as **fimbrial ectopic pregnancies**. *Isthmus* - The **isthmus** is the second most common site for tubal ectopic pregnancies, accounting for approximately 12% of cases. - This section is narrower than the ampulla but still more hospitable than the interstitial portion.

Question 283: Fertilization usually occurs in which part of fallopian tube?

A. Fimbrial end
B. Ampulla (Correct Answer)
C. Interstitium
D. Isthmus

Explanation: ***Ampulla*** - The **ampulla** is the widest and longest part of the fallopian tube, making it the most common site for **fertilization** to occur. - Sperm typically meet the oocyte here after ovulation and transport through the fimbriae. *Fimbrial end* - The **fimbriae** are finger-like projections at the end of the fallopian tube that **capture the ovulated oocyte**. - While essential for collecting the egg, it is not the primary site where fertilization takes place. *Interstitium* - The **interstitium** (or intramural part) is the segment of the fallopian tube that passes through the **uterine wall**. - It is too narrow and close to the uterus for fertilization to normally occur there. *Isthmus* - The **isthmus** is the narrow, muscular part of the fallopian tube connecting the ampulla to the uterus. - While sperm may reside here for a short period before fertilization, it is not the typical site where the sperm and egg unite.

Question 284: Fertilized ovum reaches the uterus at what day of menstrual cycle?

A. 6th
B. 14th
C. 20th (Correct Answer)
D. 25th

Explanation: ***20th*** - **Fertilization** occurs around day 14 of a 28-day cycle in the ampulla of the fallopian tube. - The fertilized ovum (zygote) takes approximately **3-4 days** to travel through the fallopian tube, reaching the uterine cavity around **day 17-18**. - By day 20-21, the blastocyst begins **implantation** into the endometrium. - Note: Some references cite day 20 as it marks the transition period when the blastocyst is fully in the uterus and beginning implantation. *6th* - This is far too early, as ovulation typically hasn't occurred yet by day 6. - On day 6, a woman is in the **follicular phase** with developing ovarian follicles. - Fertilization cannot occur before ovulation (around day 14). *14th* - Day 14 is typically the day of **ovulation** and fertilization in a 28-day cycle. - At this point, the egg has just been released from the ovary and is in the **fallopian tube**. - The fertilized ovum requires 3-4 days of transport to reach the uterine cavity. *25th* - By day 25, implantation would have already been completed (implantation occurs around day 20-21). - The embryo would be producing **hCG** and establishing placental connections. - If no pregnancy occurred, the corpus luteum would be regressing and the endometrium preparing for **menstruation**.

Question 285: In which phase of the menstrual cycle should a tubal patency test be performed?

A. Menstrual
B. Preovulatory (Correct Answer)
C. Premenstrual
D. Luteal

Explanation: ***Preovulatory*** - Performing a **tubal patency test** during the **preovulatory phase** (also known as the late follicular phase) minimizes the risk of interfering with a potential early pregnancy, as ovulation has not yet occurred. - The endometrium is thinner during this time, potentially allowing for better visualization and reducing the chance of discomfort. *Menstrual* - Performing the test during the **menstrual phase** is typically avoided due to the presence of blood and tissue, which can obscure visualization and increase the risk of infection. *Premenstrual* - The **premenstrual phase** occurs after ovulation and before menstruation, making it possible that a pregnancy could be inadvertently disrupted if conception has occurred. - The **endometrium is thick** during this phase, which could also interfere with visualization and test interpretation. *Luteal* - The **luteal phase** begins after ovulation, meaning there is a higher risk of disrupting an early, undetected **pregnancy** if the test is performed during this time. - Similar to the premenstrual phase, the **endometrium is secretory and thick**, which can complicate the procedure and interpretation.

Question 286: A 23-year-old woman accompanied by her mother-in-law comes to the infertility clinic. She has been having regular intercourse for 6 months but is not able to conceive. What is the next best step?

A. Hysterolaparoscopy
B. Diagnostic hysteroscopy
C. Reassure and review the couple after 6 months (Correct Answer)
D. Semen analysis for husband

Explanation: ***Reassure and review the couple after 6 months*** - Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after **12 months** of regular, unprotected intercourse in women under 35 years old. For women aged 35 or older, this period is 6 months. - Since the patient is 23 years old and has been trying for only 6 months, she does not yet meet the diagnostic criteria for infertility. The appropriate action is to advise them to continue trying and to return for evaluation if conception does not occur after a full year. *Semen analysis for husband* - While a semen analysis is a crucial initial step in an infertility workup, it is premature at this stage given the duration of attempted conception. - It would be appropriate to order this test after the couple has met the criteria for infertility (12 months for women under 35). *Hysterolaparoscopy* - This is an invasive procedure typically reserved for more advanced stages of an infertility workup, especially when suspected pathologies like endometriosis or tubal factor infertility are present. - It is not indicated as an initial step for a couple who has only been trying to conceive for 6 months and does not yet meet the definition of infertility. *Diagnostic hysteroscopy* - A diagnostic hysteroscopy is used to visualize the inside of the uterus to identify intrauterine pathologies that could contribute to infertility. - Like hysterolaparoscopy, it is an invasive diagnostic tool and should only be considered after initial, less invasive investigations have been performed and the couple meets the criteria for infertility.

Question 287: Within what timeframe after ovulation does fertilization typically occur?

A. 5-6 days
B. 8-12 days
C. > 12 days
D. 12-24 hours (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***12-24 hours*** - The **ovum** is viable for fertilization for a relatively short period, typically **12 to 24 hours** after its release during ovulation. - For fertilization to occur, **sperm** must be present in the fallopian tube within this critical window. *5-6 days* - This timeframe is more characteristic of the **duration that sperm can survive** in the female reproductive tract, rather than the viability of the ovum for fertilization. - If sperm are present in the reproductive tract up to **5-6 days before ovulation**, they may still fertilize the egg once it's released. *8-12 days* - This period extends significantly beyond the **viability of the ovum** for fertilization. - An ovum released during ovulation will have degenerated and will no longer be capable of being fertilized after 24 hours. *> 12 days* - Fertilization cannot occur this late after ovulation as the **egg would have long since degenerated**. - This timeframe is not relevant to the process of fertilization itself.

Question 288: A female presents with 6 weeks of amenorrhea, experiencing vaginal bleeding and slight abdominal pain. A urine pregnancy test is positive, and her hCG level is 2800 IU/L. A mass measuring 3 x 2.5 cm is observed on the left adnexa. She is hemodynamically stable. What is the most appropriate management for this patient?

A. Oral methotrexate
B. Single-dose methotrexate injection (Correct Answer)
C. Serial methotrexate + leucovorin rescue
D. Salpingectomy

Explanation: ***Single-dose methotrexate injection*** - The patient presents with a **hemodynamically stable ectopic pregnancy**, as suggested by the positive pregnancy test, amenorrhea, vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, an hCG level of 2800 IU/L, and an adnexal mass. - A single-dose methotrexate injection is the **first-line medical management** for ectopic pregnancies in stable patients, particularly when hCG levels are typically below 5000 IU/L and the mass size is less than 4 cm (or 3.5 cm in some guidelines). *Oral methotrexate* - **Oral methotrexate** is not typically used for the treatment of ectopic pregnancy due to unpredictable absorption and less reliable therapeutic efficacy compared to intramuscular administration. - The **intramuscular route** is preferred to ensure consistent systemic exposure and effectiveness in dissolving the ectopic gestation. *Serial methotrexate + leucovorin rescue* - **Leucovorin rescue** is used to mitigate the adverse effects of high-dose methotrexate, typically in cancer chemotherapy, and is not indicated for the standard treatment of ectopic pregnancy. - Serial doses of methotrexate without leucovorin may be given if the initial single dose fails, but **leucovorin is not part of the standard initial treatment protocol** for ectopic pregnancy. *Salpingectomy* - **Salpingectomy (surgical removal of the fallopian tube)** is indicated for ectopic pregnancies that are **hemodynamically unstable**, ruptured, too large for medical management (e.g., >4 cm), or in cases where medical management with methotrexate fails or is contraindicated. - Since this patient is **hemodynamically stable** and meets the criteria for medical management, surgery is not the most appropriate initial management.

Question 289: What will be the Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) finding?

A. Hydrosalpinx (Correct Answer)
B. Cornual block
C. Normal findings
D. Bicornuate uterus

Explanation: ***Hydrosalpinx*** - The image, likely a hysterosalpingogram (HSG), shows a **dilated and fluid-filled fallopian tube** with no spillage of contrast into the peritoneal cavity, which is characteristic of hydrosalpinx. - The **contrast media fills the tubal lumen** but is unable to egress, indicating distal tubal obstruction and fluid accumulation. *Cornual block* - A cornual block would present as **obstruction at the uterine ostium** of the fallopian tube, preventing contrast from entering the tubal lumen. - In this image, contrast has clearly entered and dilated the fallopian tube, ruling out a cornual block. *Normal findings* - Normal HSG findings would show **patent fallopian tubes** with free spill of contrast into the peritoneal cavity. - The visible **dilation** and **lack of spill** in the image are distinctly abnormal. *Bicornuate uterus* - A bicornuate uterus is a **congenital uterine anomaly** characterized by two separate uterine horns. - While the uterus appears somewhat irregular, the dominant feature is the dilated fallopian tube, which is not a hallmark of a bicornuate uterus.

Question 290: Most common site for fertilization?

A. Isthmus
B. Intramural
C. Fimbriae
D. Ampulla (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Ampulla*** - The **ampulla** of the **fallopian tube** is the widest and longest section, providing an ideal environment for the sperm and ovum to meet. - Fertilization most commonly occurs here, as it allows sufficient time for sperm capacitation and interaction with the egg. *Isthmus* - The **isthmus** is a narrow, thick-walled section of the fallopian tube, closer to the uterus. - While sperm may pass through here, it is not the primary site for fertilization. *Intramural* - The **intramural** (or interstitial) part is the segment of the fallopian tube that passes through the muscular wall of the uterus. - This narrowest part is not conducive to fertilization. *Fimbriae* - The **fimbriae** are finger-like projections at the end of the fallopian tube that capture the ovum after ovulation. - Their role is to direct the egg into the tube, not to be the site of fertilization.

Practice by Chapter

Reproductive Physiology

Practice Questions

Evaluation of the Infertile Couple

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Male Factor Infertility

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Female Factor Infertility

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Ovulatory Disorders

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Tubal and Peritoneal Factors

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Uterine Factors

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Unexplained Infertility

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Assisted Reproductive Technologies

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Psychological Aspects of Infertility

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