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Questions and Answers
What is the primary purpose of ovulation-induction medications?
What is the primary purpose of ovulation-induction medications?
Timing during the fertility medication phase is not critical.
Timing during the fertility medication phase is not critical.
False
What term is used for eggs after fertilization and beginning cell division?
What term is used for eggs after fertilization and beginning cell division?
embryos
A mature egg is typically greater than _____ mm in diameter for retrieval.
A mature egg is typically greater than _____ mm in diameter for retrieval.
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Match each step of the fertility process with its correct description:
Match each step of the fertility process with its correct description:
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What is the average duration of pregnancy when assessed from the onset of the last menstrual period?
What is the average duration of pregnancy when assessed from the onset of the last menstrual period?
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Excessive weight gain during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of gestational diabetes.
Excessive weight gain during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of gestational diabetes.
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What is the primary function of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) during early pregnancy?
What is the primary function of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) during early pregnancy?
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During the first half of pregnancy, the _____ phase occurs.
During the first half of pregnancy, the _____ phase occurs.
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Match the vitamins with their primary functions:
Match the vitamins with their primary functions:
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What is the minimum daily intake of carbohydrates recommended during pregnancy?
What is the minimum daily intake of carbohydrates recommended during pregnancy?
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Protein intake during pregnancy is reduced to 0.8 g/kg body weight.
Protein intake during pregnancy is reduced to 0.8 g/kg body weight.
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Name one common food that should be avoided during pregnancy due to safety concerns.
Name one common food that should be avoided during pregnancy due to safety concerns.
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The _____ develops protein synthesis, lipid formation, and uterine blood flow during pregnancy.
The _____ develops protein synthesis, lipid formation, and uterine blood flow during pregnancy.
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Which of the following is NOT a reason for infertility treatment?
Which of the following is NOT a reason for infertility treatment?
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Inadequate weight gain during pregnancy can lead to small-for-gestational age infants.
Inadequate weight gain during pregnancy can lead to small-for-gestational age infants.
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What is the average weight gain recommendation during the first trimester of pregnancy?
What is the average weight gain recommendation during the first trimester of pregnancy?
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During late pregnancy, human chorionic somatotropin (hCS) inhibits the conversion of glucose to _____ and fat.
During late pregnancy, human chorionic somatotropin (hCS) inhibits the conversion of glucose to _____ and fat.
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What does GnRH stimulate the pituitary gland to release?
What does GnRH stimulate the pituitary gland to release?
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The luteal phase occurs before ovulation in the menstrual cycle.
The luteal phase occurs before ovulation in the menstrual cycle.
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What is the main hormone that stimulates ovulation?
What is the main hormone that stimulates ovulation?
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The corpus luteum secretes __________ and __________ after ovulation.
The corpus luteum secretes __________ and __________ after ovulation.
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Match the hormone with its function:
Match the hormone with its function:
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Which condition often leads to infertility in women?
Which condition often leads to infertility in women?
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Excess insulin can contribute to androgen production in females.
Excess insulin can contribute to androgen production in females.
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What is the primary symptom of endometriosis?
What is the primary symptom of endometriosis?
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Women in their late teens to late 20s are considered to be in their __________ years for fertility.
Women in their late teens to late 20s are considered to be in their __________ years for fertility.
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Match the medical treatment with its purpose:
Match the medical treatment with its purpose:
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What is a common condition diagnosed by irregular menstrual periods, hirsutism, and enlarged ovaries?
What is a common condition diagnosed by irregular menstrual periods, hirsutism, and enlarged ovaries?
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Hormone therapy may be effective in reducing pain associated with endometriosis.
Hormone therapy may be effective in reducing pain associated with endometriosis.
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What is the process called where sperm is placed inside a woman's uterus to facilitate fertilization?
What is the process called where sperm is placed inside a woman's uterus to facilitate fertilization?
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In order to manage PCOS, dietary recommendations include consuming __________ and high-fiber foods.
In order to manage PCOS, dietary recommendations include consuming __________ and high-fiber foods.
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What is the primary risk factor for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in women over the age of 25?
What is the primary risk factor for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in women over the age of 25?
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Insulin resistance decreases during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.
Insulin resistance decreases during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.
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What is the role of oxytocin during breastfeeding?
What is the role of oxytocin during breastfeeding?
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The __________ phase is the period when physiological changes occur in a woman's body before menopause.
The __________ phase is the period when physiological changes occur in a woman's body before menopause.
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Match the hormonal birth control methods to their descriptions:
Match the hormonal birth control methods to their descriptions:
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Which of the following is a common complication of breastfeeding?
Which of the following is a common complication of breastfeeding?
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Lactogenesis I begins after birth.
Lactogenesis I begins after birth.
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What are the two main hormones involved in the regulation of milk supply during breastfeeding?
What are the two main hormones involved in the regulation of milk supply during breastfeeding?
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The oral glucose tolerance test involves a __________ of dextrose to check for Gestational Diabetes.
The oral glucose tolerance test involves a __________ of dextrose to check for Gestational Diabetes.
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How long must a woman go without menstrual bleeding to be considered menopausal?
How long must a woman go without menstrual bleeding to be considered menopausal?
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Breast size affects a woman's ability to nurse effectively.
Breast size affects a woman's ability to nurse effectively.
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Name one benefit of breastfeeding for infants.
Name one benefit of breastfeeding for infants.
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The __________ method is a birth control technique that requires keeping semen away from the vagina.
The __________ method is a birth control technique that requires keeping semen away from the vagina.
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Match the menopausal symptoms to their descriptions:
Match the menopausal symptoms to their descriptions:
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What is the effectiveness of the combination birth control pill when taken consistently?
What is the effectiveness of the combination birth control pill when taken consistently?
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Study Notes
Female Reproductive Physiology
- Menstrual Cycle: A cyclical process regulated by hormones.
- Hormone Regulation: GnRH, FSH, LH, estrogen, and progesterone are key players.
- GnRH (Gonadotropin-releasing hormone): Stimulates pituitary to release FSH and LH.
- FSH (Follicle-stimulating hormone): Stimulates ovum maturation and estrogen production.
- LH (Luteinizing hormone): Stimulates ovum maturation, progesterone secretion, and ovulation.
- Estrogen: Increases before ovulation, promoting endometrial vascularity and glycogen storage.
- Progesterone: Increases after ovulation, thickening and vascularizing the endometrium, preparing the uterus for a fertilized ovum.
- Corpus Luteum: A temporary structure in the ovary that secretes progesterone and estrogen after ovulation; degenerates unless pregnancy occurs.
- Follicular Phase: First half of menstrual cycle, characterized by follicle growth and maturation, driven by GnRH, FSH, LH, and estrogen.
- Luteal Phase: Second half of menstrual cycle, characterized by corpus luteum formation and increased progesterone and estrogen secretion, preparing the endometrium. If no fertilization, corpus luteum degenerates, leading to menstruation.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Definition: A hormonal disorder characterized by enlarged ovaries with numerous small cysts, leading to infertility.
- Signs/Symptoms: Irregular periods (most common), excess androgen (leading to hirsutism, acne), excess weight, polycystic ovaries, and increased insulin.
- Causes: Insulin resistance, obesity, heredity (certain genes linked), low-grade inflammation.
- Complications: Infertility, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, miscarriage, type II diabetes, sleep apnea, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, abnormal uterine bleeding, and endometrial cancer.
- Management: Lifestyle changes (weight loss, diet, exercise) and medications to regulate cycles (combination birth control pills, progestin therapy, medications promoting ovulation) and reduce excess hair growth.
Endometriosis
- Definition: A painful disorder where tissue similar to the uterine lining (endometrium) grows outside the uterus.
- Location: Primarily affects pelvic organs (ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvic lining).
- Mechanism: The endometrial-like tissue thickens, breaks down, and bleeds with each menstrual cycle, but cannot exit the body, causing irritation and scar tissue.
- Signs/Symptoms: Pelvic pain (especially with periods), excessive bleeding, pain with intercourse, pain with bowel movements/urinations, and infertility.
- Causes: Retrograde menstruation (menstrual blood containing endometrial cells flowing back into the pelvic cavity), transformation of peritoneal cells, surgical scar implantation, endometrial cell transport by blood vessels/lymph, and immune system disorders.
- Risk Factors: Never giving birth, early onset of menstruation, late menopause, short menstrual cycles, high estrogen levels, reproductive tract abnormalities, and family history.
- Complications: Infertility.
- Management: Pain medication (ibuprofen, NSAIDs), hormone therapy, conservative surgery (removing endometrial implants), and hysterectomy (removal of uterus and ovaries if conservative surgery isn't successful).
Fertility and Conception
- Fertility: The natural capability to produce offspring. Fertility in females begins with menarche and ovulation.
- Subfertility: Reduced fertility, taking longer than 6-12 months to conceive.
- Sources of Disruption: Weight status (both excessive and inadequate), adverse food/nutritional exposure, excessive alcohol intake, existing health conditions, severe stress, infections, and structural/chromosomal damage.
- Miscarriage: Loss of the conceptus in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy, often due to fetal defects, maternal infections, or uterine structural abnormalities.
- Obesity/Body Fat & Fertility: Both excessive and inadequate body fat impact fertility in both men and women. Visceral body fat alters reproduction in both genders.
Fertility Treatment and Technology
- Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): Positioning sperm directly into the uterus to increase the odds of fertilization. Typically used to help couples with hostile cervical conditions or unexplained infertility.
- In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF): A 5-step process to fertilize an egg outside the body, resulting in embryos. The selected embryo is then transferred to the uterus. Used to treat infertility in various cases (blocked fallopian tubes, ovulation disorders, genetic issues, male factor infertility).
Pregnancy Physiology
- Gestational vs. Menstrual Age: Gestational age is assessed from conception (average 38 weeks), while menstrual age is assessed from the last menstrual period (average 40 weeks).
- Phases: Anabolic (first half, 0-20 weeks) focused on growth and nutrient storage, and Catabolic (2nd half) focused on mobilization of stores.
- Key Placental Hormones: hCG (maintains early pregnancy), Progesterone (maintains implant, uterine lining growth), Estrogen (increased lipid formation, protein, blood flow).
- Placenta: The organ that develops to provide nutrient and gas exchange between mother and fetus, and to remove waste.
- Weight Gain Recommendations: Aim for a gradual and consistent weight gain during pregnancy, influenced by pre-pregnancy weight status (3-5 pounds in first trimester and 1-2 pounds/week thereafter).
Pregnancy Complications and Considerations
- Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM): Carb intolerance during pregnancy, diagnosed between 24-28 weeks gestation. It's caused by increased insulin resistance in the second and third trimesters, requiring treatment through diet, exercise, and possibly medication (insulin therapy).
Breastfeeding and Lactation
- Physiology: Mammary glands' functional units (alveoli) produce milk. Hormones (prolactin, oxytocin) control milk production and ejection. Milk composition adjusts over a feeding and over days based on infant's needs.
- Benefits for Mothers: Reduced risk of monthly ovulation, emotional bonding, potential delay between pregnancies.
- Benefits for Infants: Nutrient balance matching infant needs, reduced risk of infections, allergies, and chronic illnesses.
- Breastfeeding Challenges: Sore nipples, engorgement, plugged ducts, and hyperactive letdown, which are often common issues when starting breastfeeding.
Birth Control Methods
- Pill (Combination & Mini-Pill): Combination pills contain estrogen and progestin to prevent ovulation and thicken cervical mucus. Mini-pills contain progestin only, with similar mechanisms. Effectiveness depends on consistent use.
- IUD (Intrauterine Device): Copper IUDs create a toxic environment for sperm, while hormonal IUDs thicken cervical mucus.
- Implant/Ring: The implant releases progestin, whilst the ring releases estrogen and progestin to prevent ovulation and thicken cervical mucus.
- Withdrawal: Involves removing the penis before ejaculation occurs. Not very effective.
- Condoms: Prevent sperm from entering the vagina, reduce transmission of sexually transmitted diseases and are 85% effective with consistent use.
- Emergency Contraception: Options include copper IUD, the morning-after pill [Ella and Plan B]. Most effective when used immediately after unprotected sex.
- Weight Status Affects Certain BC: Plan B effectiveness is reduced in higher Body Mass Index (BMI), while Ella remains effective.
Aging and Menopause
- Menopause: Permanent cessation of menstruation due to ovarian oocyte depletion.
- Perimenopause: The period leading up to menopause, characterized by fluctuating hormone levels.
- Postmenopause: The time after menopause; the subsequent remainder of a woman's lifespan after menstruation permanently stops.
- Hormonal Changes: Decrease of ovarian estrogen production, resulting in various symptoms.
- Histological Changes: Ovarian cortex thinning, medulla fibrosis, vaginal atrophy, bone loss.
- Symptoms: Vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats, palpitations), urogenital symptoms (vaginal dryness, urinary issues), sexual dysfunction, psychological symptoms (mood swings, anxiety, depression), weight changes, and blood pressure changes.
- Diagnosis: Primarily based on a woman's age and symptoms, possibly supported by serum FSH testing.
- Treatment: Lifestyle changes are critical for maintaining healthy weight (exercise, diet) and managing symptoms. Hormone therapy can potentially ease some symptoms.
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Description
Test your knowledge on female reproductive physiology, including the menstrual cycle, hormone regulation, and their functions. This quiz covers key hormones such as GnRH, FSH, LH, estrogen, and progesterone, and their roles in the reproductive process.
