Infertility: luteal phase support: practice question

A OBG question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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OBG · Infertility: luteal phase support

Sample item

Why is luteal phase support with progesterone routinely given after oocyte retrieval in IVF cycles?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Pituitary suppression and follicle aspiration impair corpus luteum progesterone production

In stimulated cycles, GnRH analogues suppress LH and aspiration of granulosa cells reduces corpus luteum function, so the luteal phase is inadequate for implantation. Vaginal, intramuscular or oral progesterone is therefore started after retrieval and continued until about 8 to 10 weeks if pregnancy occurs. It does not prevent OHSS.

Option by option

  • A. To suppress the LH surge

    The LH surge is suppressed earlier by antagonists or agonists.

  • B. To prevent ovarian hyperstimulation only

    Progesterone does not prevent OHSS.

  • C. Pituitary suppression and follicle aspiration impair corpus luteum progesterone production (correct)

    Correct. Corpus luteum insufficiency in stimulated cycles requires progesterone.

  • D. To induce ovulation

    Ovulation has already been triggered and retrieval completed.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this OBG question

What is the answer to this OBG question?

The best answer is C, Pituitary suppression and follicle aspiration impair corpus luteum progesterone production. In stimulated cycles, GnRH analogues suppress LH and aspiration of granulosa cells reduces corpus luteum function, so the luteal phase is inadequate for implantation.

Why is "To suppress the LH surge" not the answer?

The LH surge is suppressed earlier by antagonists or agonists.

Why is "To prevent ovarian hyperstimulation only" not the answer?

Progesterone does not prevent OHSS.

Why is "To induce ovulation" not the answer?

Ovulation has already been triggered and retrieval completed.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Infertility: luteal phase support in OBG. Vaginal, intramuscular or oral progesterone is therefore started after retrieval and continued until about 8 to 10 weeks if pregnancy occurs. It does not prevent OHSS.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Infertility: luteal phase support?

Learn management algorithms as steps: PPH, eclampsia, ectopic pregnancy. Then use the flashcards and the other OBG questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.