Infertility and contraception: spermatogenic cycle: 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 and contraception: spermatogenic cycle

Sample item

A man had a high fever 6 weeks ago, and his semen analysis now shows oligozoospermia. When should it be repeated to judge recovery?

AAfter 4 weeksBAfter 1 weekCAfter about 3 monthsDAfter 2 weeks

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. After about 3 months

Spermatogenesis and epididymal transit take roughly 70 to 90 days, so a semen sample reflects events of the preceding 2 to 3 months. A repeat analysis after about 3 months shows whether sperm production has recovered.

Option by option

A. After 4 weeks
Four weeks is less than half of the spermatogenic cycle.
B. After 1 week
One week is far too short to show new sperm production.
C. After about 3 months (correct)
Correct. A full spermatogenic cycle takes about 3 months.
D. After 2 weeks
Two weeks cannot reflect recovery of spermatogenesis.

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.

Questions about this OBG question

What is the answer to this OBG question?

The best answer is C, After about 3 months. Spermatogenesis and epididymal transit take roughly 70 to 90 days, so a semen sample reflects events of the preceding 2 to 3 months.

Why is "After 4 weeks" not the answer?

Four weeks is less than half of the spermatogenic cycle.

Why is "After 1 week" not the answer?

One week is far too short to show new sperm production.

Why is "After 2 weeks" not the answer?

Two weeks cannot reflect recovery of spermatogenesis.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Infertility and contraception: spermatogenic cycle in OBG. A repeat analysis after about 3 months shows whether sperm production has recovered.

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 and contraception: spermatogenic cycle?

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.