Reproduction: effect of vasectomy on hormones: practice question

A Physiology 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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Physiology · Reproduction: effect of vasectomy on hormones

Sample item

A 35-year-old man has a vasectomy. Six months later, which finding is expected in his serum?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Normal testosterone, LH and FSH

Vasectomy interrupts only the passage of sperm in the vas. Leydig cell testosterone and Sertoli cell inhibin continue, so feedback and gonadotropin levels remain normal, as does libido.

Option by option

  • A. Very high FSH with low inhibin B

    High FSH with low inhibin B reflects damaged seminiferous tubules, not a blocked vas.

  • B. Low testosterone with high LH

    Low testosterone would indicate Leydig cell failure, which vasectomy does not cause.

  • C. Low LH with raised oestradiol

    Low LH with high oestradiol would suggest an oestrogen-secreting process, not vasectomy.

  • D. Normal testosterone, LH and FSH (correct)

    Correct. Endocrine testicular function continues because only sperm transport is blocked.

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 Physiology question

What is the answer to this Physiology question?

The best answer is D, Normal testosterone, LH and FSH. Vasectomy interrupts only the passage of sperm in the vas.

Why is "Very high FSH with low inhibin B" not the answer?

High FSH with low inhibin B reflects damaged seminiferous tubules, not a blocked vas.

Why is "Low testosterone with high LH" not the answer?

Low testosterone would indicate Leydig cell failure, which vasectomy does not cause.

Why is "Low LH with raised oestradiol" not the answer?

Low LH with high oestradiol would suggest an oestrogen-secreting process, not vasectomy.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Reproduction: effect of vasectomy on hormones in Physiology. Leydig cell testosterone and Sertoli cell inhibin continue, so feedback and gonadotropin levels remain normal, as does libido.

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 Reproduction: effect of vasectomy on hormones?

For each system, sketch the key graph (pressure–volume loop, oxygen dissociation curve, nephron handling) and explain it aloud. Then use the flashcards and the other Physiology 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.