Before You Begin
Question #45571
The Question
A couple seeks Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) for secondary infertility. The clinician advises the female partner to completely wean her 6-month-old breastfeeding infant before initiating the ovarian stimulation protocol. Which of the following best explains the physiological rationale behind this advice?
Options
- A.
High prolactin levels exert negative feedback on the hypothalamus, suppressing GnRH release into the hypothalamo-hypophyseal portal system, which disrupts the endogenous hormonal milieu necessary for optimal oocyte retrieval.
- B.
Oxytocin released during the milk ejection reflex directly downregulates FSH and LH receptors on the ovarian follicles, rendering exogenous gonadotropins ineffective.
- C.
Hyperprolactinemia directly inhibits the anterior pituitary, preventing it from converting exogenous GnRH analogues into functional LH and FSH during the stimulation phase.
- D.
The intense suckling stimulus induces a state of physiological hyperprolactinemia that permanently arrests primary oocytes in Prophase-I of meiosis.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Regulatory_Failure
Understand how NOT, EXCEPT, and logical constraints are used to manipulate exam results.
Concepts Behind This Question
ICSI Procedure|Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal Portal System|Lactational Amenorrhea Logic
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often memorize 'Lactational amenorrhea = no ovulation' but fail to apply the exact mechanism (Prolactin -> Hypothalamus -> GnRH suppression via the portal system) to clinical ART scenarios.
The trap lies in functional confusion between Prolactin (milk synthesis/GnRH suppression) and Oxytocin (milk ejection), as well as misunderstanding the target sites of exogenous hormones in IVF/ICSI protocols.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Reproductive Health - Class 12 |
| Concept | ICSI Procedure |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |