Non Pregnant Female Reproduction Flashcards
(26 cards)
What is oogenesis?
The process of oocyte formation that begins from the embryonic stage and continues into adulthood
How do germ cells migrate during embryonic development?
They move from their initial location to the developing gonads which will eventually become the ovaries in females
How many oocytes and follicles do babies have at the point of birth?
700 thousand -2 million
What is the meiotic arrest?
The stage of the first meiotic division oocytes are arrested in until puberty
What triggers completion of meiosis I in oocytes?
The LH surge before ovulation
What is the stage of the oocyte before the LH surge?
Germinal Vesicle stage
What happens after meiosis I is completed?
The oocyte extrudes the first polar body and arrests at metaphase II until fertilisation
What do primordial germ cells become in females after migration?
Oogonia which proliferate and form the ovary
What is folliculogenesis?
The growth and development of ovarian follicles starting at puberty
How long does it take a primordial follicle to become ovulatory?
Around 290 days
What is the fate of most developing follicles?
Atresia
What is the gonadotrophin independent phase?
Early follicular phase without FSH/LH influence
What is the gonadotrophin responsive phase?
Follicles gain LH and FSH receptors
What is the gonadotrophin dependent phase?
Follicles need FSH to avoid atresia
What is the goal of controlled ovarian stimulation?
To rescue follicles from atresia by ensuring FSH threshold levels are met
What is the risk of too high FSH dosing?
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
What is the risk of too low FSH dosing?
Follicular atresia
What are the three best predictors for COS success?
- Antral Follicle Count
- AMH
- Baseline FSH
Why is the pituitary down regulated in controlled ovarian stimulation?
To prevent premature LH surge and ovulation
What are the two drugs used for down regulation of the pituitary during controlled ovarian stimulation?
- GnRH agonists
- GnRH antagonist
How does GnRH agonist work?
Initially stimulates then suppresses GnRH via receptor internalisation
Why is GnRH agonist usually used?
Good for flare protocol in poor responders
What are some side effects of GnRH agonist?
Menopause like symptoms
How does GnRH antagonist work?
Directly blocks GnRH receptors
