NAPLEX Contraception & Infertility Questions with Correct
Answers (Grade A+)
Question 1: How long is the menstrual cycle?
Answer: 23-35 days with the average being 28 days
Question 2: What is day 1 of the menstrual cycle?
Answer: when menses start
Question 3: follicular phase
Answer: The first phase of the ovarian cycle, during which a follicle (an oocyte and its surrounding cells)
enlarges and matures. This phase is under the control of FSH from the anterior pituitary, and typically lasts
from day 1 to day 14 of the menstrual cycle. The follicle secretes estrogen during this time period.
Question 4: ovulatory phase
Answer: The second stage of the menstrual cycle, when the ovum is released in response to the estrogen
increase causing release of FSH and LH
Question 5: luteal phase
Answer: The third phase of the ovarian cycle, during which a corpus luteum is formed from the remnants of
the follicle that has ovulated its oocyte. The corpus luteum secretes progestrone and estrogen during this
time period, which typically lasts from day 15 to day 28 of the menstrual cycle. progesterone dominant
Question 6: How do ovulation kits work?
Answer: detect the LH surge in the urine - have intercourse while LH positive and for 2 days after
Question 7: How do pregnancy tests work?
Answer: detect hCG (released when the egg attaches to the uterus); try to take early in the morning when
hCG is the highest
Question 8: What are recommendations for preconception health?
Answer: increase folic acid intake (400mcg -> 600mcg/day), stop smoking/drugs/alcohol, get vaccines up to
date, avoid hazardous drugs and toxins
Question 9: Why is folic acid in prenatal vitamins?
Answer: to prevent neural tube defects
Page 1
, Question 10: Fertility returns quickly after stopping hormonal contraception, except with -
Answer: medroxyprogesterone injection
Question 11: Which contraceptive methods protect against STIs?
Answer: condoms - female internal better than male (not sheepskin)
Question 12: What are the most effective methods for contraception?
Answer: implant, IUD, sterilization
Question 13: What are the least effective methods for contraception?
Answer: condom, withdrawal, sponge, fertility awareness, spermicide
Question 14: What is the only 100% effective method of contraception?
Answer: abstinence
Question 15: How can body temperature predict ovulation?
Answer: 96-98 before ovulation, 97-99 during - take early in the morning, use in combination with cervical
mucus/discharge changes
Question 16: Natural Cycles
Answer: FDA-approved app for tracking temperature and ovulation
Question 17: Which type of condom does not protect against STIs?
Answer: natural/sheepskin
Question 18: What are the disadvantages to using spermicide?
Answer: can cause irritation and increase STI transmission
Question 19: What lubricants can be used with condoms?
Answer: only water or silicone-based (not oil)
Question 20: Phexxi
Answer: prescription-only vaginal gel that causes an acidic pH that reduces sperm motility
Page 2
Answers (Grade A+)
Question 1: How long is the menstrual cycle?
Answer: 23-35 days with the average being 28 days
Question 2: What is day 1 of the menstrual cycle?
Answer: when menses start
Question 3: follicular phase
Answer: The first phase of the ovarian cycle, during which a follicle (an oocyte and its surrounding cells)
enlarges and matures. This phase is under the control of FSH from the anterior pituitary, and typically lasts
from day 1 to day 14 of the menstrual cycle. The follicle secretes estrogen during this time period.
Question 4: ovulatory phase
Answer: The second stage of the menstrual cycle, when the ovum is released in response to the estrogen
increase causing release of FSH and LH
Question 5: luteal phase
Answer: The third phase of the ovarian cycle, during which a corpus luteum is formed from the remnants of
the follicle that has ovulated its oocyte. The corpus luteum secretes progestrone and estrogen during this
time period, which typically lasts from day 15 to day 28 of the menstrual cycle. progesterone dominant
Question 6: How do ovulation kits work?
Answer: detect the LH surge in the urine - have intercourse while LH positive and for 2 days after
Question 7: How do pregnancy tests work?
Answer: detect hCG (released when the egg attaches to the uterus); try to take early in the morning when
hCG is the highest
Question 8: What are recommendations for preconception health?
Answer: increase folic acid intake (400mcg -> 600mcg/day), stop smoking/drugs/alcohol, get vaccines up to
date, avoid hazardous drugs and toxins
Question 9: Why is folic acid in prenatal vitamins?
Answer: to prevent neural tube defects
Page 1
, Question 10: Fertility returns quickly after stopping hormonal contraception, except with -
Answer: medroxyprogesterone injection
Question 11: Which contraceptive methods protect against STIs?
Answer: condoms - female internal better than male (not sheepskin)
Question 12: What are the most effective methods for contraception?
Answer: implant, IUD, sterilization
Question 13: What are the least effective methods for contraception?
Answer: condom, withdrawal, sponge, fertility awareness, spermicide
Question 14: What is the only 100% effective method of contraception?
Answer: abstinence
Question 15: How can body temperature predict ovulation?
Answer: 96-98 before ovulation, 97-99 during - take early in the morning, use in combination with cervical
mucus/discharge changes
Question 16: Natural Cycles
Answer: FDA-approved app for tracking temperature and ovulation
Question 17: Which type of condom does not protect against STIs?
Answer: natural/sheepskin
Question 18: What are the disadvantages to using spermicide?
Answer: can cause irritation and increase STI transmission
Question 19: What lubricants can be used with condoms?
Answer: only water or silicone-based (not oil)
Question 20: Phexxi
Answer: prescription-only vaginal gel that causes an acidic pH that reduces sperm motility
Page 2