ABOG Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility study guide
ABOG Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility subspecialty examination is the certifying assessment for obstetrician-gynecologists who have completed accredited REI fellowship training and wish to be board certified in the subspecialty. It is designed for physicians already grounded in general ob-gyn practice who now manage complex endocrine, infertility, and reproductive surgical problems. The ABOG Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility study guide has 12 sections and about 2,784 words.
01Reproductive Endocrinology and Neuroendocrinology
The hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian axis is a pulsatile system. GnRH pulses drive gonadotrophin release; fast pulses favor LH, slow pulses favor FSH .
277 words, about 1 min02Ovulation, Menstrual Disorders, and Anovulation
Use WHO categories: Group I hypothalamic–pituitary failure (low FSH, low estradiol); Group II eugonadotrophic normoestrogenic anovulation (PCOS is the prototype); Group III hypergonadotrophic hypogonadism (ovarian failure). This framework drives treatment choice.
224 words, about 1 min03Infertility Evaluation and Assisted Reproductive Technology
Infertility is failure to conceive after 12 months of unprotected intercourse (6 months if age ≥35). Core evaluation: semen analysis, ovulatory assessment (cycle history, mid-luteal progesterone), tubal patency (HSG or saline infusion sonography), and ovarian reserve testing (AMH, antral follicle count).
264 words, about 1 min04Male Infertility and Reproductive Urology
Interpret by WHO reference limits: volume ≥1.4 mL, concentration ≥16 million/mL, total motility ≥42%, progressive motility ≥30%, normal morphology ≥4%. A single abnormal sample is repeated after 2–4 weeks; marked abnormalities warrant urology referral.
229 words, about 1 min05Early Pregnancy Loss and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
Early pregnancy loss is loss before 13 weeks; recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is typically ≥2–3 consecutive losses. Aneuploidy accounts for the majority of sporadic losses, and risk rises with maternal age.
250 words, about 1 min06Menopause, Perimenopause, and Hormone Therapy
Menopause is 12 months of amenorrhoea after the final menstrual period; median age ~51. Perimenopause features variable cycles and vasomotor symptoms.
249 words, about 1 min07Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology and Congenital Anomalies
Distinguish pubertal variants from pathology. Precocious puberty is before age 8 (girls) or 9 (boys); delayed puberty is no breast development by 13 or no menarche by 15–16.
246 words, about 1 min08Reproductive Genetics and Preimplantation Genetic Testing
Understand inheritance patterns: autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, X-linked, and mitochondrial. Carrier screening is offered to couples, with expanded panels now common.
222 words, about 1 min09Contraception and Reproductive Tract Infections
Use the US MEC categories (1–4) to guide method choice by medical condition. Category 4 = unacceptable risk (e.g., combined hormonal contraception with migraine with aura, or with smoking and age ≥35).
237 words, about 1 min10Fertility Preservation and Oncofertility
Offer fertility preservation counseling before gonadotoxic therapy to all patients of reproductive age with cancer or other gonadotoxic exposure. Options depend on age, diagnosis, time to treatment, and partner status: embryo cryopreservation, oocyte cryopreservation, ovarian tissue cryopreservation (experimental/selected), and for males, sperm cryopreservation.
225 words, about 1 min11Reproductive Surgery and Minimally Invasive Gynecology
Hysteroscopy is diagnostic and therapeutic for polyps, submucosal fibroids, synechiae, and septa. Submucosal fibroids (FIGO type 0–2) distort the cavity and are most associated with infertility; resection may improve outcomes.
196 words, under 1 min12Ethics, Professionalism, and Practice-Based Learning
Apply autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice. Informed consent requires capacity, disclosure, understanding, and voluntariness.
165 words, under 1 min