Infertility and contraception mnemonic

Causes of infertility by category

The mnemonic

Male, Ovulatory, Tubal, Uterine

What each word stands for

  • MaleSemen abnormalities
  • OvulatoryPCOS, hyperprolactinaemia, thyroid disease
  • TubalPelvic infection, endometriosis
  • UterineFibroids, adhesions, polyps

Why it matters clinically

Both partners must be evaluated together.

Where it stops being reliable

No single cause is found in a sizeable group, called unexplained infertility.

Teaching aid, still awaiting independent review. Confirm facts in a standard source.

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Infertility and contraception mnemonic?

Male, Ovulatory, Tubal, Uterine. It helps you recall: Causes of infertility by category.

What does "Male" stand for?

Semen abnormalities

What does "Ovulatory" stand for?

PCOS, hyperprolactinaemia, thyroid disease

What does "Tubal" stand for?

Pelvic infection, endometriosis

What are all the parts of the Male, Ovulatory, Tubal, Uterine mnemonic?

Male: Semen abnormalities; Ovulatory: PCOS, hyperprolactinaemia, thyroid disease; Tubal: Pelvic infection, endometriosis; Uterine: Fibroids, adhesions, polyps.

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Infertility and contraception in OBG.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

No single cause is found in a sizeable group, called unexplained infertility.

How is this useful clinically?

Both partners must be evaluated together.

How do I make this mnemonic stick?

Say it aloud, write it from memory tomorrow, then again in a week. Then test yourself on a OBG question about Infertility and contraception.

Is this a standard mnemonic?

It is a teaching aid written or adapted by our team. Some resemble ones students share informally. Check any fact that matters in a standard source.