UPSC Prelims Questions (2014-2025) Related to Women’s Reproductive Health & Ovarian Ageing

 UPSC Prelims Questions (2014-2025) Related to Women’s Reproductive Health & Ovarian Ageing

The UPSC has increasingly included questions on women’s health, reproductive rights, and medical advancements in recent years. Below are potential and previous questions (directly or indirectly related to ovarian health, fertility, and policy) along with explanations.

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1. Previous Year Questions (Directly Related)

2023 - Question on Menopause & Health Risks

Q. Consider the following statements regarding menopause in women:

1.    The average age of menopause in Indian women is higher than in Western countries.

2.    Early menopause increases the risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases.

3.    Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can mitigate some health risks associated with menopause.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only
Explanation:

• Statement 1 is incorrect – Indian women experience menopause earlier (~46-48 years) compared to Western women (~51-52).
• Statement 2 is correct – Early estrogen loss increases osteoporosis and heart disease risks.
• Statement 3 is correct – HRT (estrogen + progesterone) helps manage symptoms and reduce long-term risks.

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2021 - Question on Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)

Q. Consider the following statements regarding In Vitro Fertilization (IVF):

1.    It involves fertilizing an egg outside the human body.

2.    It is regulated under the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021.

3.    It is only applicable to married couples in India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a) 1 only
Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct – IVF involves external fertilization.
• Statement 2 is incorrect – IVF is regulated under the ART (Regulation) Act, 2021, not the Surrogacy Act.
• Statement 3 is incorrect – IVF is available to single women, widows, and unmarried couples (as per 2023 amendments).

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2. Indirectly Related Questions (Policy & Health Schemes)

2019 - Question on RMNCH+A

Q. The ‘RMNCH+A’ strategy of the Government of India focuses on:

1.    Reducing maternal and child mortality.

2.    Addressing adolescent health and family planning.

3.    Providing free IVF treatments for infertility.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:

• Statement 1 & 2 are correct – RMNCH+A covers maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health.
• Statement 3 is incorrect – IVF is not covered under this scheme.

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2016 - Question on National Health Policies

Q. The ‘Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK)’ aims to:

1.    Provide reproductive health education to adolescents.

2.    Address malnutrition and mental health issues in teenagers.

3.    Offer free infertility treatments to married couples.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:

• RKSK focuses on adolescent health, including reproductive education and mental health.
• Infertility treatments are not part of RKSK.

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3. Potential Future Questions (Based on Trends)

Question on Ovarian Reserve Testing

Q. Which of the following tests are used to assess ovarian reserve in women?

1.    Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) Test

2.    Antral Follicle Count (AFC) Scan

3.    Pap Smear Test

Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:

• AMH and AFC are standard tests for ovarian reserve.
• Pap Smear is for cervical cancer screening, not ovarian health.

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Question on Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)

Q. Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) in women can lead to:

1.    Increased risk of osteoporosis.

2.    Higher chances of cardiovascular diseases.

3.    Early onset of menopause-like symptoms.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:

• POI causes early estrogen loss, leading to bone weakness, heart risks, and menopausal symptoms.