10 Most Common Errors in REP-03

Error 1: Saheli is a hormonal oral contraceptive

• WRONG: Saheli contains centchroman — a non-steroidal compound.
• CORRECT: Saheli is a non-steroidal oral contraceptive (CDRI Lucknow).
• WHY students err: "Oral contraceptive" is mentally equated with "hormonal pill."

Error 2: ZIFT transfers the embryo to the uterus

• WRONG: ZIFT transfers to the uterus (confusing with IVF-ET).
• CORRECT: ZIFT transfers a zygote (up to 8-cell stage) to the FALLOPIAN TUBE.
• WHY students err: Both ZIFT and IVF-ET involve in vitro fertilization.

Error 3: Cu-T suppresses ovulation via hormones

• WRONG: Copper IUDs suppress gonadotropins $\frac{LH}{FSH}$.
• CORRECT: Cu-T is non-hormonal; Cu2+ ions are directly toxic to sperm and increase phagocytosis.
• WHY students err: Confusing IUD mechanisms with OC pill mechanisms.

Error 4: Vasectomy stops sperm production

• WRONG: Vasectomy prevents sperm production.
• CORRECT: Sperm production in testes continues normally; sperm are simply reabsorbed (cannot exit through severed vas deferens).
• WHY students err: Confusing "no sperm in ejaculate" with "no sperm produced."

Error 5: GIFT involves in vitro fertilization

• WRONG: GIFT fertilizes the egg in the laboratory.
• CORRECT: GIFT transfers gametes (unfertilized) to the fallopian tube; fertilization occurs in vivo inside the body.
• WHY students err: All ART techniques are assumed to be "test tube baby" methods.

Error 6: LAM is effective for up to 12 months

• WRONG: Lactational amenorrhea lasts up to 12 months.
• CORRECT: LAM is effective only up to 6 months, and only with exclusive breastfeeding.
• WHY students err: Breastfeeding itself continues beyond 6 months.

Error 7: Trichomoniasis is caused by a virus and is not curable

• WRONG: Trichomonas vaginalis is a virus.
• CORRECT: Trichomonas vaginalis is a protozoan; trichomoniasis is curable with metronidazole.
• WHY students err: Placing all STDs into bacterial or viral categories.

Error 8: Hepatitis B is caused by an RNA retrovirus

• WRONG: HBV is a retrovirus like HIV.
• CORRECT: HBV is a DNA virus (Hepadnaviridae); HIV is the retrovirus.
• WHY students err: Both are blood-borne viral STDs, leading to confusion.

Error 9: MTP is legally permitted up to 24 weeks under standard conditions

• WRONG: 24 weeks is the standard legal limit for MTP.
• CORRECT: 20 weeks is the standard limit; 24 weeks is ONLY for special categories (2021 amendment).
• WHY students err: The 2021 amendment is newer and may overshadow the standard 20-week limit in memory.

Error 10: Condoms protect against pregnancy only

• WRONG: Condoms only prevent pregnancy like other contraceptives.
• CORRECT: Condoms (male and female) are the ONLY contraceptive that ALSO protects against STDs.
• WHY students err: Overlooking the dual-function property that makes condoms unique.