High-Yield Exam Mnemonics
- Tam-SU-losin SU-pports Urinary flow.
Recall: Tamsulosin is a selective alpha-1A blocker that relaxes prostatic smooth muscle, improving urinary flow.
- BromoCRIPtine CRIPples prolactin via D2.
Recall: Bromocriptine is a dopamine D2 receptor agonist.
- Methimazole May Melt your Marrow (WBCs).
Recall: Methimazole (and PTU) can cause life-threatening agranulocytosis.
- HYPO = HIGH danger.
Recall: Hypoglycemia is the most dangerous complication, potentially causing seizures, coma, or death.
- SulfonylUREAS = UREA-shing potassium channels shut.
Recall: Sulfonylureas block K-ATP channels on beta cells, causing depolarization, calcium influx, and insulin release.
- DDAVP = D-esmo for D-iabetes insipidus (central).
Recall: Desmopressin is a synthetic ADH analogue (V2-selective) that replaces deficient vasopressin in central DI.
- Glucocorticoids = GLOBAL block via PLA2.
Recall: Glucocorticoids induce lipocortin, which inhibits phospholipase A2, blocking arachidonic acid release and both COX and LOX pathways.
- hCG = human Chorionic Gonadotropin = mimics LH.
Recall: HCG binds LH receptors due to structural similarity, stimulating corpus luteum (early pregnancy) or Leydig cells (males).
- OxyTOCIN = TOC-TIC-TOC (contractions like a clock).
Recall: Oxytocin induces and augments labor by stimulating uterine contractions via oxytocin receptors.
- MPA = Many uses but NOT ovulation induction.
Recall: MPA is a progestin used for contraception (Depo-Provera), endometriosis (suppresses estrogen), and HRT (protects endometrium).
- DVT = Don’t use esTrogen.
Recall: History of DVT/PE is an absolute contraindication due to estrogen’s prothrombotic effects.
- “Mife + Miso = Medical abortion.” Danazol
Recall: Misoprostol (PGE1 analogue) is given 24-48 hours after mifepristone to induce uterine contractions and expel products.
- Steroids STRAIN the liver.
Recall: Anabolic steroids cause hepatotoxicity (peliosis hepatis, cholestasis, tumors), cardiovascular effects, testicular atrophy, and psychiatric disturbances.
- Tamoxifen = Troublesome to the uTerus.
Recall: Tamoxifen’s estrogenic effect on endometrium increases endometrial carcinoma and hyperplasia risk.
- Exenatide = Extra incretin activity.
Recall: Exenatide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist (incretin mimetic) that enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion.
- “3.5 to stay alive” – nephrotic threshold is 3.5 g/day.
Recall: Nephrotic syndrome is defined by proteinuria >3.5 g/day, hypoalbuminemia, edema, and hyperlipidemia.
- Minimal change = Maximum foot process fusion.
Recall: Minimal change disease shows diffuse effacement (fusion) of podocyte foot processes on EM with no immune deposits.
- IgA = Most common Anywhere.
Recall: IgA nephropathy (Berger disease) is the most common primary GN globally.
- Benign BP = Benign nephrosclerosis.
Recall: Benign nephrosclerosis results from chronic mild/moderate hypertension causing hyaline arteriolosclerosis and arteriolar thickening.
- Micro catches Macro damage early.
Recall: Microalbuminuria (30-300 mg/day) detects early glomerular damage before overt proteinuria, especially in diabetics.
- Failing kidneys = Failing bones (via PTH).
Recall: CKD causes phosphate retention and decreased 1,25-vitamin D, leading to hypocalcemia and secondary hyperparathyroidism causing bone disease.
- Scars over Stretched calyces.
Recall: Chronic pyelonephritis shows asymmetric, irregular “U-shaped” cortical scars overlying blunted, dilated calyces.
- Calcium = Common (most) stone.
Recall: Calcium oxalate stones account for 70-80% of kidney stones.
- RCC Triad = Red urine, Regional pain, Renal mass.
Recall: Classic triad of hematuria, flank pain, and palpable mass occurs in only 10% of RCC cases.
- Schisto = Squamous cell carcinoma.
Recall: Chronic S. haematobium infection causes squamous metaplasia and SCC of bladder (common in Egypt, Africa).
- PSA = Prostate-Specific, not kidney.
Recall: PSA is prostate-specific, elevated in prostate cancer, BPH, and prostatitis.
- Sheehan = She hemorrhaged, pituitary starved.
Recall: Sheehan syndrome is postpartum ischemic necrosis of enlarged pituitary due to obstetric hemorrhage, causing hypopituitarism.
- Hashimoto = Hurthle cells and lymphocytes.
Recall: Hurthle cells (oncocytes) are enlarged eosinophilic follicular cells with abundant mitochondria, characteristic of Hashimoto thyroiditis.
- 3 Ps = Pee, drink, eat excessively.
Recall: Classic diabetes triad is polyuria (osmotic diuresis), polydipsia (thirst from dehydration), and polyphagia (hunger from cellular glucose starvation).
- Pheo = Plenty of 10%s.
Recall: Pheochromocytoma “Rule of 10s”: 10% bilateral, 10% extra-adrenal, 10% malignant, 10% familial, 10% in children.
- AFP = Alpha Fetoprotein = Yolk sac (fetal origin).
Recall: AFP is elevated in yolk sac tumor and embryonal carcinoma (not pure seminoma). hCG is elevated in choriocarcinoma and some seminomas.
- Chocolate = old blood = endometriosis.
Recall: Chocolate cysts (endometriomas) contain old hemorrhagic debris from cyclically bleeding ectopic endometrium in ovary.
- THOTA 2010 – Trafficking of Human Organs is Totally Abolished.
Recall: The Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act 2010 specifically prohibits commercial dealings in human organs.
- VASectomy = VAS deferens cut.
Recall: Vasectomy involves cutting and ligating the vas deferens to prevent sperm from reaching the ejaculate.
- AID = Anonymous Individual Donor.
Recall: AID (Artificial Insemination by Donor) uses semen from an anonymous donor when the husband’s semen is unsuitable.
- False virgin = Hymen INTACT but intercourse DONE.
Recall: A false virgin has an intact hymen despite having sexual intercourse (possible with elastic hymen).
- Mother feels QUICK movements = QUICKENING.
Recall: Quickening is the first perception of fetal movements by the mother, typically at 18-20 weeks in primigravida.
- COLOSTRUM = Can appear in late pregnancy OR after delivery.
Recall: Colostrum can be expressed during late pregnancy and early postpartum, so it indicates either pregnancy or recent delivery.
- BAIN = BYE permanently (irrevocable).
Recall: Talaq-e-bain is an irrevocable divorce that cannot be taken back without a new marriage contract.
- INCEST = IN family, illegal SEX.
Recall: Incest is sexual intercourse between close blood relatives (parents, siblings, children) and is prohibited in all legal systems.
- FINasteride FINishes DHT production.
Recall: Finasteride is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor that blocks conversion of testosterone to DHT, reducing prostate size over months and lowering PSA by ~50%.
- PEGvisomant PEGs down GH receptors.
Recall: Pegvisomant is a GH receptor antagonist that blocks GH from binding its peripheral receptors, thereby reducing hepatic IGF-1 synthesis.
- WOLFF guards the gate temporarily – iodide CHOKES off hormone production briefly.
Recall: The Wolff-Chaikoff effect describes how high iodide concentrations transiently inhibit thyroid hormone synthesis by blocking iodide organification.
- SulfonylUREAS CLOSE K-ATP to RELEASE insulin.
Recall: Sulfonylureas bind SUR1 subunit of K-ATP channels, blocking them and causing membrane depolarization, calcium influx, and insulin exocytosis–independent of glucose levels, hence hypoglycemia risk.
- GLP-1 = Good for Losing Pounds – slow gut, full brain.
Recall: GLP-1 agonists delay gastric emptying and act on hypothalamic receptors promoting satiety, reducing food intake and causing weight loss of 3-5 kg on average.
- DDAVP = D for Diabetes insipidus, V2 for water reabsorption.
Recall: Desmopressin selectively activates V2 receptors on collecting duct principal cells, inserting aquaporin-2 channels via cAMP/PKA pathway, allowing water reabsorption.
- Dexa = Dedicated glucocorticoid (no mineralo-side effects).
Recall: Dexamethasone has very high glucocorticoid potency (25× hydrocortisone) with negligible mineralocorticoid activity, reducing edema without causing sodium/water retention.
- SPIRONOlactone SPIRALs down aldosterone effects everywhere.
Recall: Spironolactone competitively blocks mineralocorticoid (aldosterone) receptors in collecting duct (diuresis) and myocardium (reduces fibrosis and remodeling).
- DeGARELIX = Goes directly to block (no flare delay).
Recall: GnRH antagonists like degarelix immediately block GnRH receptors without initial activation, causing rapid LH/FSH suppression and testosterone decline within days, without flare.
- Estrogens = make more Clotting factors, less Controllers (antithrombin).
Recall: Estrogens increase hepatic synthesis of factors II, VII, IX, X, and fibrinogen while reducing antithrombin III and protein S, creating a hypercoagulable state.
- OCPs = Ovulation Cancelled by Pills.
Recall: The primary mechanism is prevention of the LH surge (via negative feedback from estrogen/progestin), suppressing ovulation.
- Clomiphene CLOAKS estrogen receptors = brain thinks estrogen is low = more FSH.
Recall: Clomiphene is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that blocks estrogen receptors in hypothalamus/pituitary, removing negative feedback and increasing GnRH pulse frequency and FSH/LH release, stimulating follicular development and ovulation.
- Danazol DAMPENS hormones and DRIES up endometriosis.
Recall: Danazol is a synthetic androgen that suppresses LH/FSH surge (no ovulation), directly inhibits ovarian steroidogenic enzymes, and has weak androgenic/progestational effects, creating an atrophic environment for endometrial tissue.
- FINasteride FINishes DHT in Follicles.
Recall: Finasteride inhibits 5-alpha reductase type II (predominant in scalp), reducing conversion of testosterone to DHT.
- coli = Excreta recently coli-contaminated.
Recall: E. coli is the most specific indicator of recent fecal contamination and is the WHO-recommended standard for drinking water.
- Penicillin is Pregnancy-Perfect for Preventing transmission.
Recall: Benzathine penicillin G remains the only proven treatment to prevent congenital syphilis and crosses the placenta effectively.
- CMT (Cervical Motion Tenderness) = Classic sign of PID Making Trouble.
Recall: The triad of lower abdominal pain, fever, and cervical motion tenderness (Chandelier sign) with adnexal tenderness indicates PID, commonly caused by ascending gonococcal/chlamydial infection.
- 4K notch = Factory worker’s Noise-Knocked hearing.
Recall: The characteristic “4 kHz notch” on audiometry is pathognomonic of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), resulting from damage to cochlear hair cells in the basal turn.
- Green for Garden/organic waste that can Grow back into soil.
Recall: Green bins are designated for biodegradable/wet waste (food scraps, garden waste) suitable for composting.
- Coal in lungs = CWP (Coal Workers’ Pneumoconiosis).
Recall: Coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (black lung disease) presents with rounded opacities on CXR in upper zones after prolonged coal dust exposure.
- Lifestyle beats medication – 58% vs 31% reduction; Diet and Exercise = Double the Effect.
Recall: The DPP study showed that intensive lifestyle modification (7% weight loss, 150 min/week moderate exercise) reduced diabetes incidence by 58%, compared to 31% with metformin (A).
- Koilonychia = curved nails from missing iron; IFA tablets for pregnant ladies.
Recall: Koilonychia with microcytic hypochromic anemia (low MCV) is classic iron deficiency anemia, common in pregnancy.
- IgA = Immediate Appearance after infection.
Recall: This presentation is classic for IgA nephropathy (Berger disease), characterized by hematuria occurring within 1-2 days of an upper respiratory infection (synpharyngitic hematuria).
- ATN = A Tubule’s Nightmare–flattened, sloughed, and struggling.
Recall: This is ischemic acute tubular necrosis (ATN) from septic shock.
- Struvite = Staghorn + Proteus mirabilis + pH elevated (alkaline).
Recall: Struvite stones (magnesium ammonium phosphate) form in alkaline urine (pH >7) due to urease-producing organisms like Proteus mirabilis.
- Anterior pituitary loss = All Stimulating hormones lost (ACTH, TSH, FSH, LH, GH).
Recall: This is panhypopituitarism with secondary adrenal insufficiency (low cortisol not responsive to ACTH) and central hypothyroidism (low T4 with inappropriately low TSH).
- BRAF = Best marker for paPillary carcinoma (B for BRAF, P for Papillary).
Recall: These cytological features are pathognomonic for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC): “Orphan Annie eyes” (cleared-out nuclei), nuclear grooves, and intranuclear inclusions.
- GRA = Glucocorticoid (dexamethasone) Remedies Aldosterone excess.
Recall: This is glucocorticoid-remediable aldosteronism (GRA), caused by a chimeric CYP11B1/B2 gene placing aldosterone synthase under ACTH control.
- Chlamydia Climbs into Columnar Cells.
Recall: Chlamydia trachomatis is an obligate intracellular bacterium that preferentially infects columnar epithelial cells found in the endocervix, urethra, and fallopian tubes.
- PCOS = Insulin Instigates androgens; LH/FSH ratio elevated.
Recall: This is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
- Nonproliferative = No increased risk; Proliferative without atypia = Slightly increased; Atypia = moderately increased.
Recall: This is nonproliferative fibrocystic change (cysts, fibrosis, apocrine metaplasia), which carries no increased breast cancer risk.
- “Nitro is Nice in the Middle” – safe in second trimester.
Recall: Nitrofurantoin is safe in second trimester and appropriate for penicillin-allergic patients.
- Sex-related UTI = Single dose after sex.
Recall: For women with UTIs clearly related to sexual intercourse, post-coital prophylaxis with a single dose of antibiotic (TMP-SMX or nitrofurantoin) is highly effective and uses less total antibiotic than daily prophylaxis.
- “Douglas is Down” – lowest point where everything pools.
Recall: The Pouch of Douglas (rectouterine pouch) is the most dependent/lowest part of the female peritoneal cavity when upright.
- “Cervix goes Central first” – pelvic nodes before para-aortic.
Recall: The cervix primarily drains to the obturator and internal iliac (hypogastric) nodes, then to external iliac and common iliac nodes, and finally to para-aortic nodes.
- Uterus present = Progestogen essential.
Recall: Women with an intact uterus must receive progestogen with estrogen to prevent estrogen-induced endometrial hyperplasia and cancer.
- Sequential = Scheduled bleeding.
Recall: Sequential (cyclic) hormone therapy provides estrogen continuously with progestogen added for 10-14 days per month/cycle, producing predictable withdrawal bleeding.
- Enzyme inducers Eat up pill hormones.
Recall: Carbamazepine is a potent hepatic enzyme inducer that significantly reduces the efficacy of combined oral contraceptives by increasing metabolism of estrogen and progestogen.
- “2 out of 3 ain’t bad” for PCOS diagnosis.
Recall: Rotterdam criteria require two of three features for PCOS diagnosis: oligo/anovulation, clinical/biochemical hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovarian morphology on ultrasound.
- Evaluate before you Ovulate.
Recall: After stopping COCs, most women resume menstruation within 3 months.
- Submucosal = Scope through the cervix.
Recall: Submucosal fibroids projecting into the uterine cavity are best removed hysteroscopically–a minimally invasive approach through the cervix without abdominal incisions.
- GnRH Gets Ready for surgery.
Recall: Pre-operative GnRH agonist therapy for 3-6 months shrinks fibroids, reduces uterine vascularity, and decreases intra-operative blood loss.
- Serous = Serious disease.
Recall: Serous (and clear cell) carcinomas are type II endometrial cancers–hormone-independent, occurring in older women, often arising in atrophic endometrium, genetically similar to ovarian serous cancer (TP53 mutations), and carrying significantly worse prognosis than type I (endometrioid).
- Micro-invasion with clear margins = May preserve fertility with cone alone.
Recall: Stage IA1 without lymphovascular invasion has <1% lymph node metastasis risk and can be managed with conization alone if margins are clear, preserving fertility.
- 12 months under 35, 6 months over 35.
Recall: Infertility is defined as inability to conceive after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse in women under 35, or after 6 months in women 35 and older (due to declining ovarian reserve with age).
- Low AMH, Low AFC, high FSH = Low reserve.
Recall: Low AMH (<1 ng/mL), low antral follicle count (<5-7), and elevated day 3 FSH (>10 IU/L) indicate diminished ovarian reserve (DOR).
- Stage III = Spread beyond pelvis to peritoneum.
Recall: FIGO Stage III ovarian cancer involves peritoneal spread beyond the pelvis and/or retroperitoneal (para-aortic or pelvic) lymph node metastases.
- CA-125 rising Calmly = watch and wait.
Recall: Rising CA-125 may precede clinical/radiological recurrence by months, but early treatment based on CA-125 alone has not been shown to improve survival compared to waiting for symptomatic or radiological recurrence (ICON 4/OVCA-1 study).
- Biopsy Before surgery for chronic prolapse ulcers.
Recall: Chronic ulceration of prolapsed tissue requires biopsy to rule out malignancy before definitive treatment.
- Sling Supports the urethra for Stress incontinence.
Recall: Mid-urethral slings (tension-free vaginal tape/TVT or transobturator tape/TOT) are the gold-standard surgical treatment for SUI with 80-90% success rates.
- 3 Ds (Dysmenorrhea, Dyspareunia, Difficulty conceiving) = suspect Endometriosis.
Recall: The classic triad of dysmenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain, and dyspareunia in a woman with infertility is highly suggestive of endometriosis.
- Cystectomy for endometriomas seeking pregnancy.
Recall: Endometriomas >3-4 cm in women desiring fertility are typically managed with laparoscopic cystectomy (excision of the cyst wall), which removes the endometrioma, confirms diagnosis, and may improve fertility.
- Polyp Produces bleeding; Pluck it out hysteroscopically.
Recall: An intracavitary mass causing intermenstrual bleeding is likely an endometrial polyp, which should be removed hysteroscopically for both diagnosis (histology) and treatment.
- Adenomyosis = Endometrium Adenex into myometrium.
Recall: Adenomyosis is defined by presence of endometrial glands and stroma within the myometrium, causing uterine enlargement, heavy bleeding, and dysmenorrhea.
- PUL = Patience with hCG monitoring.
Recall: This is a pregnancy of unknown location (PUL). β-hCG level is below or near the discriminatory zone (1500-2000 IU/L for transvaginal US), where IUP should be visible if viable.
- MTX for small, stable ectopics.
Recall: Methotrexate is appropriate for hemodynamically stable women with unruptured ectopic, β-hCG typically <5000 IU/L, ectopic <3.5-4 cm, and no contraindications.
- β-hCG Becomes the Barometer after molar evacuation.
Recall: After molar pregnancy evacuation, serial β-hCG monitoring is essential to detect persistent gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN), which occurs in ~15-20% of complete moles.
- BV = Bad-smelling, grey, Basic pH.
Recall: The triad of thin grey discharge, fishy odor (worse after intercourse or adding KOH), and elevated vaginal pH (>4.5) is classic for bacterial vaginosis (BV).
- Diplococci Double therapy = Ceftriaxone + Azithromycin.
Recall: Gram-negative intracellular diplococci on cervical swab are diagnostic of Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
- PID scars Pipes (tubes), causing infertility.
Recall: PID causes tubal inflammation and scarring, leading to tubal occlusion, hydrosalpinx, and peritoneal adhesions–major causes of tubal factor infertility.