Gender and Sexual Health: Infertility.

Sarina Schrager

Journal: FP essentials 2017;449():11-17

PMID: 27731967

Abstract

Infertility is common in the United States, with up to 15% of heterosexual couples experiencing difficulty in achieving conception. Family physicians often are the first physicians to evaluate couples attempting to conceive. Evaluation begins with assessment of ovulation, evaluation of anatomic abnormalities, and semen analysis. Many etiologies of anovulation can be managed by family physicians, and clinicians can offer counseling on timing of intercourse and assist patients with lifestyle changes to promote fertility. Ovulation induction for women with polycystic ovary syndrome and treatment of hypothyroidism also can be managed in the family physician's office. For couples who are referred to a reproductive endocrinology subspecialist, clinicians can provide emotional support, screen for depression and anxiety, and provide education about procedures and behaviors that can affect success rates.

Written permission from the American Academy of Family Physicians is required for reproduction of this material in whole or in part in any form or medium.

Address: Department of Family Medicine & Community Health University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health, 1100 Delaplaine Court, Madison, WI 53715.

Link outs

Free resources

Medical:

https://medlineplus.gov/hypothyroidism.html

MeSH Terms: Anovulation, Anxiety, Depression, Endocrinology, Family Practice, Female, Fertilization in Vitro, Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Humans, Hypothyroidism, Hysterosalpingography, Infertility, Female, Infertility, Male, Insemination, Artificial, Insurance Coverage, Life Style, Male, Ovulation Induction, Patient Education as Topic, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Prolactin, Referral and Consultation, Semen Analysis, Social Support, Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic, Thyrotropin, Urology