An update on fertility assistance and assisted reproductive technologies

Conception difficulties are a common reason for presentation to general practitioners (GPs), who play an integral part in advising couples regarding optimisation of trying to conceive, timely and relevant investigations, as well as referral to non-GP specialist care. Lifestyle modification to optimise reproductive and offspring health is a crucial, though sometimes overlooked, component of pre-pregnancy counselling.

This article provides an update on fertility assistance and reproductive technologies to help GPs care for patients presenting with fertility concerns as well as those who require donor gametes to conceive or are carrying genetic conditions that may affect the chance of having a healthy baby.

Recognition of the impact of a woman's (and, to a slightly lesser degree, man's) age remains the highest priority for primary care physicians to allow thorough and timely evaluation/referral. Advising patients about lifestyle modification, such as diet, physical activity and mental health, prior to conception is crucial for overall and reproductive health outcomes. Various treatment options exist to provide personalised and evidence-based care for patients for infertility. Other indications for using assisted reproductive technology include preimplantation genetic testing of embryos to avoid transmission of serious genetic conditions, elective oocyte freezing and fertility preservation.