An approach to infertility investigation

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Primary Care Medicine

Background:

• Infertility impacts 1 in 6 couples of childbearing age in the U.S.
• Increasing infertility rates necessitate primary care provider involvement.
• Infertility is recognized as a major developmental crisis for affected individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline a first-level approach for infertility investigation by nurse practitioners.
• To provide guidelines for initial patient assessment, including history, physical examination, and laboratory testing.
• To emphasize the role of nurse practitioners in patient support and education during the infertility workup.

Main Methods:

• Review of current guidelines for infertility investigation.
• Description of essential components for patient history taking.
• Recommendations for physical examination and initial laboratory test selection.

Main Results:

• A structured approach to the initial infertility workup is presented.
• Guidelines for history, physical examination, and laboratory tests are provided.
• The importance of recognizing infertility as a crisis is highlighted.

Conclusions:

• Nurse practitioners can effectively initiate the infertility workup.
• Initial assessment by nurse practitioners can facilitate timely specialist referral.
• Empathetic support and education are vital components of care for infertile couples.