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Chapter 1 - Epidemiology and Initial Assessment of the Infertile Patient

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 February 2021

Siladitya Bhattacharya
Affiliation:
University of Aberdeen
Mark Hamilton
Affiliation:
University of Aberdeen
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Summary

This chapter discusses the epidemiology of infertility and the importance of the initial assessment of the infertile individual. Profound changes in society over the last two decades challenge previously agreed on norms in our understanding of the nature of parenthood and family. Defining infertility in a contemporary context has thus also changed as the profile of those seeking advice has evolved. Nevertheless it remains essential that efficient mechanisms for referral and investigation are established for those involved in the planning of fertility services. These must involve good liaison between primary care providers and medical, nursing and diagnostic laboratory staff in specialist centres. Adherence to agreed on protocols will facilitate appropriate and timely investigation along standardised paths, thereby minimising risk of delay and repetition of tests which those seeking assistance find particularly demoralising. Once a diagnosis is reached it should be possible to offer people with infertility an accurate prognosis and the opportunity to consider the issues relevant to treatment choices for their particular situation.

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Chapter
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Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2021

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References

Zegers-Hochschild, F, Adamson, GD, Dyer, S, et al. The international glossary on infertility and fertility care. Hum Reprod. 2017;32:17861801.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Evers, JL. Female subfertility. Lancet 2002;360:151–9.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Bhattacharya, S, Porter, M, Almaraj, E, et al. The epidemiology of infertility in the North East of Scotland. Hum Reproduction 2009 24 3096–107.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
National Institute for Clinical Excellence. Fertility problems: assessment and treatment. Clinical Guideline (CG156). www.nice.org.uk//guidance//cg156 (updates September 6, 2017).Google Scholar
WHO Laboratory. Manual for the examination and processing of human semen, 5th ed. Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization; 2010.www.who.int//reproductivehealth//publications//infertility/Google Scholar

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