PRACTICE POINTS



• Infertility is a common disorder and the family doctor has a central role in arranging the initial evaluation and co-ordinating later consultations and care.
• The family doctor is particularly crucial in optimising the patients’ health prior to pregnancy and advising on lifestyle issues which should be addressed to help create a successful pregnancy.

* Several factors can help predict which couples have the best prognosis of conceiving naturally. Many infertile couples use IVF which has become safer and more effective.

* Infertility places a variety of stresses on a couple. GPs will often be involved in managing the patient’s psychological issues.