The infertile couple

Abstract

Infertility is generally defined as the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected, adequately timed intercourse. Causes of infertility include ovulatory dysfunction, tubal factors, peritoneal factors and uterine factors, as well as male factors that are the sole or contributing causes of infertility in up to 40 percent of infertile couples. Reasonable treatment managed by a family physician includes patient education and counseling, and therapy with clomiphene, bromocriptine and progesterone. For treatment beyond this level, referral to an infertility specialist should be considered.