This article provides an overview of current procedures for investigating and treating infertility. It is important to view the increase in the use of these procedures within a social context, considering the effect of infertility on women, their partners and the community as a whole. In two-thirds of cases, infertility is the result of a problem with the woman's reproductive system, in the remaining third the problem lies with the man's reproductive system. Generally, preliminary investigations will be recommended at this time. The remainder will simply take longer to conceive.
Infertility has a wide range of causes.
Many women also are now delaying childbirth until their late 20s and early 30s. The remainder of this article will focus specifically on the latter option. Medical investigation will typically involve a consultation with a general practitioner, followed by consultation with a gynaecologist specialising in infertility. A detailed history of the woman's menstrual cycle will be sought, including information on age of first period, regularity of periods, presence of pain or complications from menstruation, and past gynaecological surgery or medical intervention. The doctor will look for any information that may suggest symptoms of endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease or other medical disease that may affect fertility, as well as information about unusual patterns in the menstrual cycle or inappropriate timing of sex with ovulation.