ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the basic and advanced investigations to use in infertile couples, the rationale behind those tests, the treatments that are presently possible for different diagnostic categories and the need for the sensitive management of couples because of the personal nature of the condition. Infertility can be extremely distressing for couples. Couples have a need for information, emotional support and counselling, as well as investigations and treatments. Sharing problems with other couples in self-help groups can be valuable. Male problems and female problems are equally applicable to couples of the same or opposite sex. Special counselling should be available to help couples cope with the particular sadness and stress of longing for a baby, which can be such a dominating factor in the lives of couples with fertility problems. Medical histories should be taken in detail, looking at pubertal development, past fertility, past abdominal surgical history and family history of polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis and infertility.
