Curriculum of Gynecology
TOPIC 64
INFERTILITY
RATIONALE
Pregnancy is an important event that plays a great role in family stability. A childless marriage places stress on the family unit. Infertility is a relatively common problem in our community, as it affects 12 percent of couples. It has both psychosocial and medical implications for the involved couple, their family, and the community. There are advances in this field for many cases that were formerly considered incurable. The problem of infertility is expanding, however, due to increasing male factor infertility linked to industrial pollution and delayed female marriage and childbearing. Accordingly, the knowledge and skills of the graduates should be updated to accommodate recent developments using recommended care standards, including assisted reproductive technology (ART) and evidence-based medicine protocols.
GOALS
l Understand the magnitude of the infertility problem and its different etiologies, emphasizing preventable and avoidable causes
l Recognize and utilize basic diagnostic tools, avoiding the use of unnecessary means of diagnosis and treatment of infertility
l Increase awareness of fertility
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By the end of this course, the student will be able to:
l Perform a relevant physical examination and provide information about infertility
l Assess infertility with basic diagnostic techniques (semen analysis, hystero-salpingography, and mid-luteal progesterone level)
l Recognize ART techniques, counsel couples about their efficacy, and refer them to qualified specialists in the field, as needed
CONTENT
l Definition and types of infertility
l Etiology of male and female factors
l Preventive aspects of infertility
l Normal parameters of semen analysis
l Tests for detection of ovulation
l Tests for tubal patency (HSG and endoscopy)
l Guidelines for the treatment of infertility
