Practical Clinical and Diagnostic Pathway for the Investigation of the Infertile Couple

Capsule This expert opinion summarizes current knowledge on risk factors for infertility and identifies a practical clinical diagnostic approach the male female partners of an infertile couple aimed to improve investigation management fertility problems. Background Infertility represents important growing health problem affecting up 16% couples worldwide. In most cases, male, female, or combined factor can be identified, different causes have been related this condition. However, there are no standardized guidelines clinical-diagnostic recommendations concerning sometimes lacking, incomplete, problematic apply. Objective The aim work is provide appropriate pathway designed by multidisciplinary-team experts. rationale based history physical examination then oriented basis initial investigations. could applied in order reduce variation practice Methods Prominent Italian experts main specialties committed ART procedures, including gynecologists, andrologists, embryologists, biologists, geneticists, oncologists, microbiologists, called “InfertilItaly group”, used available evidence develop position. Outcomes Starting from individuation principal that may influence females males both genders, group identified procedures using gradual obtain precise diagnosis effective therapeutic option, reducing invasive occasionally redundant procedures. Conclusions position provides suggests workflow couples. By step-by-step approach, care workers involved ART, individuate shared