Introduction To Infertility
Introduction
This course will introduce the student to the basics of infertility and lead the student through the initial assessment and investigation.
Each of four modules are introduced by the learning objectives. There follows a didactic presentation in video format which is short by design. The potential scope for material in some of the sections is substantial but it is not the intention of this learning module to be totally comprehensive, rather to introduce the learner to important concepts and those elements the tutors believe are essential knowledge as they begin their work in infertility.
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The content includes the following modules
- Epidemiology, Aetiology and Prevention In this module we will:
- Go through the current definitions of infertility, describe this in clinical context and introduce the ICD coding system.
- Describe disease burden of infertility, how this is influenced regionally and globally and how thus knowledge is important in the development and delivery of infertility services.
- Discuss the causes of infertility will be discussed including their prevalence and how this informs the diagnostic process
- Cover lifestyle, environmental, vaccination, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, and unsafe abortion, their impact on infertility.
- Anatomy and PhysiologyThis module will take students through the important basics of pelvic anatomy, endocrinological control of the menstrual cycle, oogenesis and embryological development of the reproductive tract necessary for them to initiate and develop their practice in infertility and reproductive care.
3. Diagnostic assessment and support of the infertile couple. In this module we will deal with the initial assessment of the infertile patient. Initial assessment through consultation, examination and arrangement of diagnostic tests is the first crucial step to determine the cause of the infertility and in turn lead the patient / couple to the appropriate treatment pathway.
Suffering infertility causes significant psychological stress for those affected. In the second part of this module students will be introduced to the support mechanisms available to the infertile couple.
4. Management of infertility. In this module we will cover the management basics of six major causes of infertility. Each topic is introduced by a presentation which will provide the student with the fundamental knowledge to understand how to decide on the most appropriate treatment determined by the diagnostic tests. In addition you will be introduced to the main treatments available such that you will be able to use this information in your day to day practice.
It is not the intention to go into all areas in depth but references for further learning are provided and more detailed discussion for individual areas will be dealt with elsewhere in our educational programme.
Infertility treatment varies from simple to highly complex, is generally safe but is associated with known risks. The organisation of the clinic should be geared towards making the management pathway of care as safe as possible. The final presentation of this module will the organisation if the clinical service with particular reference governance and patient safety.
Suitability
The content in this module is suitable for:
- Medical trainees in obstetrics and gynaecology and those who have completed training and are wishing to develop their interest in infertility
- Qualified nurses and midwives who plan to work in infertility or assisted conception
- Scientists and laboratory practitioners training to work in assisted conception
Educational objectives
The following are the expected learning outcomes following participation in this module:
- To know the definition of infertility, why this is important and how to use this definition in the context the patient’s circumstances.
- To learn the basic scientific facts which will enable an understanding of the causes of infertility and provide a basis for management.
- To understand the epidemiology of infertility and how this is influenced geographically and socio-economically.
- Have a detailed knowledge of the aetiological causes of infertility and their prevalence.
- To be able to describe the public health, environmental and lifestyle interventions that impact on reproduction and how to use this knowledge to influence health policy and advise your patients ways that can improve their fertility.
- To be able to competently undertake initial assessment of an infertile couple, know the basic diagnostic tests required and how to interpret them, to advise them of their chances of natural conception and advise about the treatment options open to them.
Assessment
Assessment is included throughout the module with the aim of stimulating interest, encouraging the learner to think about the subject and to evaluate their understanding and retention of the information provided. Assessment takes the form of single and multiple choice questions (MCQ). The pass mark for the MCQs is set at 70%. Module participants are encouraged to complete the assessment. Three attempts are permitted to achieve a 70% pass mark which will qualify the participant for a certificate of successful completion. If a 70% mark is not achieved you are encouraged to repeat the section.
References for further reading are provided. These are selected by the module tutors are those thought most relevant to add to the understanding of the subject. The list is not comprehensive and participants are encouraged to make further enquiries.
Faculty/ Speakers
Silke Dyer, Ahmed Elsayed, Linda Giudice, Mark Hamilton, Edem Kojo Hiadzi, Richard Kennedy, Alison McTavish, Rishma Pai, Angela Park, Antti Perheentupa, Jane Stewart, Basil Tarlatzis, Ibrahim Wada
