Infertility affects one in seven couples in the western world and this figure may rise as more women are delaying parenthood. It is a major cause of psychological and marital stress and, hence, deserves to be managed as a disease entity along with more traditionally recognized diseases. This article deals with the causes of both male and female infertility, initial assessment and investigations for the couple along with general advice to help them conceive in the primary care. Further assessment and investigations should be undertaken in a dedicated infertility clinic either at secondary or tertiary level.
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