Chapter 3 - The first interview with a new couple

Summary

The first interview with a specialist for any patient is important as it allows a bond of trust to be established and the patient to gain confidence in the advice and strategies that the specialist recommends. This bond is more important with infertility patients. A good starting point in history-taking is to enquire about the couple's occupations. Religious, ethnic or cultural background may determine the way they are evaluated and could exclude certain treatment options. After completing the history-taking one should proceed with a physical examination. For the female, a general examination should include vital signs, assessment of the development of secondary sexual characteristics and any sign of endocrine disorders. Physical examination of the male should begin with assessing the secondary sexual characteristics, including body habitus, hair distribution and breast development. By the end of the physical examination, a provisional plan of the investigations and treatment options should be discussed.