Physician assistant approach to Infertility in primary care

Abstract

The evaluation of a patient presenting with infertility can be complex and overwhelming for a physician assistant working in a primary care. There are many factors to consider-from cervical, uterine, overian issues, lifestyle choices and male factors-and it may seem easier to simplify refer to an infertility specialist. the purpose of this project was to create a resource for primary care PAs to utilize a step-wise approach to providing care for patients with infertility. A literature review was performed to develop a guideline based on current infertility clinical practices. Our findings showed that there are many appropriate options for treatment of infertility within primary care, but there are certain cicumstances that require immediate referral to an infertility specialist. Primary care physician assistants have an imporant role in addressing infertility complaints in a thorough and concise manner which can avoid unnecessary specialty referrals.