Ultra-Orthodox Jews and infertility diagnosis and treatment.

BACKGROUND

'Be fruitful and multiply' is the first God's command in the Bible. Every aspect in life of the Orthodox Jewish population, including the strive for fertility, is tightly covered by a wide set of commands and rules ('Halacha') that span more than 3,000 years. This is a unique example of a population that continues to adhere to such time-honored rules.

OBJECTIVE

To describe rules that encourage fertility on one hand, but may hinder fertility and influence infertility diagnosis and treatment on the other.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Halacha rules that may affect fecundity.

RESULTS

Orthodox Jews obey a complex set of rules that influence fertility.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

This study provides fertility practitioners with background information that may help them when delivering professional care to Ultra-Orthodox Jewish infertile couples.