[Variations in fertility studies in The Netherlands].

OBJECTIVE

To determine how a standard infertility investigation is conducted and to determine the use of fertility tests used in such investigations in relation to WHO guidelines.

DESIGN

Questionnaire survey.

SETTING

Dutch medical schools.

METHOD

A questionnaire survey among the heads of all 8 university and 20 non-university teaching departments of obstetrics and gynaecology or their fertility units was conducted. One non-university department failed to respond.

RESULTS

The examinations recommended by the WHO (general physical examination, andrological and gynaecological examination, semen analysis, ovulation detection, tubal patency testing) in general were carried out, but general physical examination of the male as a rule was only carried out if indicated. Popular routine examinations not recommended by the WHO were the postcoital test and hysterosalpingography. Regarding the postcoital test, there was variation in the time interval after coitus and the standards for spermatozoal motility.

CONCLUSION

Standard fertility investigations are usually based on empiricism and tradition, including the testing recommended by the WHO.