The infertile couple: an overview of pathophysiology and diagnostic evaluation for the primary care clinician.

Current incidence of infertility is discussed, followed by an outline of both endocrine and anatomic causes of male and female infertility. A comprehensive, yet "low tech", approach to the infertility evaluation by the primary care clinician is presented. Nursing implications are discussed, towards a goal of minimizing the couple's anxiety over the often complicated, confusing--and expensive--choices involved in infertility diagnosis and treatment.