What the urologist should know about the female infertility evaluation

Depending on referral patterns, the urologist may be the first physician to evaluate an infertile couple In these cases, understanding basic female reproductive physiology as well as the evaluation of the infertile woman leads to appropriate treatment or referrals. A dear understanding of the woman's fertility potential is also critical before recommendations can be made regarding treatment options for the man, including such treatments as vasectomy reversal and optimizing assisted reproductive techniques (ART), should they become necessary. This article provides a brief review of female reproductive physiology, defines the basic components of the female infertility evaluation, and discusses female fertility potential with aging.