Handbook

This course extends the work done in Clinical Reproductive Medicine 1 including studies on endometriosis and ectopic pregnancies and the principles of surgical techniques in infertility. The complex areas of recurrent miscarriages and immunological factors are also studied and we have modules on genetics expanding and putting into clinical context work done in Basic Reproductive Physiology. Simpler forms of assisted conception are introduced.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course we expect that you will:

• Understand the significance of ectopic pregnancy in reproductive medicine. Know the potential causes. Be aware of the clinical presentations, diagnosis and the options for treatment.
• Understand the causes and associated risk factors of pelvic inflammatory disease. Appreciate the clinical presentation of pelvic inflammatory disease. Understand the significance of pelvic inflammatory disease and its sequelae, especially in relation to infertility.
• Understand the principles of endoscopic surgery. Define the role of laparoscopy and hysteroscopy in the diagnosis of disorders of the female reproductive system. Know the benefits, risks and complications of these procedures.
• Understand the clinical use of GnRH agonists in assisted reproduction, including the use of long, short and ultrashort protocols. Understand the clinical use of GnRH antagonists in assisted reproduction, including the use of the single and multiple dose regimens.
• Be able to list the treatment options involved in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and be able to plan a cycle of treatment. Understand how to monitor a controlled stimulation cycle.
• Recognise the most common short-term complications of ART. Have an understanding of how to try and prevent, recognize and manage the effects of the ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Be aware of the possible long-term risks of undergoing ART, particularly the area of cancer and fertility drugs.
• Be confident to discuss PGD with couples. Realise the pitfalls of interpreting information from a single cell.
• Understand the varying theories of the etiology and pathogenesis of endometriosis. Know the best methods for diagnosis of endometriosis and the various treatment options available for pain and infertility related endometriosis.