Understanding where patients’ knowledge gaps are can empower GPs to ask important fertility questions, writes Dr Jesse Clifford.
From prescribing contraception and treating sexually transmitted infections, to arranging referrals to fertility specialists and obstetricians, reproductive health appointments are common in primary care.
However, given the time-pressured nature of consultations, it can be challenging for a GP to delve deeply into a patient’s understanding and knowledge of fertility.
An initiative could help GPs provide more holistic care that meets their patients’ overall reproductive goals.
The Fertility Insights Index is an annual research project that aims to uncover valuable and ongoing information on what Australian men and women – including those living in the West – really think, know, feel and do when it comes to their fertility and reproductive health.
It provides important insights into fertility attitudes, awareness, knowledge and behaviours among those aged 18-44 and is a source of data that can help those in healthcare and policy better understand what’s driving fertility trends, and what education, services and government support programs are needed to support fertility needs and goals.
Fertility findings from WA
Four in 10 West Australians rated fertility as highly important to them at this point in their life, but just one third feel comfortable talking to their GP about fertility.
While it’s difficult to cover multiple health concerns in a short consultation, this finding should encourage more GPs to initiate these important conversations.
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Governments could also consider supporting longer consultations that would allow patients the time and space for deeper fertility discussions with a general practitioner.
Asking women of any reproductive age about their menstrual and sexual symptoms is essential in understanding more about their reproductive health. In the presence of symptoms, access to a good quality pelvic ultrasound will help to gain important clarity about their pelvic health.
Four in 10 West Australians are not aware being over 40 can pose a major challenge to conceiving a pregnancy, while six in 10 are unaware irregular menstrual cycles might make conception challenging.
Knowledge gaps like these highlight potential lost opportunities for couples to reach their reproductive goals.
The importance of both men’s and women’s fertility knowledge should not be underestimated. Fertility is a time sensitive issue, biologically speaking, and addressing issues early gives those who want to start a family the best possible chance to do so.
Closing the gaps
It’s clear we need to do more to better educate people about their fertility, especially if they plan to have children. However, fertility isn’t just about having babies – it’s also about making informed choices about our bodies.
Misconceptions and myths can lead to late diagnosis of serious conditions and overall poorer health outcomes.
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These findings highlight significant gaps in knowledge in the general community and provide all healthcare professionals with a great opportunity to educate patients about reproductive health.
It also provides us with an opportunity to advocate to governments for improved support for our patients.
Closing these gaps should empower more individuals to take control of their fertility, to ask the right questions and, if they need to, to seek a timely referral to a fertility specialist to optimise their reproductive success.
ED: Fertility Insights Index is an initiative by Monash IVF.
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