Fertility Care Pathway - Provider Information
The Fertility Care Pathway is primarily a source of information for patients who have fertility concerns or who are seeking fertility care. Patients have indicated in focus groups that they want more and better information about navigating fertility care in Saskatchewan. This information has been compiled by local health-care providers and patients involved in fertility assessment and treatment.
When a patient presents with a fertility concern, there are some things primary providers can do to help the patient journey go more smoothly.
Primary assessment
The only way for couples to get on track for fertility care is by referral from a primary care provider. The primary assessment should include:
Fertility history
This step is simple but important. Ideally, both partners should be present.
Physical exam
A physical exam may reveal medical problems or physical abnormalities that affect fertility.
Triage and referral
Following initial assessment, a primary care provider should identify:
- Patients who do not currently meet criteria for fertility assessment (require no specialist referral, but primary care follow up within one year)
- Patients who meet basic criteria for fertility assessment (require referral to gynecologist or urologist – wait time expected)
- Patients who have red flags, whether or not they meet other criteria (seek referral to fertility specialist)
For information about gynecologists and urologists who perform fertility procedures, use the Specialist Directory
Fertility specialists and associated services:
Aurora Reproductive Care
e-mail: deault@auroraivf.ca
River Centre 1, 4th Floor 2nd Avenue South
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7K 1P4
Phone: 306-653-5222
Related documents
Communication
Communication with patients should be respectful of the stress and emotional pain that is associated with a diagnosis of infertility. Fertility patients in Saskatchewan have offered these suggestions for how to treat fertility patients.
Related documents
Patient education
Patients who have not yet seen a specialist may benefit from education in primary care to help:
- identify the fertile window and time intercourse appropriately;
- control factors that affect fertility (such as smoking and obesity); and
- access supports in the community (for smoking cessation, etc.).
Decision support
When the time comes to make treatment choices, patients may find that things are moving very quickly and they don’t have much time to think. Health-care providers can help their patients to find up-to-date information about treatment options early in the process so they have the opportunity to think ahead about what options are right for them.
Hand-outs about treatment options available in Saskatchewan are also available on the Patient page.
When the time comes to make treatment choices, patients may find that things are moving very quickly and they don’t have much time to think. Health-care providers can help their patients to find up-to-date information about treatment options early in the process so they have the opportunity to think ahead about what options are right for them.