Mental Health Professional Training Module (MHPTM) Part 1: Basic Infertility

Mental Health Professional Training Module (MHPTM) Part 1: Basic Infertility is organized by American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).

Release Date:  April 15, 2016
Review Date: February 15, 2024
Expiration Date: January 31, 2026

Description:
This training module provides mental health professionals with foundational principles of the biology of reproduction, the causes and treatments for infertility, embryogenesis, and the early management of pregnancy. It also provides a broad overview of the psychosocial aspects of infertility and fertility treatment. With a basic theoretical and practical knowledge specific to the clinical area of infertility and the concomitant psychosocial responses, mental health professionals will be able to function in their roles safely and capably, ultimately contributing to improved quality of care and patient outcomes.

Needs Assessment and Identification of Practice Gap:
Involuntary childlessness due to infertility can profoundly impact people’s lives, causing medical, social, economic, and psychological harm. Millions of women in the United States experience difficulty having children because of their own infertility or that of their partner. When a couple or an individual’s ability to have a child is unexpectedly compromised, assistance from a mental health professional may help patients better manage their diagnosis and develop important coping strategies.  

Mental health professionals must understand the science of reproductive medicine to inform and translate the information to patients accurately. Even the most experienced mental health professionals may find it challenging to stay abreast of the scientific innovations in reproductive health and medicine. This training module provides mental health professionals with foundational principles of the biology of reproduction, the causes and treatments for infertility, embryogenesis, and the early management of pregnancy. It also provides a broad overview of the psychosocial aspects of infertility and fertility treatment.  With a basic theoretical and practical knowledge specific to the clinical area of infertility and the concomitant psychosocial responses, mental health professionals will be able to function in their roles safely and capably, ultimately contributing to improved quality of care and patient outcomes.

Educational Objectives:
At the conclusion of the educational activity, participants should be able to:

• Outline the anatomy of the female and male reproductive tract and the physiology of conception.
• Identify the hormonal and functional changes in the menstrual cycle, gamete production, and the steps of basic embryologic development.
• Survey basic preconception health considerations for female and male patients.
• List the basic elements in the infertility evaluation and initial investigation of infertility for female and male patients.
• Discuss the psychosocial impact of infertility, including spiritual and religious concerns, and the role of mental health professionals working within the field of reproductive medicine and health.

Course Outline:
Lesson 1. Introduction to Female Fertility and Reproduction
Lesson 2. Basic Female Reproductive Anatomy & Menstrual Cycle
Lesson 3. Female Gamete Production, Fertilization, Transportation
Lesson 4. Infertility Causes & Preconception Health:  Female
Lesson 5. Male Reproductive Anatomy
Lesson 6. Infertility Causes & General Health Considerations:  Male
Lesson 7. Psychosocial Aspects of Assisted Reproductive Technology