Public awareness of the scientific progress made in the field of assisted conception has led to an increased number of people seeking treatment. The first consultation between an infertile couple and the clinician specializing in infertility is a crucial starting point for collecting the medical history, clinical examination and the evaluation of the appropriateness of a range of investigations to establish the cause of infertility, following which a strategy for treatment can be planned. When the full history has been taken, a clinical examination must be performed. The ovulation is confirmed by measuring progesterone in the mid-luteal phase. Clinical history and assessment of basal follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and prolactin can be sufficient for the diagnosis of the majority of causes of anovulation. The evaluation of tubal patency and the uterine cavity is of crucial importance in the preliminary assessment of infertile women.