La place du pharmacien d'officine dans la prise en charge du couple infertile

Abstract

Infertility is a condition that affects an increasing number of couples worldwide, and Algeria is no exception. Defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the inability of a couple to conceive after twelve months of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse, it currently affects millions of individuals. In Algeria, the prevalence is estimated to range between 10% and 20% of couples. Thanks to scientific advancements, techniques such as Medically Assisted Reproduction (MAR) have emerged, providing real hope for infertile couples. In this context, the community pharmacist plays a vital but still underrecognized role. Beyond dispensing medications, the pharmacist provides educational support, personalized therapeutic guidance, psychological assistance, and referral to specialized fertility centers. This thesis aims to analyze the role of pharmacists in managing infertility through several aspects : evaluating how couples and healthcare professionals perceive their role, analyzing pharmacist interventions and their impact on treatment adherence, and identifying the barriers to better integration in the care pathway. Finally, this work proposes improvement strategies, including continuous training, the establishment of fertility consultation areas in pharmacies, and strengthening interprofessional collaboration.