While we are celebrating about a century of Rubin's tubal insufflations test or half-a-century of discovery of clomiphene citrate (which revolutionized the management of infertility in those days), our knowledge of reproductive physiology, endocrinology, immunology and genetics has grown to a commendable level since then. As a result, infertility has become a specialty of its own and the number of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) clinics are growing exclusively to cater to the needs of these infertile couples. However, there is no denial that a vast majority of these couples choose to consult a traditional gynecologist for their problems. Gynecologists (who are obstetricians also) of the present era will have to keep pace with the growing knowledge in various aspects of reproductive biology, mainly through consulting journals, attending conferences or seminars or visiting different websites regularly.

However, this handbook has come as a boon to the busy gynecologists or the physicians, who wish to practice or to know the nuances of the problem of infertility in a ready shape. The layout of chapters is beautifully arranged starting with basics of human reproduction, very practical aspects like history taking and clinical examination to rather rarely discussed issues on receptivity of endometrium and genetics. Evaluation and investigative details of ovarian function, tubal factor and mechanical issues have been discussed in a very academic, yet lucid, manner. Since the gynecologist's role is there as a first-level andrologist also, the issues in the male factor have been in earnest details. Lastly, the chapter on treatment of infertility has been dealt in a masterly manner.

Kudos to the contributors and the editors of this handbook, which needs to be collected and read by every practicing gynecologist to know the most recent ‘tricks of the trade’ as a ready reference, along with building up a sound knowledge base to treat infertility in a most scientific manner and not just keep it on the shelves of medical libraries.

This book is dedicated to our patients who struggle, yet are tireless in their efforts at combating infertility. We salute them and hold their hands till we hope to help them find their destination. The authors have infused this book with practical knowledge, easy references to context and ultimately shaped a product that is an easy manual to infertility. They have allowed many an idea to take flight.

Scientific knowledge is continuously evolving and reproductive endocrinology is not immune to this phenomenon. This book is a reference guide of contemporary and clinical infertility-related information distilled into a handbook.

Far from the usual didactic and sermonizing textbook, this book is easily readable and covers a wide range of subjects in ART, ranging from the management of infertility to the latest scientific advancements in preimplantation genetic diagnosis and embryo chromosomal screening.

This book was born out of a desire to enable easy access to subjects, data, latest research, case studies and statistics related to infertility to infertility practitioners across all hierarchies.

This book is portable, handy and an easy daily reference for all of us attached to this field of medicine.

I believe this book is valuable for the infertility practitioners, nurses, general obstetricians/gynecologists and infertility counselors, and a must-read for students and residents considering a career in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. The value of this book will make itself known by the number of times its pages are turned during practice which, I am confident, will be infinite.

However, as a ‘student’, who still learns everyday from his patients and colleagues (it is another thing that I do have a ‘Dr’ prefix), I still maintain that this book should not be hailed as a standalone resource, but a stepping stone to the words of Lee C Bollinger: “You must be willing to embarrass yourself in order to learn…”

All the best being the Touchstone!