fertility specialists

Your obstetrician/gynecologist (Ob/Gyn) can typically offer limited assistance to you and your partner for your infertility problems. If you need further help, he or she can consult with additional healthcare providers and may recommend you see a fertility specialist.

reproductive endocrinologist (RE)

A reproductive endocrinologist (RE) is an Ob/Gyn who has additional training specializing in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. REs generally complete a two- to three-year fellowship program, and are certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties. This specialization is important in the constantly evolving field of infertility, where physicians must be aware of new tests, drugs and treatment options. Some REs have subspecialties, such as in reproductive surgery (for fibroids or endometriosis). REs are equipped to treat both you and your partner.

Your RE must have sufficient staff and facilities to care for their clients six to seven days a week, to accommodate such time sensitive procedures as artificial insemination. An RE’s office can usually perform ultrasounds and hormone tests in-house, even on weekends and holidays. Alternatively, blood may be sent to an outside lab and the results sent to the doctor’s office. You should ask your RE whether he or she performs, or is affiliated with, facilities that offer assisted reproductive technology (ART), such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). If the RE indicates that IVF is offered at the center, you should ask if this includes the oocyte retrieval, laboratory procedures and transfer, or if the center contracts with another site for these services.

Your RE should provide you with a timeline for treatment and an estimate of anticipated costs. You and your partner should discuss what procedures and treatments are covered by your insurance, and what payment plans your RE offers.

other specialists

Several other specialists may be enlisted throughout the testing and treatment process to work with the RE in helping you successfully conceive.

If male fertility is an issue, a urologist specializing in male infertility may be involved. If you are doing IVF, you’ll need the expertise of an embryologist to assist at egg retrieval by evaluating oocytes, fertilizing oocytes and preparing embryos for transfer and cryopreservation. If egg donation has been recommended, you may be referred to a donor coordinator to help select a donor and synchronize the retrieval of eggs from the donor and the transfer of embryos to the recipient.

Regardless of where in the process you and your partner find yourselves, there are specialized healthcare providers and other professionals available to provide the best care possible. If you would like to verify the credentials of healthcare providers claiming to be “infertility specialists”, you can contact the American Board of Medical Specialties at 312-436-2600. You can also get helpful information from the Society of Reproductive Endocrinologists.