Couples who are struggling to become pregnant and start their families may have to seek the services of a reproductive medicine specialist. These medical professionals deal with the prevention, diagnosis and management of reproductive issues such as helping couples to have children, or diseases or conditions of the female reproductive tract.
Reproductive specialists are often endocrinologists or obstetricians / gynecologists who specialize even further in the area of fertility and reproduction. Depending upon the original medical degree the physician acquired will determine how the physician will continue in their education to more fully understand the endocrinology and hormonal issues at play a part in the reproductive system.
Patients arrive at a fertility specialist based on the referral from an obstetrician or through a self refer. This means that the woman recognizes the difficulty that she is having conceiving a child, and, based on her past medical history or age, knows she will need extra help.
Becoming a fertility specialist involves extensive clinical and research experience in the diagnosis and treatment of infertility issues. To become a board certified reproductive endocrinologist they must complete two additional years of advanced training at an approved University program and pass stringent written and oral examinations.
The additional 2 years of training will include extensive hands on residency program under the watchful eye of recognized leaders in the field. Their training will include performing some of the more delicate microsurgical procedures and undertaking a research project which is subsequently published.
Couples seek the advice and care of a reproductive endocrinologist when they have been unable to conceive a child on their own. Most reproductive endocrinologist will not see patients unless they have been actively trying to conceive for 12 months or more or if they have an underlying medical condition, such as increased age or diabetes, which makes conception much more difficult.
Doctors trained in reproductive endocrinology are experts at diagnosing and treating problems which lead to a decreased fertility rate in women. These specialists will perform procedures such as artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization, sperm injection, genetic diagnosis and egg donation to help a couple conceive a child.
Most women will seek the care of a reproductive specialist through clinics that are set up in major cities around the United States and the world. Many times care required in order to conceive a child is not covered by insurance companies. Couples should check their policies prior to beginning care and work with the specialists and his office on a payment plan that may be available.
The reproductive specialists will work together with the woman and her significant other to create a customized treatment plan based on their unique physical, emotional and financial needs. Couples who are interested in becoming pregnant shouldn\’t allow fear to stand in their way but should contact a specialist in their area who comes highly recommended by their obstetrician and friends or family in order to determine their exact options.