When To See A Fertility Specialist

When To See A Fertility Specialist Related Information:

If you and your partner are having trouble conceiving, you’ve probably already considered the option of seeing a fertility specialist. But do you really know when and for what you might go to him or her for? What can these doctors do for you, and how can you find one? If you’re finding yourselves asking this question, it’s a good time to think about fertility specialists more closely. It is common for couples to seek specialized fertility treatment, and when they do this, there are generally a number of factors that they and their primary doctors consider beforehand.

Women who are under 35 and who’ve been unable to get pregnant after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse often seek help from specialists, as do women 35 or older who’ve been unable to conceive after six months of regular, unprotected intercourse. Also, women who’ve had a history of three or more miscarriages generally are better off seeing a specialist, rather than waiting or using their general doctor.

A woman who needs microsurgery or treatment for endometriosis, a blockage or scarring of her fallopian tubes, as well as a woman who ovulates irregularly (or not at all) or who hasn't responded to previous drug treatment is probably in a position where a fertility specialist would be of help.

A couple that is dealing with an already known risk factor, such as infections in the genital or pelvic areas, like inflammatory diseases, should seek help from a specialist. If a man’s semen analysis shows a low sperm count, poor movement, or poor structure, it’s also a good idea to see a specialist.

And finally, a couple that’s considering assisted reproductive technologies, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT), or a couple that’s experienced "unexplained infertility” will be best off if they see a fertility specialist.

If you happen to fall into any of these categories, you won’t want to rush right into the specialist’s office without having some idea of what you’ll want to talk about. Take a few minutes and think about the following questions, which will help you on your visit and hopefully help you make the most informed choice in treatments.

• Background. You’ll want to find out what the doctor's medical background is and what degrees and/or memberships he or she holds. If you don’t feel comfortable asking him or her directly, you can inquire through the hospital.

• Fees. Fertility treatments can be expensive and are often not covered by health insurance. You’ll want to find out about the doctor's fee structure, payment plans, and insurance coverage.

• Success rate. You ought to feel free to ask about success rates with various procedures and surgeries.

• Your individual case. Find out what your doctor's plan of treatment would be for you. If you go to the appointment as a couple, one partner can ask the questions and the other can write down the answers.

• Doctor accessibility. It’s a good idea to find out how and when you'll be able to contact the doctor with your questions and concerns.

• Accessibility of services. Find out if the doctor has appropriate lab equipment and staff available at all times to accommodate the proper timing of medication schedules, tests, and treatments.

• Support. Infertility is an emotional journey for every couple. Your specialist should recognize emotional issues and include both partners in the treatment discussion.

Having these things in mind, you’ll be better off when determining whether or not a fertility specialist is right for you. Remember, consultations are often a good idea for getting a feel about a given doctor, about a hospital, and definitely about a procedure. Take your time and be sure to ask all of the questions that you may have.