Tips To Select Your Fertility Doctor And Increase The Chances of Pregnancy
By Tehmina Mazher
Depending on your needs and particular situation, you'll probably go to your regular OB/GYN physician for your initial fertility workup. If you become pregnant, that's terrific! If you do not become pregnant under the care of your OB/GYN physician, ask him or her about a referral to a fertility specialist. But you should understand about your doctor's educational background and his specialized training. That way you can be sure that you have the best doctor for your particular situation.
Obstetricians/Gynecologists
Obstetricians/gynecologists are doctors who graduated from medical school and then continued on to do a four-year residency specializing in women's health. These health care providers are the ones that most women go to for basic female needs, such as Pap smears, birth control, female infections, and routine pregnancy and delivery. As far as fertility evaluation, the OB/GYN is capable of beginning some initial pregnancy testing and treatment. For example, your OB/GYN doctor may order blood tests, perform a laparoscopy, or prescribe a trial of a low-dose fertility medication. The amount of fertility evaluation and treatment that your OB/GYN can provide is likely the result of the doctor's own training, interest, and comfort in the field of fertility. However, at some point, if you do not become pregnant from these preliminary methods, you will likely want to see a fertility specialist, the reproductive endocrinologist.
Tips to consider regarding OB/GYN physicians
Most of the tests and procedures done are covered by your health insurance.
Reproductive Endocrinologists
The reproductive endocrinologist has even more training than the OB/GYN doctor. These doctors have completed all of the requirements of the OB/GYN physician just discussed plus two to three additional years of fertility and reproductive procedure training. The primary role of the reproductive endocrinologist is to help you create your family. Most women use these doctors when they need additional assistance to become pregnant or avoid recurrent miscarriages. The reproductive endocrinologist is trained to diagnose and treat both female and male fertility issues. Of course, these doctors prescribe fertility medications and carry out advanced laparoscopy and hysteroscopic procedures. In addition, they can also boost your fertility with inseminations, in vitro fertilization (IVF), sperm injections, donor egg programs, and other advanced reproductive technologies. Once you become pregnant, the reproductive endocrinologist usually cares for you and monitors your progress during your first couple of months. By the end of your first trimester, the doctor will refer you back to your OB/GYN physician for routine prenatal care.
Tips to consider regarding reproductive endocrinologists:
As with most things, you will have to evaluate benefits and drawbacks when selecting the best type of doctor to meet your needs. It is vitally important that you have a good feeling about your doctor, the office staff, and the clinic itself. The process of fertility evaluation and treatment is stressful enough. That's why it's especially critical that you sense a good connection and feel comfortable around your fertility doctor.
I am a gynaecologist by profession, married and have a cute little daughter. Currently not practicing, but to satisfy the passion of service I love to help my preggy friends.
For more information on fertility problems and pregnancy related issues visit my sites Pregnancy Guidelines, Birth Defect Causes and Pregnancy Guide Blog