Dr. Fertility
— Is it time to see a Fertility Doctor?
Are you worried that you might be infertile? Are you and your partner trying to conceive but are finding little or no success? First, take a deep breath and try to relax, because this is not an uncommon problem and infertility does not mean the end of the world or your dreams of having a family. Read more and find out if it is indeed time to see a fertility doctor and get a little help on the journey to your own family.
According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), infertility is a disease and not just an inconvenience. It is defined by the inability to conceive through unprotected sex with a partner after 12 months of trying. The amount of time before you should consult an expert for an infertility evaluation can be reduced if your family history or age warrants it (for women above 35, the time is reduced to 6 months).
Some situations may require you to look for a doctor sooner. For women above 38, it may be prudent to immediately contact a specialist. There are other factors outside of age that can be sufficient reason to consult specialists. If you or your partner has ovulation problems like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and has been treated with Clomid for 6 months, start looking for an evaluation. Other situations that may warrant more immediate action despite age concerns include: blocked fallopian tubes, significant male factors like low sperm counts, and endometriosis.
If you fall within the definition or aren’t sure about your chances of conceiving naturally, a good place to start is with a good gynecologist. Some gynecologists are excellent at initial infertility evaluation and even basic infertility treatments. However, they are not necessarily fertility specialists. If you aren’t sure, ask your gynecologist if he or she has received special training in fertility or has undergone a 2 – 3 year fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Fertility. If you and your gynecologist do decide to go into treatment, you might still have to ask if you need to consult a fertility expert eventually. Not all cases of infertility can be treated by general gynecologists.
The task of actually finding your specialist may be initially daunting but not at all impossible. There are three basic steps that can be of help in your quest to find your fertility doctor. The first involves talking to your spouse. This is an important part because starting the path to assisted reproduction may become very taxing on your emotions and your relationship. Make sure you are both on the same page and that you are both looking for the same things in your doctor. Step two involves asking for referrals. Try to ask friends or family that have gone through a similar problem and ask about their doctors. If you’re already seeing a gynecologist, he or she may provide a referral. The American Medical Association (AMA) provides a doctor referral engine that may be helpful. RESOLVE: the National Infertility Association may also be of help as they can provide referrals localized to your area of residence. The last step involves actually checking out your potential doctor. Check your state’s medical board to confirm if your potential specialist is indeed licensed and is in good standing. If your prospective specialist is associated with a clinic, check out the clinic’s success rates through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART), which have extensive records on clinic fertility reports. Check out your potential doctor personally and ensure that you are on the same page. Be sure that you discuss your goals and philosophy and be clear on your limits and what you are willing or unwilling to go through.
If you are within the definition of infertility, don’t be too hard on yourself. Infertility occurs in about 7.3 million people in the United States. Don’t be quick to blame your partner or yourself for the problem as it affects both men and women equally. Remember that it is not the end of the world and with a good fertility doctor, you’re dreams of having a family are still in good shape.
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