When and Why should you see a Fertility Specialist?
Posted by Dr. Gautam Allahbadia on Monday, 11th November 2013
For millions of women, the road to pregnancy can sometimes be difficult. The idea of starting a family and becoming parents is the most exciting dream for many couples. But that dream begins to fade when they repeatedly experience the pain and heartache of not being able to conceive. They slowly lose hope, fearing continual disappointment. If you've been working with your family doctor or OB/GYN while trying to get pregnant but haven't had success, it may be time so see a fertility specialist or fertility doctor. That’s why it’s important to know when to see a fertility specialist and how this doctor can help you.
Fear of failure, concerns about cost and stories you have heard about other couples’ difficulties in conceiving can be discouraging. The majority of couples — 65% — who seek fertility treatment succeed in having children after being treated with fertility medication or surgical repair of reproductive organs. More than 95% of infertile couples in treatment do not require in vitro fertilization (IVF).
If you and your partner have concerns about fertility, the most important step you can take is to talk to a fertility specialist. Learning about fertility issues will help you feel more positive about testing, fertility treatments or other support that you may need to get pregnant and start your family. You don't need to wait — the sooner you see a fertility specialist, the sooner a fertility problem may be diagnosed and treated.
What does the term Fertility Specialist mean?
Fertility specialists are doctors that focus on diagnosing and treating male and female infertility. Fertility doctors study Reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI), a branch of medicine that identifies and treats infertility in both men and women. Fertility doctors are gynecologists who have received advanced, specialized training and certification in fertility problems and solutions. These fertility specialists have undergone the extensive advanced medical training necessary to accurately diagnose and treat the many complex conditions that can cause infertility. Fertility specialists specialises from the initial diagnosis in the male and female to the most complex assisted reproductive technology procedures. Fertility specialist are actively involved in the management of in vitro fertilization cycles and master the administration of FSH, cycle monitoring, retrieval, culture and transfer.
When its time to see a fertility specialist?
If you've been working with your family doctor or OB/GYN while trying to get pregnant but haven't had success, it may be time so see a fertility specialist. One might want to see a fertility doctor sooner if you have a history of irregular or painful periods, pelvic pain, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), repeated miscarriages, or if your partner has a low sperm count or a history of testicular, prostate, or sexual problems. If age is a concern then also it is better to seek assistance of fertility specialist earlier.
What is the role of a fertility specialist?
A fertility specialist diagnoses and treats problems related to infertility. If you have been trying to get pregnant for a year (or six months if you are over 35) and natural conception is not working, a fertility specialist can diagnose and treat the infertility problems like Endometriosis, Problems with ovulation, Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), Abnormalities of the ovaries, fallopian tubes and/or uterus
Also, if you have had two or more miscarriages, a fertility specialist may diagnose the cause of the miscarriages. The specialist would then guide you in selecting procedures that may help prevent miscarriage so you carry the baby to term.
If you are over 35 or if you want to benefit from assisted reproductive technologies (ART), like in vitro fertilization (IVF), a fertility specialist can guide you in using the ART process, along with other high-tech procedures. A fertility specialist may be the most qualified doctor to help you overcome infertility and finally get pregnant.
Should we plan the visit to see the fertility specialist along with the partner?
Its always important that both the partners make visit together. The reason of infertility can be from either side male or female. If you are not sure why you are having trouble getting pregnant, then may be your partner is struggling with male factor infertility. It’s important for you both to see a fertility specialist. Men with low sperm count or sexual dysfunction may be referred to a urologist or doctor that specializes in male infertility. A urologist who specializes in andrology may be the most highly qualified professional for all aspects of male infertility. Usually a semen analysis is performed before a couple proceeds to other infertility treatments.
The questions to be discussed with Fertility Specialist.
Befre you visit a fertility doctor you should have set of questions prepared to disuss with him. That will save lot of time and will help you in deciding about fertility doctor. The set of questions are discussed below.
What specific tests would you recommend to diagnose my infertility? How much do they cost?
Based on the results of those tests, what are my fertility treatment options, and how much do they cost?
How many ovulation induction (OI) cycles do you recommend before moving to in vitro fertilization (IVF)?
How many embryos do you transfer per cycle?
What is the success rate for IVF in terms of live births per embryo transfer for this facility?
If necessary, can you help me access donor egg, embryo or sperm donor?
How will I communicate with you during this whole process?
Does your clinic provide emotional counseling, or can you refer me to a counselor who deals with fertility problems?
What can I expect in terms of time commitments and how many visits do you anticipate will be necessary?
Choosing the right specialist
It’s important to find the right specialist for you. This may be based on a location convenient to you or by reading the specialist profiles to understand their areas of expertise. Once you have found the right doctor for you, take your first step and make an appointment and personally visit the doctor. Make sure you and your spouse are comfortable with the specialit and there clinic. You should develop a trust in him. Then only proceed.
Lastly, follow your own instincts. You know your body, and if you are trying month after month and can’t get pregnant, go ahead and make an appointment to see a fertility specialist. Remember, if you're under 35 and have been trying for more than a year, or are 35 or older and have been trying for 6 months or more, then you should should see a fertility specialist right away. This can give you a peace of mind immediately—and hopefully a baby in the near future.
For intended parents trying to conceive it is always advisable to take consultation from the infertility specialist rather then to beleive in the said things.Today on average, of the 1.5 million assisted reproductive cycles performed worldwide.
With today's advanced reproductive technology, You can always find a solution to all the fertility problems.You must meet an expert in the infertility field.One such clinic is Rotunda,which offers the entire range of fertility services, all under one roof. At Rotunda, we work hand-in-hand with you to make every phase of fertility treatment-- as predictable and comfortable as possible.For couples facing more difficult challenges, we have ART programs,which ranks amongst the best in the nation.You can contact us at http://www.iwannagetpregnant.com or http://www.rotunda.co.in or email at rotunda.fertility@gmail.com or at simply call on +91 22 2655 2000 or +91 22 26390044
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