What is an "Infertility Specialist"?
An "Infertility
Specialist" is an ob/gyn doctor who has undergone two-three years of
additional training in Reproductive Endocrinology. While most gynecologists are
able to perform basic fertility evaluations and may offer some first level
forms of treatment, infertility is not the primary focus of their practice.
Studies indicate that treatment by a fertility specialist is more cost
effective and more likely to result in a pregnancy.
Reproductive
endocrinologists (infertility specialists) devote all or most of their
practice to the diagnosis and treatment of fertility problems. Their advanced
training in this field qualifies them to provide a higher level of care,
utilizing more advanced treatments such as injectable fertility medications and
in vitro
fertilization. Reproductive endocrinologists do not usually provide
obstetrical services or perform general or routine gynecological care. Once a
patient is pregnant, she returns to her ob/gyn for prenatal care and delivery.
When do I need to see a specialist?
There are a variety of
factors patients should consider when deciding the appropriate time to seek
specialized care. If you have undergone a basic workup and/or a few treatment
cycles with your gynecologist and have not conceived, then it may be time to
consider consulting a reproductive endocrinologist.
Age is the single
most important factor in female fertility. Assuming your cycles are regular and
you are under 35 years of age, conventional medical opinion states you should
pursue testing if you have not conceived after 12 months of regular,
unprotected intercourse. After the age of 35, you should seek fertility testing
after 6 months. If you are more than 38 years old, you should see a physician
before trying to get pregnant, because as a woman approaches her late 30's into
the 40's the opportunity for conception rapidly declines and testing should
begin as soon as possible.
Patients who are aware that they have major
fertility issues such as blocked tubes or very low sperm counts in the partner,
should seek a specialist right away. Some patients choose to begin seeing a
specialist as soon as they suspect there may be a problem. |  | Fertility Specialists of
Dallas
Phone: 214.750.5500
Presbyterian Hospital of
Dallas
8230 Walnut Hill Lane Suite 300
Dallas, TX 75231
Click here for
Directions
Presbyterian Hospital of Plano
6300 W.
Parker Rd
Bldg II, Suite 424
Plano, TX 75093
Click here for
Directions
Texarkana Satellite
1002 Texas Blvd Suite 401
Texarkana, TX 75503
903.793.5500
Click here for Directions |
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