When the basic treatment for fertility related problems as recommended by an obstetrician/ gynecologist (OB/GYN) do not seem to work, it may be time to start seeing a Fertility Specialist, also called a Reproductive Endocrinologist (RE) who may recommend advanced treatments and medications. The OB/GYN treating infertility usually recognizes the limits of their capabilities and makes appropriate referrals to more specialized care whenever necessary.
Who is a Reproductive Endocrinologist?
Reproductive Endocrinologists complete the same education and medical requirements as OB/GYNs. In addition, they also finish a two- to three-year fellowship in reproductive endocrinology, pass specialized examinations (board certified) and complete a two-year practice in reproductive endocrinology. Thus they are the physicians with the broadest range of qualification, training, specialization and experience in treating reproductive disorders. In fact Board Certification in reproductive endocrinology infertility is the only sure identifier of a trained fertility specialist.
Reproductive Endocrinology combines reproductive medicine and endocrinology, which focuses on organs of the endocrine system and the hormones they produce. These specialists also deal with issues related to menstrual disorders, puberty-related problems and sexual dysfunction as well as the treatment of transsexuals and intersexed individuals undergoing hormone treatment.
A Positive Step towards Infertility Treatment
The decision to consult a RE is a proactive, tangible step towards addressing fertility issues. Board certification is important when choosing a reproductive endocrinologist. At the first visit the RE will ask about the patient’s medical history, any diagnostic procedures that have been done so far, and procreative efforts to date. The RE then specifies the tests which are necessary to be performed.
Who Should Consult a Reproductive Endocrinologist?
In general, women aged thirty-five or older if experiencing fertility issues should seek specialty care from a reproductive endocrinologist as their fertility can decline rapidly. Staying with their OB/GYN for far too long expecting positive results is the error most couples make, thus wasting valuable time. Younger women can also experience premature menopause, termed “declining ovarian reserve”. Such a condition, as also disorders like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), male factor infertility, fallopian tube disease and severe endometriosis all warrant immediate consultation with a reproductive endocrinologist.
Often patients hesitate to consult a fertility specialist due to cost concerns. But since appropriate diagnostic tests and treatment are ordered early in the evaluation during a consult with a specilist, it leads to effective treatment options and ultimately to overall savings in cost. Patients under the care of a reproductive endocrinologist are more likely to conceive, and in a much shorter period of time.
East Bay fertility clinic (http://www.ebfertility.com/) specializes in the comprehensive evaluation and treatment of infertility. Their experienced medical staff is headed by Dr. Ellen U. Snowden, Medical Director and physician. Dr Snowden is Board Certified in Obstetric, Gynecology, and Reproductive Endocrinology with advanced Fellowship training in the treatment of infertility, recurrent miscarriages and hormonal disorders in women. A former infertility patient herself, Dr. Snowden brings to her patients a rare and valuable firsthand empathy for the personal pain and emotional stress of dealing with infertility. Call 925.828.9235 for a free initial consultation.
No comments:
Post a Comment