Infertility specialist
When do you need to see an infertility specialist?
An infertility specialist basically is a gynecologist doctor who has completed two extra years of advanced training in reproductive endocrinology and passes some strict written and oral exams. Most gynecologists can perform basic level forms of infertility treatment but it’s not the primary focus of their practice. Some studies indicate that treatment by a fertility specialist is actually more cost effective and more likely to result in a pregnancy. This is what you would expect why would you want to see a specialist otherwise.
There are many of factors to consider when you are deciding the right time to seek specialized care. For example, if you have been trying to get pregnant for a year without success and you are over 30, it may be a good time to discuss with your local doctor to see if you need to see a fertility specialist. And if you have a pre-existing medical problem or you know your partner has low sperm counts than it’s better to seek a specialist right away.
Infertility treatment cost is one other important factor to consider. It’s important to note that specialist care is not always expensive. Your insurance may also cover some infertility related treatments. In fact the majority of couples seeing a reproductive endocrinologist will become pregnant with other less expensive treatments – only about 30% will require expensive IVF treatment to achieve pregnancy.
Age is another factor in female fertility. If your cycles are regular and you are over 35 years of age, most doctors would advise you to seek treatment if you have not conceived after 6 months. If you are more than 40 years old, you should talk to your doctor about seeing a specialist before trying to conceive, because you chances of getting pregnant declines rapidly with age.
