If the most important thing for you and your partner is having a baby – and you’re having trouble conceiving – the next most important thing is finding the right reproductive endocrinologist (RE) to get help.
So, what does a reproductive endocrinologist do? A reproductive endocrinologist is an OB-GYN who specializes in diagnosing and treating infertility in women and men. They’ll direct medical testing to first help diagnose why you may be having trouble getting pregnant. And, they’ll work with you to determine the best way to overcome the problems you may be experiencing.
http://infertility.about.com/od/choosingadoctor/a/Fertility-Specialists.htm
Here are a few important factors to consider to find a reproductive endocrinologist that’s right for you.
Is the physician board-certified?
This designation means the doctor has had advanced training – usually an additional 3 year fellowship – with formal accreditation for completing training and passing exams.
What are their areas of specialization?
An RE is familiar with all types of infertility but may specialize in certain types of treatment. If you already know what path you want to follow, read physician bios posted on clinic websites. See if they use a team approach, as you may need more than a single specialist.
How many years have they been practicing?
Years of experience are important. Check to see if a doctor is experienced with state-of-the-art treatments.
Are they affiliated with a clinic or facility with a good reputation?
Make sure the RE works with a reliable (and conveniently located) clinic with a proven track record and good reputation. You can ask your ob-gyn and also look at basic information gathered by The Society of Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART, www.sart.org).
Finally, how do they treat YOU?
Fertility treatment can be an emotional process, so there’s one last factor that’s really important. When you first meet, does the physician listen to you? Answer all your questions? Does he or she seem compassionate? Consider what’s right for you as a unique couple, including your lifestyle? Is this true of other clinic staff?
If the answer is “yes” you’ll know you’ve made the right decision.
