If you and your significant other are having trouble getting pregnant, you may want to consider seeing a fertility specialist. A fertility specialist is basically a gynecologist with advanced education in reproductive endocrinology. These highly qualified doctors will help you determine what is causing your reproduction problems and evaluate them in order to find the best treatment methods.
How do you know when to visit a fertility specialist?
There are certain criteria for seeing a specialist for infertility. Normally, diagnosis is given whenever the couple has been trying for at least a year, although it can be given sooner if the couple is older than 35. Also, if you suspect you or your partner might have an STD, you may want to visit a doctor, as STD’s can lead to problems with reproduction systems in both males and females.
A woman who has a history of at least two or three miscarriages should see a specialist, since a miscarriage is a sign of possible infertility issues. Irregular monthly cycles are also a sign in women. There are different reasons why a menstrual cycle can be irregular, so if this is something you have questions about, you should definitely see a doctor.
There are some tests you and your partner can try at home or at a clinic, such as screening for STD’s and checking for blood work-up. A blood test can be used to determine if the right amount of hormone levels is being released into your bloodstream. Levels of LH (luteinizing hormone) and FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) are measured during the menstrual cycle in order to measure the reproductive potential. Obviously, if the results aren’t very promising, a visit to a specialist should be considered.
How does an infertility specialist do a diagnosis?
As mentioned above, they can conduct advanced tests and evaluate possible reproduction problems in both women and men. In addition to the tests, a questionnaire may also be given for you and your partner to fill out. The physician can review the answers ahead of time prior to your scheduled visit in order to determine the best course of action once you’re in his or her office.
The questions asked are usually about the following: the history of testicular injuries, exposure to certain toxins in the environment, past surgeries, infertility history in families, whether you’ve ever had a positive pregnancy test, and so forth. Many couples feel more comfortable answering written questions, so this questionnaire can be very helpful to both you and the specialist.
After looking over all the tests, including the questionnaire and home tests (if you did any), the fertility specialist will determine whether you need any additional, more thorough testing. If it is determined that you and your partner are diagnosed with infertility, the specialist will go over your options for possible treatments and medication.
