Take a look at the doctors who tend to have a hand in fertility treatment, and the roles they play in the process. You probably know one of these docs already.
Do you really need to find another? Then again, maybe not. So what can they do for you now? Generalists can also provide Clomid and similar ovulation stimulating drugs, which might even be all you need for pregnancy to happen. At first, you may not know where to turn for treatment. Your gynecologist can perform a preliminary fertility evaluation, according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. A common problem for couples with fertility struggles is how to properly time intercourse with ovulation, says the National Infertility Association.
If the evaluation points to an underlying fertility issue—such as pelvic inflammatory disease or uterine fibroids—it may be time to consider seeing a fertility specialist. Your male partner will provide a semen sample the day of the procedure, or the donor sperm will be thawed. IUI is quick and typically painless and does not require anesthesia. The sperm will be passed through the cervix and placed into the uterus using a long, very thin tube. Most women experience little to no discomfort, although some women may experience mild uterine cramping or vaginal bleeding following the procedure.
Some practices perform a second insemination the following day. Some practices also prescribe progesterone to take after the procedure and through the early stages of pregnancy if pregnancy is achieved, while others do not.
You can take a pregnancy test two weeks after the IUI procedure. What are the risks? A number of factors affect the outcome, including: age underlying infertility diagnosis whether fertility drugs are used other underlying fertility concerns Pregnancy rates following IUI are varied based on your reasons for needing fertility treatment. How much does IUI cost? The takeaway. Parenthood Infertility. Read this next. Medically reviewed by Carolyn Kay, M. Tips on How to Conceive Twins.
Medically reviewed by University of Illinois. Medically reviewed by Amanda Kallen, MD. While reproductive endocrinologists also perform surgery, reproductive surgeons have even further training in surgical procedures and may treat patients for issues beyond trying to have a baby. For example, reproductive surgeons may remove fibroids or surgically treat endometriosis.
Reproductive immunologists combine the knowledge of immunology and reproductive medicine. A reproductive immunologist may be consulted in cases of recurrent miscarriage, unexplained infertility , or unexplained repeated IVF failure. They may also be consulted if the woman has endometriosis or an autoimmune disease, like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. Reproductive immunologists may be physicians or scientists and usually, work with a reproductive endocrinologist to treat infertile couples.
Most fertility clinics are directed by a reproductive endocrinologist or a team of reproductive endocrinologists. Some, but not all, clinics have an on-staff andrologist.
Reproductive immunologists are even less likely to be on staff, but that doesn't mean they won't collaborate with one in special cases. However, some aspects of reproductive immunology are new, and not every fertility specialist is on board with the latest immunology-based treatments.
In addition to fertility doctors, a fertility clinic may also have nurses trained and experienced in reproductive medicine, embryologists, sonographers, and other lab technicians on staff. Some clinics may also have acupuncturists , nutritionists, and counselors. Besides medical specialists, clinics usually have financial advisers who will help you understand payment options and deal with your insurance if applicable. Having a huge staff doesn't make a clinic great, just like having a small staff doesn't make a clinic less-than-great.
When choosing a fertility clinic, you need to take into consideration your specific fertility needs and situation. Some clinics refuse to work with women over 40 unless they agree to use donor eggs from the start, while other clinics specialize in helping women over Another example may be if you're dealing with male infertility , in which case a clinic with an andrologist on staff would be ideal.
Switching to a fertility specialist can be emotionally and sometimes practically overwhelming. Fertility clinics may not take insurance which means you'd need to apply for out-of-network coverage yourself , or your insurance may not cover fertility services at all. Also, you may not live near a fertility clinic.
Depending on your location and the size of your city or town, getting to a fertility specialist may mean taking a day off of work. Or, sometimes, even require overnight travel. You might feel tempted to stay with your regular gynecologist for as long as possible. Is that a good idea?
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