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What is a Fertility Specialist and Do I Need One?

Rink Murray's own IVF baby What is a fertility specialist?
A fertility specialist is an individual who devotes his/her practice almost exclusively to the treatment of infertility. Some fertility specialists offer only a small number of therapies, such as treatment with medicines taken by mouth (ovulation induction), artificial insemination and/or surgery.

Reproductive Endocrinologists are fertility specialists who have had four years of training in Obstetrics and Gynecology and then 2-3 years of specialized training in endocrinology and infertility. Most of these physicians offer a wide range of fertility treatments ranging from ovulation induction to in vitro fertilization.

Do I need a fertility specialist?
Sometimes this is an easy question to answer, sometimes it’s a difficult question.

Sometimes it depends on the doctor: For many couples, a woman’s Ob/Gyn is comfortable performing investigations for causes of infertility and treating some of these causes. Some doctors are comfortable with infertility treatment, but quite simply don’t have the time to devote to it. Other doctors are not comfortable with this area of practice. Patients interested in fertility discussions should inquire about their provider’s comfort level and interest in providing these services. If, for any reason, your provider thinks you should see a fertility specialist you should follow the recommendation.

Sometimes it depends on the patient: See how many of these circumstances apply to you, as a couple. Add the points associated with each circumstance.

Situation / Condition		Points
The female partner is 35 years old, or older and has not achieved pregnancy within 6 months of unprotected intercourse.		5

The female partner is under 35 years old and has not achieved pregnancy within 12 months of unprotected intercourse.		5

The female partner has one blocked fallopian tube.		6

The female partner has two blocked fallopian tubes.		15

The female partner has a history of tubal pregnancy.		6

The female partner has a history of recurrent pregnancy loss. (Two or more consecutive miscarriages).		5

The female partner is menopausal.		15

The female partner does not ovulate regularly.		5

The female partner does not ovulate with Clomid.		7

The male partner has low sperm counts (<13.5 million sperm per milliliter of ejaculate)		8

The male partner has low motility (<32%)		7

The male partner has few normally shaped sperm (<9% strict morphology or <30% according to WHO-III standards.)		8

The couple has failed to conceive within 6 months of being treated by their primary care physician.		7

Either person in the couple is a known carrier of a genetic disorder.		8

TOTAL

If the total number of points equals or exceeds 15 points, and you wish to conceive, strong consideration should be given to seeing a fertility specialist, specifically a reproductive endocrinologist.

To contact us directly, call 423-876-2229.