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Who's Who in the Infertility World?

An Infertility Starting Lineup

By Neilia Sherman

Early identification of a male fertility problem can significantly improve a couple's infertility and save them thousands of dollars that might be spent later on artificial inseminations.

If Bethany and Daniel aren't able to conceive under the treatment of an OB/GYN in her case and a urologist in his, then the next step is to see an infertility specialist known as a reproductive endocrinologist (RE).

Patients often spend years working with OB/GYNs and urologists who claim to be infertility experts, but short-term, post-graduate courses in infertility do not qualify them to make this claim. Only physicians who have completed a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology and then have gone on to advanced training (a fellowship) in the treatment of infertility, recurrent miscarriages and hormonal disorders qualify as reproductive endocrinologists. These doctors are certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and are trained in advanced procedures such as difficult infertility surgeries, injectable fertility drugs and assisted reproduction techniques such as insemination and in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Wade has been seeing an RE for several years now. Through a procedure called a laparoscopy she found out that she has endometriosis. At this point, shehas had inseminations while on the fertility drug Clomid and has had one attempt at IVF. So far she hasn't become pregnant. Her recommendations for women struggling with infertility: "I would first recommend that you start with your family doctor or OB/GYN – as I did – and then move on to a specialist if need be. There are also many Web sites with background information on doctors and clinics. Another good way to find out information is to visit message boards that deals with infertility. ... From experience, I know that infertility is stressful and is an emotional roller coaster. ... I have found that talking about it rather than keeping it to myself has helped me out tremendously."

Want to see more?

• The Infertility Marketplace: What to Ask a Health Care Provider
• Trouble Conceiving? Get the Right Medical Care!
• Preconception Visits: Working with Your Doctor
• Check out our Article Library.
• Talk about it!