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Visiting the Reproductive Endocrinologist

What to Expect the First Time You See the R.E.

By Lisa Hurt Kozarovich

The first visit to an infertility specialist can be terrifying. Couples are worried about all kinds of things – from the tests they'll have to endure to how much money they'll have to spend. "It's an overwhelming feeling to think about going to a fertility doctor," says Michelle Alfon, 30, of Louisville, Ky. "You don't know what to expect."

Being prepared during that first visit cannot only ease fears, it can also help put the couple on a faster track to diagnosis and treatment, says Dr. Carolyn Maud Doherty, a reproductive endocrinologist in Omaha, Neb., and co-author of The Fertility Handbook – A Guide to Getting Pregnant.

What many couples must decide first is when to make the switch from their obstetrician to a reproductive endocrinologist. "As long as your regular OB is moving along at a pace you're happy with and doing the appropriate tests, you can stay with her initially," says Dr. Doherty, adding that if you're over 35 you should visit a specialist sooner.

"The difference in seeing an OB/GYN is that they usually do a very broad-stroke approach, but they aren't skilled in the nuances of infertility," says Dr. Gloria Richard-Davis, a reproductive endocrinologist at the Ochsner Foundation Clinic's Fertility Center in New Orleans. "OB offices are so busy. OB patients take priority while fertility takes a back seat. With that in mind, it may take longer for you to get the routine evaluation you need from your OB."

Once the decision is made to visit a reproductive endocrinologist, there are a few things couples can do ahead of time to get prepared. The first thing is to make sure previous fertility tests and other gynecological tests are sent to the specialist. If possible, take them ahead of time so your doctor can review the results before your first visit. For patients with other medical problems that can impact fertility, such as diabetes or thyroid disease, it's a good idea to take along those medical records as well.

Keeping records of your basal body temperature and the results of ovulation predictor kits can also be beneficial in evaluating your fertility, Dr. Richard-Davis says.

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