Having troubles conceiving? A gynecologist can definitely help locate the underlying issues. However, the question arises that if a gynecologist is the go-to specialist for infertility? The answer isn’t as straight-forward as one expects. Infertility can be rooted in multiple causes that require comprehensive analysis, and not a single test can diagnose it.
While a gynecologist is qualified to test for, and even treat certain types of infertility-related issues, there are other forms of infertility treatments that are out of his expertise.
Dr Gautam Allahbadia, a senior consultant Reproductive Endocrinology & IVF, says, “A reproductive endocrinologist can provide a holistic, comprehensive diagnosis and personalized treatment to deal with infertility. Fertility specialists provide expertise in diagnosis of complex reproductive disorders and their treatment, including assisted reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilization, egg and embryo freezing, male infertility and reproductive medicine.”
“While an obstetrician–gynecologist (ob-gyn) usually does the first assessment, a reproductive endocrinologist specializes in factors such as problems with the reproductive organs or hormones in women, or male infertility,” explainsDr Gautam Allahbadia.
Reproductive Endocrinologists also work closely with reproductive Urologists in the cases in which the male partner has significant sperm deficiencies. While it is beneficial for all couples facing infertility issues to see a reproductive endocrinologist, the right time to see one is when a woman has been actively trying to conceive, and has not been using birth control for 12 months or more, says Lauren Streicher, MD, an associate professor of clinical obstetrics.
After all the testing has been completed and the couple has a diagnosis behind what’s causing their infertility—the RE can provide a personalized treatment plan. Even if the results of your tests have been inconclusive, the doctors can still work on providing you with the best options that lead to a successful pregnancy. In either case, the finest fertility treatment can range from infertility medications to in-vitro fertilization (IVF).
If a couple is in doubt about whether IVF is an ideal treatment option for them, it is not necessary in most cases,” says Lauren Streicher, further elaborating that there are protocol doctors go through, and that no fertility specialists goes straight to the IVF procedure.
Board-certified Ob-Gyn Pari Ghodsi, MD, also points out that a third of fertility problems can be attributed to the male, and another third are due to unknown factors, so it takes some trial-and-error. “There are many tests to diagnose the problem and each has individualized treatments,” she says.
Understanding Male Factor Infertility through modern Andrology
Infertility is often stigmatized irrespective of the gender. However, male reproductive issues are usually less talked about despite the fact that 30-50% of couples struggling with pregnancy issues are the cases of “male factor infertility.” As cohabiting couples suffer from varying degrees of difficulty relating to conception, an accurate assessment is the key, and this is where andrology comes into practice.
Moving away from #WhatWillPeopleSay narrative, couples in India are opting for IVF
From the day you get married there are continuous questions, advice and comments on – when are you planning to start a family. In a country like India where infertility is a taboo, such traditional and orthodox mindset hinders the lives of childless couples. Although the couples of today have a clarity of thought, their own set of priorities and advancements in medical science have proved supportive towards their life choices.
