The Initial Visit
You may choose to be initially evaluated by a general obstetrician/gynecologist (ob/gyn), or you can go directly to an infertility specialist. While some infertility specialists are general gynecologists with a special interest in the treatment of infertility, other infertility specialists are reproductive urologists or reproductive endocrinologists. A reproductive endocrinologist is a subspecialized ob/gyn physician who, after completing the full ob/gyn residency, has completed at least two years of specialized training in reproductive endocrinology and infertility at an approved fellowship program.
Once you've decided upon a qualified physician, you will undergo a series of tests requiring a significant investment of time, money, and physical and emotional energy. Before these tests are performed, your physician will ask questions and review any records that you and your partner may have from a previous infertility evaluation. Insuring that your physician has access to previous medical records is critical to minimize wasted time and money for repeated diagnostic evaluation and therapy. Both of you should attend the first meeting together since infertility is a shared experience and is best dealt with as a couple. During this visit, you'll begin to understand the degree of commitment and cooperation that an infertility investigation requires.
Causes of infertility are due to both male and female factors. In a typical interview, the physician asks the woman if she has irregular periods, severe menstrual cramps, pelvic pain, abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge, a history of genital infection, or medical illnesses. Also, expect questions concerning prior conceptions, prior miscarriages, pregnancies, operations, and methods of contraception. The man will be asked questions concerning genital injury, operations, infection, drug and/or medication usage, history of prior paternity, and medical illnesses. Your physician will ask both of you how long you've been trying to conceive, how often you have sexual intercourse, if you use lubricants during intercourse, and if anyone in your family has birth defects. Since 25 percent of infertile couples have more than one factor causing infertility, it is very important to evaluate all factors that may affect both the male and female partners.
The complete sexual and reproductive histories of each partner, including any former relationships, must also be considered. During the first visit, many infertility physicians discuss the emotional stress of infertility, a subject that is often difficult to share with family and friends. Physicians know that the procedures and intimate questions involved in an infertility workup can be difficult. You should always feel free to make your physician aware of your concerns and frustrations.
A complete physical examination that directs special attention to the reproductive organs usually follows the interviews. Your physician will be especially alert to signs of hormone imbalance and may schedule blood tests to measure hormone levels, depending on your individual case.
Some physicians begin testing during the first visit based on indications from the history and physical examination of each partner. For example, if there is sign of an infection that could impair a future pregnancy, you or your partner may be tested immediately. Other tests must be performed at specific times during the woman's menstrual cycle.
http://www.ferringfertility.com/fert...er/initial.htm
You may choose to be initially evaluated by a general obstetrician/gynecologist (ob/gyn), or you can go directly to an infertility specialist. While some infertility specialists are general gynecologists with a special interest in the treatment of infertility, other infertility specialists are reproductive urologists or reproductive endocrinologists. A reproductive endocrinologist is a subspecialized ob/gyn physician who, after completing the full ob/gyn residency, has completed at least two years of specialized training in reproductive endocrinology and infertility at an approved fellowship program.
Once you've decided upon a qualified physician, you will undergo a series of tests requiring a significant investment of time, money, and physical and emotional energy. Before these tests are performed, your physician will ask questions and review any records that you and your partner may have from a previous infertility evaluation. Insuring that your physician has access to previous medical records is critical to minimize wasted time and money for repeated diagnostic evaluation and therapy. Both of you should attend the first meeting together since infertility is a shared experience and is best dealt with as a couple. During this visit, you'll begin to understand the degree of commitment and cooperation that an infertility investigation requires.
Causes of infertility are due to both male and female factors. In a typical interview, the physician asks the woman if she has irregular periods, severe menstrual cramps, pelvic pain, abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge, a history of genital infection, or medical illnesses. Also, expect questions concerning prior conceptions, prior miscarriages, pregnancies, operations, and methods of contraception. The man will be asked questions concerning genital injury, operations, infection, drug and/or medication usage, history of prior paternity, and medical illnesses. Your physician will ask both of you how long you've been trying to conceive, how often you have sexual intercourse, if you use lubricants during intercourse, and if anyone in your family has birth defects. Since 25 percent of infertile couples have more than one factor causing infertility, it is very important to evaluate all factors that may affect both the male and female partners.
The complete sexual and reproductive histories of each partner, including any former relationships, must also be considered. During the first visit, many infertility physicians discuss the emotional stress of infertility, a subject that is often difficult to share with family and friends. Physicians know that the procedures and intimate questions involved in an infertility workup can be difficult. You should always feel free to make your physician aware of your concerns and frustrations.
A complete physical examination that directs special attention to the reproductive organs usually follows the interviews. Your physician will be especially alert to signs of hormone imbalance and may schedule blood tests to measure hormone levels, depending on your individual case.
Some physicians begin testing during the first visit based on indications from the history and physical examination of each partner. For example, if there is sign of an infection that could impair a future pregnancy, you or your partner may be tested immediately. Other tests must be performed at specific times during the woman's menstrual cycle.
http://www.ferringfertility.com/fert...er/initial.htm
