How to Find a Fertility Specialist

If you're having difficulty getting pregnant, you may need to make an appointment with a fertility specialist. A specialist has extensive training and experience with people having infertility issues and will be able to offer insight and treatment beyond what your primary care physician can provide. Follow these steps to find a fertility specialist.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Understand the differences between a fertility specialist and an Obstetrician/Gynecologist (OB/GYN). OB/GYNs care for women throughout pregnancy and during and after childbirth. They can diagnose and treat general disorders related to the female reproductive system. Fertility specialists have been exclusively trained to treat infertility problems in both women and men. They are familiar with more advanced reproductive problems and treatments.
2. Ask your primary care physician or Obstetrician/Gynecologist (OB/GYN) for a referral. Simply request her to recommend a couple of fertility specialists in your area.
3. Make sure the fertility specialist you choose is certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties. Professional doctors will be more than willing to share their qualifications with you. Some specialists are in the process of becoming certified and may tell you they're board eligible.
4. Schedule an interview with several fertility specialists before you make your final decision. You should feel completely comfortable with the specialist you choose. Use the interview as a time to learn not only about the specialist's credentials but also to gauge how well you can work together.
5. Ask potential fertility specialists about past cases they've worked on. Find out how long they've been practicing and how many individuals and couples they've helped. Get details on any extreme cases they've dealt with and find out how they'd handle specific problems in your case.