Embarking on the search for an obgyn near me while grappling with fertility challenges can be an emotionally taxing experience. As you navigate this difficult time, you may find yourself confronting various emotions.
You might feel frustrated for making no progress in your quest to conceive, envious as you watch friends joyously preparing their nurseries while you yearn for a positive pregnancy test. However, don’t worry. It's important to remember that reaching out for medical support can help rekindle the hope you need during this journey.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that around 12% of women aged 15-44 in the US experience difficulty getting pregnant or carrying a pregnancy to term. With this in mind, it's crucial to recognize your options and make an informed decision.
As a trusted women’s clinic for over 45 years, Gwinnett OB/GYN understands you may feel uncertain about where to begin your search for treatment. Initially, you might wonder whether you should visit your OB/GYN or if a fertility specialist would be more appropriate. What sets these two apart?
When you search for an obgyn near me, remember that an OB/GYN is trained in general reproductive health care, while a fertility specialist possesses specific expertise in fertility treatments and assisted reproductive technologies.
Understanding your personal circumstances and medical background is crucial in determining the most suitable choice for you. To help you make the best decision, let's delve deeper together. Read on to learn more.
Several factors come into play when choosing between a fertility specialist and an OB/GYN. Here are a few key factors to consider:
Typically, an OB/GYN is the first step in your fertility treatment journey. As you explore obgyn near me, remember that your gynecologist can perform a preliminary fertility evaluation, as the American Society for Reproductive Medicine recommends.
Timing intercourse with ovulation can be challenging for many couples, as the National Infertility Association highlights. While an over-the-counter ovulation predictor test can sometimes help, an OB/GYN can evaluate other factors that may impact your ability to conceive. Consider a fertility evaluation if you:
If your OB/GYN identifies an underlying fertility issue, such as pelvic inflammatory disease or uterine fibroids, they may refer you to a fertility specialist.
As you continue your obgyn near me search, note that some obstetrician-gynecologists receive additional training to better treat patients struggling with fertility issues. If your doctor is board-certified in reproductive endocrinology, they've undergone this extra training.
Otherwise, they may only be familiar with a few common and basic fertility treatments, and seeing a fertility specialist could be more beneficial, especially if other treatments have proven unsuccessful.
Fertility specialists complete three years of specialized training in an approved reproductive endocrinology fellowship program in addition to an OB/GYN residency.
Consider visiting a fertility specialist instead of an OB/GYN if you have irregular or painful menstrual cycles or difficulty tracking your ovulation. Other reasons to consult a fertility specialist include:
With a fertility specialist’s in-depth understanding and tailored approach, you can significantly improve your chances of successfully starting your family.
The recommended “one-year wait” refers to the standard duration of attempting to conceive without success before contacting a specialist. However, women over 30 with a history of pelvic inflammatory disease or menstrual cycle issues should consider consulting a fertility specialist sooner, according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).
Another reason to see a specialist is if your partner has a low sperm count. If their semen analysis returns abnormal, they might be referred to a urologist trained in handling male infertility issues.
Choosing between an OB/GYN and a fertility specialist depends on various factors, including the length of time you are trying to conceive, your medical history, age, and your partner's fertility. It's essential to carefully consider these aspects to make the best decision for your unique situation.
Gwinnett OB/GYN is here to support you on your journey to parenthood. If you need more information or would like to schedule an appointment, please don't hesitate to contact us.
