Choosing a fertility doctor

Choosing a fertility doctor is an important and (hopefully) life-changing decision for infertile couples. The best fertility doctors often combine expertise and a track record of success with an ability to communicate caring and compassion for couples dealing with this often highly emotionally-charged experience. There are several different factors to consider when choosing a fertility specialist, including his or her training, expertise, responsiveness, track record, and code of ethics.

Training
Even though many women have established relationships and a certain level of comfort with their Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) provider, not all of these doctors have the specialized training necessary to provide a couple with the most advanced fertility treatment options. Therefore, most couples will need to work with a Reproductive Endocrinologist. This type of physician has completed a fellowship (2 or 3 additional years of specialized fertility treatment training) after finishing a standard OB/GYN residency training program. Some Reproductive Endocrinologists are board-certified, which means that they have passed additional oral and written certification tests. Some men may also require the services of an Andrologist, a physician that is specially trained to treat male infertility issues.

Expertise
Find out the types of tests and procedures the Reproductive Endocrinologist does and does not provide. Make sure to ask whether the tests and procedures are provided at the Endocrinologist’s office, or if particular services require referrals to other specialists.

Responsiveness
Regardless of whether the couple works with an individual clinician, a small group practice, or a large infertility clinic, it is important that they have direct access to their doctor to discuss questions and concerns that often crop up during the course of assessment and treatment. While no provider will be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, there should procedures in place that allow a couple to receive a response in a timely fashion. Also, the couple should ask about the procedures for emergencies and negative reactions to treatments (i.e., “on call” policies).

Track Record
The couple should ask about the record of success for their particular fertility issue, recommended treatment, and age. However, statistics should not be the only guiding factor in the decision to use a particular provider, as the data can overstate the likelihood that couples will actually take a baby home with them after treatment.

Ethics
The couple should ask the Endocrinologist to discuss ethical issues such as age limits for fertility treatments, who decides how many embryos are implanted during a round of In Vitro Fertilization, and what is done with embryos that are not used for fertilization procedures. Couples who are uncomfortable with the doctor’s responses to these questions should seek out a provider that is more compatible with their views.