A Fertility Specialist or A Gynaecologist - Who, When, and Why?

The health of a woman is vital as she nurtures the entire family. Women suffer from various health issues, including reproductive problems. They may face problems getting pregnant naturally, causing emotional turmoil. Proper medical and fertility treatment can help them conceive. Gynecologists and fertility specialists treat gynecological disorders, irregular periods, PCOD, fertility issues, etc. Choosing between the two takes work. The couple needs to visit the right doctor or specialist based on their reproductive health needs.

Factors to Consider Before Choosing Between Gynecologists and Fertility Specialists

Treating female health issues at an early stage can help avoid complications in the future. Consider the following factors when deciding between a Gynecologist and a fertility specialist near you:

• Medical History: Your medical history is a valuable source of information that helps you decide which doctor to visit based on your reproductive health. You may suffer or have suffered from repeated miscarriages, STDs, and obesity.
• Age: Age is crucial in deciding between a gynecologist and a fertility expert. Couples above the age of 35y must consult a fertility specialist rather than a gynecologist if they are having trouble getting pregnant.
• Duration You have been trying to conceive: The choose specialists considering your time trying to conceive.
• Fertility of Your Partner: The low sperm count and issues during intercourse of your partner is also a significant factor in visiting the right doctor.

When Should I Consult a Gynecologist?

A gynecologist, or OB-GYN, specializes in women's general reproductive health. They treat menstrual disorders, PCOD, fibroids, or other issues in the uterus. They take care of the reproductive health of women, including prenatal care, pregnancy, contraception, and menopause. They also provide fertility treatment by suggesting medicines to ovulate at the right time. They are medical professionals who perform natural deliveries, Caesarean Sections, Fibroid removal surgery, and Hysterectomy.

Following are the situations in which you can consult a gynecologist:

• If you are planning to have a baby or have just started to try for pregnancy, then you can consult a gynecologist for a general checkup to understand your reproductive health. It is called Preconception Counseling.
• If you are pregnant, visit a gynecologist for regular checkups to monitor the growth and well-being of the baby.
• If you suffer from an irregular menstrual cycle, PCOD, or other potential issues related to the menstruation cycle.
• If you are looking for measures to avoid pregnancy or family planning methods.
• If you are trying to understand your ovulation cycle.

When to Consult a Fertility Specialist

Fertility specialists are medical professionals trained in reproductive medicine. They must pass examinations in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. They mainly focus on providing fertility treatment for couples who find it hard to conceive naturally. Fertility specialists only concentrate on reproductive health related to conception and help in figuring out the actual cause of infertility in both men and women. They offer assisted reproductive treatment, including IVF, artificial insemination, IUI, etc.

You can consult a fertility doctor when:

• You have suffered from miscarriage.
• You have been trying to get pregnant for more than a year.
• You are more than 35 years of age.
• You suffer from fertility issues.
• You cannot conceive due to various gynecological problems including PCOD, Anovulation, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, Tubal block, Hydrosalpinx, Endometriosis, Adenomyosis, Fibroids, Polyps, or low ovarian reserve.
• If your partner suffers from low sperm count, Low sperm motility, or Erectile dysfunction.

Career Insights: How to Become a Fertility Clinician

Helping couples who are struggling with fertility problems is an incredibly rewarding but highly challenging career path. If you are interested in becoming a fertility clinician, there are many requirements that you need to meet in order to qualify.

Required Qualifications

If you want to specialise as a fertility clinician, you will first need to study a medical degree and become a doctor. This can take a long time – as the undergraduate degree course is five years long, any postgraduate qualifications last for up to two years and then on-the-job specialist training can last for between three and eight years. Postgraduate specialisations can include obstetrics and gynaecology or endocrinology, followed by training as a sub-specialist in fertility.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Taking a thorough history of patients and physical assessments.
• Undertaking investigations of patients in order to diagnose the cause of any fertility problems.
• Using assisted reproductive technologies (ART).
• Performing ultrasound scans on patients who are undergoing IVF (in vitro fertilization).
• Gauging ovarian function and monitoring ovarian response to treatments.

Essential Skills

It is crucially important to be able to work sensitively with patients, as you are dealing with an issue which can be very emotionally fraught and cause a lot of worry and distress. Other important skills for a fertility clinician include:

• Laboratory skills and a sound understanding of relevant science.
• Communication skills with both patients and colleagues.
• Listening and empathy skills.
• The ability to work under pressure, making judgements that will impact the lives of patients.
• An analytical and scientific mind.