When to See a Fertility Specialist

Women who have not conceived after unprotected intercourse for twelve months or longer should seek care from a physician. An initial evaluation can be done by an obstetrician/gynecologist; however, a Board Certified Reproductive Endocrinologist should administer advanced reproductive therapies. Women aged 35-40, years or older, who have not become pregnant after six months, should immediately consult a reproductive endocrinologist. Fertility can decline very rapidly in this age group.

A specialist, such as Dr. Allon, who treats patients with infertility is known as a Reproductive Endocrinologist, Infertility Specialist.  These specialists must complete a four-year residency program in Obstetrics and Gynecology followed by a two to three year fellowship is Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.  Fellowship training includes extensive experience in microsurgery, laparoscopic and hysteroscopic surgery, in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer, ovulation induction using FSH , and many other areas. You would not choose a general practitioner if you needed brain surgery and infertility is no different.

To be Board Certified in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, the physician must first successfully complete the general written and oral examination in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Once Board certification in Obstetrics and Gynecology is achieved it takes several years of clinical practice and testing to achieve Board Certification in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.

Unfortunately, a physician does not have to demonstrate his/her her training when placing ads in phone books. Because of this, virtually any physician can list him/her self as a fertility specialist. It is up to the patient to seek verification of the physicians credentialing. Board certification in reproductive endocrinology infertility is the only sure identifier of a trained fertility specialist.