Reproductive Endocrinology Specialist Questions and Answers

Reproductive endocrinologists specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of various reproductive and hormonal disorders. With that in mind, reproductive endocrinologists often deal with issues of infertility in both men and women. In doing so, they can provide several diagnostic tests and procedures to determine the cause of infertility and various treatments, including surgery if necessary.

As such, some of the diagnostic tests and procedures that a reproductive endocrinologist can provide include:

– Basal antral follicle count (BAFC)
– Blood tests for blood sugar levels and thyroid abnormalities
– Episona test
– Endometrial biopsy, which involves scraping, extraction, and examination of the endometrial tissue that lines the uterus, known as the endometrium
– Endometrial receptivity analysis (ERA)
– Hormone testing, specifically for levels of follicle-stimulating hormones (FSH), testosterone, and anti-Mullerian hormones (AMH)
– Hysterosalpingogram, or an X-ray of the fallopian tubes
– Hysteroscopy (HSC), a procedure that lets your doctor see the cervix and uterus through a small camera
– Laparoscopy, which is a minimally invasive surgery allowing a doctor to view inside the body through a tiny camera
– Ovarian reserve fertility test to measure hormone levels related to reproduction
– Pelvic anatomy ultrasound
– Physical exams of the pelvic organs
– Preimplantation genetic screening (PGS)
– Semen analysis (SA), which is also referred to as a sperm count test

Depending on your particular reproductive concerns and what your reproductive endocrinologist discovers from testing, an RE can provide any of the following treatments:

– Assisted reproductive technologies (ART)
– Cryopreservation
– In vitro fertilization (IVF)
– Infertility medication, such as clomiphene citrate (Clomid®) and others
– Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
– Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
– INVOcell procedure
– Ovulation induction therapy
– Surgical sperm extraction

If you are under 35, experiencing difficulty becoming pregnant, and have been trying to conceive for at least one year, you should consider making an appointment to see a reproductive endocrinologist for testing and treatment options. If you are over 35, you should see a reproductive endocrinologist for help if you cannot conceive within six months.

Other reasons to see a reproductive endocrinologist are as follows:

– Abnormal breast growth
– Diagnosis or symptoms of endometriosis or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
– Experience absent, irregular, or painful menstrual periods
– Have had one or more miscarriages
– Low sperm count
– Lump, pain, or swelling, in or around the testicles
– Problems with sexual function, desire, or performance
– Taking medication or receiving treatment that could affect your fertility

While a reproductive endocrinologist is a fertility specialist, so to speak, the term fertility specialist can refer to a broad range of different healthcare providers, some with fewer qualifications than a reproductive endocrinologist. As such, reproductive endocrinologists complete a Bachelor of Science degree, followed by four years of medical school, a four-year residency in obstetrics and gynecology, and a specialized three-year fellowship in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. After the fellowship, a reproductive endocrinologist can take a written and oral exam to become board-certified through the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG).

When you visit a reproductive endocrinologist at The New Hope Center for the first time, there are a few things that you can expect to happen. When you first arrive and check-in at the reception desk, a medical assistant will provide a questionnaire for you to fill out any and all relevant clinical and medical information.

After the questionnaire is filled out and reviewed, you will have a consultation with our reproductive endocrinologist, during which you will discuss your medical history, goals for treatment, as well as options for testing and treatment plans.

Once the consultation with the reproductive endocrinologist is finished, you will meet with the financial counselor to discuss insurance, benefits, and costs of any tests or treatments decided on with the reproductive endocrinologist. After meeting with the financial counselor, testing may be provided, including ultrasound or blood work. Once the testing is complete, our administrative staff will collect your payment and schedule a future appointment if desired.

For more information about reproductive endocrinology services or an appointment at The New Hope Center, please call us or schedule an appointment on our website! We serve patients from Virginia Beach VA, Rudee Heights VA, Lynnhaven VA, Linkhorn Estates VA and Dam Neck VA.