How to find a fertility specialist

Getting pregnant is one of those things in life that’s often easier said than done. It can be difficult to stay patient, particularly if you’re staying active, eating healthily, and doing everything right. Sometimes there are simply circumstances that you can’t avoid, or can’t even see, that are hindering your road to pregnancy.

How do fertility specialists help?

Fertility specialists are doctors who are specially trained in reproductive medicine to help couples overcome their fertility difficulties and conceive successfully. Fertility specialists are adept at diagnosing the particular issue of infertility that might be affecting you and your partner, and then devising a course of treatment to help correct it. Fertility specialists have a wide range of tools to help couples conceive, including medications and surgical options. Various Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) like in vitro fertilization (IVF), gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT), and intrauterine insemination (IUI) are also commonly used options. A fertility specialist will work with you and your partner to come up with the most effective course of treatment possible.

Is it for me?

A couple is considered infertile if they have been unable to conceive after trying for a year, or for 6 months if a woman is over 35. Couples who meet this criteria should seek out a fertility specialist for a consultation--there’s little downside, and the specialist is highly likely to be able to help you identify and treat the issue you're facing. Infertility isn’t a dead end; it just means that you might need a bit of help along the way, as many couples do.