-
-
Choosing the right fertility doctor is an important decision, so it is important to gather as much information as possible before making a final selection. This guide will provide you with information and tips on how to choose a fertility doctor who will help you have a baby.
-
-
NBC News: Choosing a Fertility Specialist w/ Dr. Hummel
This NBC news feature provides advice about how to choose a fertility doctor. The video suggests that you begin with your OB/GYN for initial testing and recommendations. The expert also suggests talking to nurses who have undergone successful fertility treatment, as nurses tend to be "good consumers of medical care.
-
Introduction
Your fertility doctor will work with you and your partner as you travel down a very stressful path. It's important that you have confidence in their medical knowledge and their judgment, and that you feel comfortable with them. While, ideally, your fertility doctor will help you have a successful pregnancy, they may also be the one who counsels you to look for another way to become a family. A fertility specialist will be involved in the most intimate aspects of your life, so you want to make sure you choose one carefully. -
Step 1: Talk to Your Partner
Before beginning to look for a fertility specialist talk to your partner about what types of procedures you are willing to undergo. It's important that you are on the same page before you start down the assisted reproduction path. If you find that you are not in agreement, you may want to meet with a counselor to help you sort out your options. -
Step 2: Get Referrals for Fertility Doctors
- Ask friends and family for names of fertility specialists that they have been happy with. Make sure to ask them what they liked and disliked about their experience with the doctor.
- Ask your gynecologist you're seeing for names of fertility specialists they would recommend.
- The American Medical Association provides referrals to member doctors. Although fertility is not a subspecialty of the AMA, you can use the search function to find a list of member obstetricians, gynecologists, and medical geneticists in your area. You can then drill down through this list to find those who specialize in fertility.
- Resolve, the national infertility organization, can refer you to fertility doctors who practice in your area. You need to register as a member to use their referral service.
Step 3: How to Choose a Fertility Doctor
- Check with your state's medical board to make sure the fertility doctor is currently licensed, and is in good standing with the board. Some states list malpractice lawsuits on their websites. You'll also want to make sure that hey are board certified in their specialty
- If the doctor is associated with a fertility clinic, you can check on their success rates. The CDC has compiled data on each fertility clinic in the country. Although the data is from 2006, it will still be useful as you evaluate alternative providers.
- Meet with the doctor and discuss your goals and objectives for fertility treatment. Make sure their education, experience, and philosophy align with yours.
- Be specific about what types of procedures who are willing to try, as well as those you are not comfortable with.
- As the doctor what their experience is with couples who meet your profile.
