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What Is a Fertility Specialist?

Happy family with baby after treatments by a fertility specialist | Tennessee Reproductive Medicine | ChattanoogaA fertility specialist is an individual who devotes his/her practice almost exclusively to the treatment of infertility. Some fertility specialists offer only a small number of therapies, such as treatment with medicines taken by mouth (ovulation induction), artificial insemination and/or surgery.

Reproductive endocrinologists are fertility specialists who have had four years of training in obstetrics and gynecology and an additional two to three years of specialized training in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Most of these physicians offer a wide range of fertility treatments ranging from ovulation induction to in vitro fertilization.

TRM physicians are double board certified in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) and Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and are members of the highly selective Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.

Do I need a fertility specialist?

For many couples, a woman’s OB/GYN is comfortable performing investigations for causes of infertility and treating some of these causes. Some doctors are comfortable with infertility treatment, but simply don’t have the time to devote to it. Other doctors are not comfortable with this area of practice.

Patients interested in fertility discussions should inquire about their provider’s comfort level, interest and experience in providing these services. If, for any reason, your provider thinks you should see a fertility specialist, you should follow his/her recommendation.

What is a fertility specialist?

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