Lesson 3: Your Doctor, Your Options
What an OB/GYN is
OB/GYN stands for Obstetrician Gynecologist, and they are trained in general health, internal medicine, and general obstetrics (care of normal pregnancies) and gynecology (the health of the reproductive organs). There are a few sub-specialties that an OB/GYN can train for including
- Gynecologic Oncology (treats cancer of the reproductive organs)
- Reproductive Endocrinologist (an infertility specialist)
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine (treats high-risk pregnancies)
- Reproductive Surgeon (treats specific urinary tract dysfunctions and disorders)
So, just what does that kind of a doctor do as far as diagnosing and treating infertility is concerned? First, some OB/GYNs do extra studies while they are attending medical school and they receive extra instruction in infertility diagnosing and treatment. These are OB/GYNs that also specialize in infertility, or become board certified Reproductive Endocrinologists.
But, before we go to far, let's look at what a 'regular' OB/GYN can do as it relates to preconception and infertility.
- Order basic blood tests
- Pelvic exam
- Laparoscopic surgery
- Order a semen analysis
- Ultrasound
- Clomid treatment
- Preconception health evaluation
This, of course, is not an extensive listing of everything an OB/GYN can do, but should give you a good idea of what type of care you can receive from an OB/GYN who has not received additional training.
An OB/GYN that has received additional training may state that they specialize in infertility. In this case, this type of OB/GYN can offer the following in addition to the above.
- Care and treatment of PCOS*
- Endometrial biopsy
- Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
- Hysterosalpinogram
- Post Coital Test
An OB/GYN that specializes in infertility should have about 50% or more of their practice dedicated to this. If you already have a regular OB/GYN or if you are interviewing for a new one, be sure to ask them about this, and what types of services they can offer to you. Because, for some couples, their infertility is directly related to an easily corrected problem, starting with an OB/GYN is the best thing to do.
All OB/GYNs should be able to offer the infertile couple a good place to start with basic treatment and diagnosis. Depending on the diagnosis, moving on to an OB/GYN that specializes in treating infertility might be the next step to take, or you may need to move onto an RE.
*All OB/GYNs should have a basic understanding of and treatment program for PCOS. However, not all OB/GYNs recognize this condition and will attribute the symptoms to other things including lifestyle issues. When we discuss PCOS further in section 7, you will learn what the most common signs are, as well as how to talk to your doctor about this condition.
