Your Fertility Treatment Team- When to See a Fertility Specialist?

A Woman’s Center for Reproductive Medicine is located in Baton Rouge, LA and our fertility specialists treat patients from Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and other areas throughout the state and region. One common question patients ask is; “When should I seek fertility specialist care?” The answer to this question hinges upon many variables such as female age, suspected cause(s) of infertility, previous treatments, and other factors.  In general, the earlier a fertility specialist is consulted, the more likely treatment will succeed and fertility treatment costs will be better controlled. Numerous studies demonstrate that specialist care is less expensive and more likely to result in pregnancy. Also, most couples will become pregnant using technologies other than IVF.

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine defines infertility as the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse and the time is often shortened to six months in “older women”. Infertility often has very complex causes in both the female and male.  Fertility specialists undergo extensive advanced clinical and research training. Like any other sub specialty, fertility specialists must keep abreast of the latest extensive technological developments. If you Internist told you that your heart was very enlarged it is likely you would consult with a cardiologist not a general practitioner. The analogy is the same when comparing a general OB/GYN to a fertility specialist.

A board certified reproductive endocrinologist, fertility specialist must first complete training in obstetrics and gynecology and achieve board certification. Next, a three year fellowship in reproductive endocrinology and infertility must be completed at a major medical school. During fellowship training, fertility specialists learn delicate microsurgical techniques, study in depth diagnostic and treatment procedures, manage IVF cycles and administer fertility hormones such as FSH. Once the academic and research training is completed, the fertility specialist must undergo rigorous written and oral examinations.

Clomid is often chosen by the generalist as a first line ovulation induction agent, which is appropriate in many cases. However, extensive literature supports that Clomid should not be used beyond 3 ovulatory cycles as the probability of success declines dramatically. Also, the longer Clomid is employed the greater the chance of serious side effects.

At our Baton Rouge, New Orleans fertility clinic, we see women who have undergone many cycles of treatment with no semen analysis of her partner.  The semen analysis is one of the most important fertility tests and should be done before any therapy on the female. Reproductive specialty laboratories are schooled in the many, sometimes sublime, changes in sperm that can lead to male infertility. A reproductive lab should always be chosen for the semen analysis even if it is an “out of pocket expense”. A proper semen analysis will save thousands of dollars in wasted female treatments.

Fertility specialists also “move patients along” in the various treatment algorithms. If three cycles of Clomid prove unsuccessful, the patient may then undergo FSH ovulation induction combined with intrauterine insemination. If IUI is unsuccessful after three cycles, the patient may be moved to IVF.  OF course, all treatments are highly individualized and treatments for specific couples vary.

Our highly specialized team of health care professionals provides comprehensive, compassionate care for the treatment of infertility and complex reproductive hormone problems. This is one of the most qualified team of specialists you'll find anywhere. Many patients travel from New Orleans and surrounding regions to see our fertility specialists because of our reputation for the highest quality of care and our compassion and understanding of the infertile couples that we treat. Our expertise in infertility treatment is unparalleled, as is our compassion

Our fertility clinic brings together the unique advantages of clinical experience coupled with advanced research in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Dr. Webster has been in clinical practice for over twenty years and Dr. Gibbons just joined the practice after serving as the Chairman of the Department of OB/GYN at the Jones Institute for Reproductive Medicine.

As a couple, you are a vital part of the treatment team and your care is always individualized to best meet your needs. Attending to your emotional well-being is an important part of your care. Individual counseling is available, as are group meetings with other couples seeking similar treatments.

 

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