Roughly 9% of men and 11% of women of reproductive age in the United States are currently dealing with or have dealt with infertility issues.
Complications can come from either the man or woman and, in some cases, the problem cannot be easily diagnosed or identified. However, working with a fertility specialist makes the journey more bearable and hopefully fruitful. Here are a few things you need to know about fertility specialists.
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Who Is a Reproductive Specialist?
A reproductive fertility specialist is a doctor who has received special training in diagnosing and treating fertility issues in both men and women. They are trained to employ different therapy options, including surgery and drugs. They can also use more modern treatment procedures like in vitro fertilization.
When Is a Reproductive Fertility Specialist Needed?
As the name suggests, a fertility specialist is needed by people struggling to conceive. Most couples put off going to the fertility specialist because booking an appointment means they have to admit that there is a problem.
However, this is not necessarily a wrong approach because most doctors will recommend you wait for more than a year of trying before seeking the services of a specialist. If you are over 35, your doctor may recommend seeking specialist help after six months of trying to conceive.
How Much Does a Fertility Specialist Cost?
If you have to pay out of pocket for your fertility specialist, you may have to part with over $15,000 dollars. If you have to try multiple IVF cycles, you may be looking at more than this.
Some patients may get some reprieve if their health insurance covers at least one round of IVF. You should also account for the medications you have to take during the treatment. Keep in mind that some treatments may be cheaper.
What Are the Risks Associated With Fertility Treatment?
Fertility treatment is generally safe for most women. However, it does not come without potential complications and risks. Some of them include the following;
- Multiple births
- Nausea
- Scars
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
- Miscarriage
These side effects are manageable with help from your doctor and medicine. Most women find most side effects and risks worth it for the ultimate goal of a child.
Are There Natural Fixes for Infertility?
There is research suggesting that antioxidant supplements can improve fertility rates among men. Living a healthy lifestyle and maintaining a healthy weight can also improve your fertility rates. It may also reduce the chances of complications during the gestation period. Exercise is also important for anyone looking to balance hormonal levels. Rest is also as important as maintaining an active lifestyle, so create a regular sleep schedule and stick to it.
Are you dealing with stressful situations the majority of the time?
Research has shown the human body does not do well when constantly stressed. Reducing stress in your life can be helpful. Reducing the intake of recreational drugs like drugs and cigarettes can also help your body conceive. Some drugs have been proven to interrupt hormonal balance in the body, which is not ideal for conception or ovulation.
Fertility Specialist FAQ
Will my insurance cover a fertility specialist?
Some health insurance covers do cover fertility-related issues, while others may not. Check with your health insurance provider for more information.
Are there side effects to fertility treatments?
Some fertility treatments have side effects, while some may be completely harmless. Your reproductive fertility specialist will advise on the best fertility therapy for you and your partner. Some side effects may include mood swings, nausea, and pain.
Does fertility therapy guarantee twins or triplets?
No, fertility therapy does not guarantee conception; however, for those who manage to get pregnant through fertility therapy, the chance of multiples increases exponentially.
What are the chances of conceiving after seeing a fertility specialist?
The success rate of your fertility treatment depends on a few things. Your age plays a crucial role, as well as your general health. For example, if you have had chemotherapy before, your chances of success are reduced.
How long does fertility treatment last?
The length of fertility therapy depends on the gender of the patient and the extent of your infertility. For women receiving hormonal treatment, the doctor will prescribe medication for a month to increase the chances of success with further therapy like IVF.
Will I require surgery to treat infertility?
There are a few instances when your doctor will recommend surgery to treat infertility. Some issues that can be resolved using surgery include:
- Removing uterine fibroids
- Treatment of endometriosis
- Removing scar tissue blocking the fallopian tubes
- Removing scar tissue anywhere else in the reproductive tract
- Treating polyps