What is a reproductive endocrinologist?
A reproductive endocrinologist (RE), commonly known as a fertility doctor,
is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions that can impede conception and make it difficult for women to carry a pregnancy to term. REs manage conditions related to the reproductive system, such as infertility,
menstrual problems, endocrine disorders (hormonal disorders), miscarriage, and menopause. They are also trained to perform surgery on the female reproductive system.
Reproductive endocrinology is a subspecialty within OB/GYN. These physicians complete an additional three- to four-year fellowship training in reproductive endocrinology after their OB/GYN residency.
What does a reproductive endocrinologist do?
Reproductive endocrinologists work with women and couples to diagnose and treat infertility issues. That involves many different things, such as:
- Consulting with patients about the best treatment plans for them and their lifestyles
- Invitro fertilization (IVF) – taking eggs from the ovaries and combining them with sperm to create an embryo, then placing the selected embryos into the women’s uterus
- Intrauterine insemination (IUI) – purifying sperm and transporting it into the uterus at the optimal time for implantation
- Helping women prepare their bodies for pregnancy and understanding the best time to have sexual intercourse
- Performing surgery to prepare the uterus for pregnancy; removing tumors or polyps or diseased Fallopian tubes
- Diagnose and treat women’s hormonal conditions and other issues not directly relating to fertility
Reproductive endocrinologists often work as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide wrap-around services for women and couples. For example, they may work with reproductive genetic counselors, OB/GYNs, maternal-fetal medicine doctors (perinatologists),
gynecologic oncologists, and others to ensure every patient receives the best,
most effective care.
Conditions a reproductive endocrinologist specializes in
Reproductive endocrinologists at Beaumont specialize in fertility treatment, helping diagnose and treat conditions that affect fertility. They also treat endocrine issues that are not related to fertility. Some of the conditions we treat are:
- Endometriosis
- Hormonal problems
- Male factor infertility
- Tubal factor infertility
- Hyperprolactinemia
- Ovulation problems
- Menstrual problems, including bleeding abnormalities
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Recurrent pregnancy loss
- Uterine fibroids
- Sexual dysfunction
- Low sperm count
- Hypothalamic pituitary dysfunction
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
We also offer services to help women and their partners handle the psychological and emotional effects of infertility and related treatments, and we counsel patients about fertility preservation when they are being faced with a loss of fertility and wish
to have biological children in the future.
When to see a reproductive endocrinologist
Women and couples see reproductive endocrinologists for many reasons. Some of the more common reasons are:
- They cannot conceive after a year of trying
- They have a history of pregnancy loss or infertility
- Menstrual cycles are irregular or absent
- The female trying to conceive is over the age of 35
- Either partner has or has had a reproductive condition
- Either partner has or has had a sexually transmitted disease
If you would like to consult with a reproductive endocrinologist at Beaumont, call 800-633-7377 to make an appointment or ask for a referral.