A fertility specialist obstetrician is an obstetrician who specializes in fertility problems. Not only that, doctors who study fertility or fertility also treat problems with the reproductive system and sexual function disorders, both in men and women.
Fertility specialist obstetricians who specifically handle cases of fertility disorders are andrology specialists (Sp.And) and subspecialist obstetricians or fertility consultants (Sp.OG-KFER).
An andrologist or andrologist is a specialist who treats fertility disorders and problems with the male reproductive organs. Meanwhile, obstetricians are in charge of dealing with diseases or disorders of the female reproductive organs as well as problems in pregnancy and childbirth.
The Role of the Gynecologist Fertility Expert
Fertility subspecialist obstetricians and andrologists usually work in hospitals or in fertility clinics, which are clinics that specialize in treating fertility disorders (infertility). To know more about the roles of the two specialist doctors, see the discussion in the following article:
Andrology specialist
Andrologists play a role in diagnosing and treating disorders of the male reproductive system, such as sexual dysfunction and male infertility. Impaired fertility or infertility in men can be caused by several things, such as:
- Problems with the number, shape, and function of sperm, for example due to genetic disorders and hormonal disorders
- Certain diseases, such as sexually transmitted diseases, enlarged veins in the testicles or varicocele, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and thyroid disorders
- Ejaculation disorders, such as premature ejaculation and retrograde ejaculation or a condition in which sperm does not come out of the penis during ejaculation
- Injury to the penis, sperm ducts, or testicles
- Unhealthy lifestyle, such as frequent smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages, stress, and rarely exercising
- Side effects of certain medications, such as steroids, chemotherapy, antidepressants, and blood pressure lowering drugs spironolactone
To determine the diagnosis of infertility in men and find the cause, the andrologist can perform a physical examination and several supporting tests, such as sperm examination, hormone testing, genetic testing, testicular biopsy, and testicular ultrasound.
Obstetrician
Not only in charge of examining and overcoming problems in pregnancy and childbirth, obstetricians (especially fertility subspecialists) also play a role in dealing with disorders of the female reproductive system, including infertility in women.
Obstetricians can examine and treat fertility problems in women caused by certain medical conditions or diseases, such as:
- Menstrual disorders
- Sexual problems, such as reduced sexual desire or libido, pain during sexual intercourse, and vaginal dryness
- Abnormalities in the female reproductive organs, such as PCOS, sexually transmitted diseases, pelvic inflammatory disease, and ovarian cysts
- Cancer of the female reproductive organs, such as uterine cancer, cervical cancer, and ovarian cancer
- Hormonal disorders
In addition, female fertility problems can also be caused by age, side effects of drugs, stress, and unhealthy lifestyles, such as frequent smoking, drinking alcohol, and being overweight.
To diagnose and determine the cause of infertility in women, the obstetrician may perform the following examinations:
- Physical examination, including pelvic, vulvar and vaginal examination, cervix, and breasts
- Radiological examinations, such as uterine ultrasound and transvaginal ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, and hysterosalpingography
- Hormone checks, such as estrogen and progesterone
- Biopsies of the uterus or cervix, such as pap smears
Some Handling Measures Performed by Gynecologists Fertility Experts
Once the cause of fertility problems is known, the fertility specialist obstetrician will suggest several treatment options to increase fertility and the chances of getting pregnant, such as:
Use of drugs
Fertility specialists can prescribe medications to treat fertility problems. If fertility problems are caused by disorders of the sperm, your doctor may prescribe medications to increase the number and quality of sperm.
To overcome female fertility problems, the doctor may prescribe drugs to promote ovulation and menstruation and improve egg quality.
Artificial insemination
The purpose of artificial insemination is to increase the number of sperm that reach the fallopian tubes, resulting in fertilization and pregnancy. Artificial insemination is done by placing sperm directly in the uterus during the release of an egg or ovulation.
Obstetricians and fertility specialists will usually suggest artificial insemination in patients who are having difficulty conceiving due to disorders of the cervix, the formation of scar tissue in the fallopian tubes, or because their partner has problems with ejaculation.
Test-tube baby
If treatment and artificial insemination fail to achieve pregnancy, a fertility specialist obstetrician may suggest IVF or IVF in vitro fertilization (IVF).
This procedure is done by selecting and taking healthy sperm and eggs to produce fertilization in a laboratory. After successful fertilization, the fetus (embryo) that is formed will be implanted in the uterus so that pregnancy can occur.
Your fertility sub-specialist obstetrician may advise you to undergo IVF if you have difficulty conceiving due to the following conditions:
- Endometriosis
- Couple's sperm count is low
- Egg quality is not good
- Genetic disorders
- Abnormalities in the uterus, cervix, or ovaries
Things to Prepare When Consulting a Gynecologist Fertility Expert
So that the examination and treatment carried out by a fertility subspecialist obstetrician can run smoothly, you and your partner are advised to prepare the following things:
- Make notes containing your menstrual history, fertile period, sexual activity, as well as your and your partner's pregnancy planning.
- Make notes regarding you and your partner's medical history and medical treatment that has been done, including the use of drugs, supplements, herbal remedies, or certain medical procedures.
- Make a list of questions to ask your doctor, such as treatment options to treat fertility problems, the risks of the treatment that will be carried out, and the costs involved.
If you or your partner are under 35 years old and haven't had a baby even though you've been planning a pregnancy for 1 year, it's best if you consult a fertility specialist obstetrician.
However, if you or your partner are over 35 years old, it is necessary to consult with a fertility subspecialist obstetrician if you have not succeeded in achieving pregnancy after 6 months of planning it.
