When you need to choose the best fertility doctors, you can start by considering the types of medical professionals who work with fertility challenges. For example, you could seek the help of an obstetrician, andrologist, or reproductive endocrinologist. Once you've decide which type of medical professional you need, you can then compare options based on how closely each professional's experience and expertise meets your needs. Additionally, arranging a consultation may aid your decision-making process and help you to better compare fertility doctors.
The best fertility specialist for you will likely depend on the type of fertility challenge you are having. For minor fertility issues that can easily be fixed with medication or certain types of minor surgery, or if you are not yet sure whether or not you have a fertility problem, an obstetrician or gynecologist may prove most helpful. If you want to focus on the evaluation of male fertility problems, you would instead choose an andrologist, which is a doctor who specializes in male reproductive issues. A reproductive endocrinologist, which is a doctor who specializes in both male and female reproductive disorders, may be best for more complex issues as well as when both members of a couple need evaluation and treatment.
Additionally, experience and expertise are typically critical when you are trying to choose the best fertility doctors. Since reproductive problems can range from the minor to the serious and hard to overcome, you will likely get the best result from a professional with extensive experience dealing with your particular type of issue. With something as important as your fertility, you probably won't want to feel that your doctor is experimenting with you and your condition. For example, if a specialist only has expertise in helping people who have hormonal disorders but your problem is poor-quality sperm or eggs, you may feel less confident in his ability to help you. Instead, you might feel better about choosing a doctor who not only has experience, but also a reputation for success with helping people with your type of reproductive health challenge.
Often, arranging consultations proves helpful for choosing the best fertility doctors. This way, you can meet with doctors who have the qualifications you need, ask how they will help you, and get a feel for how comfortable you will be working with them to improve your fertility. Some fertility doctors may give the impression that they will encourage you to make decisions with which you aren't comfortable or seem as if they aren't truly interested in your case. A consultation can help you recognize this before you decide on or begin treatment.
