Couples that wish to achieve pregnancy but have had trouble doing so on their own may seek help from a fertility clinic, which is a medical center that specializes in conception and fertility. Such a clinic typically employs specialty doctors, such as reproductive endocrinologists, acupuncturists, embryologists, and other types of fertility specialists. Most couples start out with different kinds of fertility testing at this kind of clinic, and move on to treatment when necessary.
The typical fertility clinic features an extensive staff of specialists, each playing a different role in the process of conception and fertility. One of the main types is called a reproductive endocrinologist, which is a doctor with training in obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive endocrinology. The latter type of training focuses on ovulation induction, sonography, and laparoscopic surgery, to name a few fields of study. Most clinics also staff nurses knowledgeable about conception and fertility, sonographers that specialize in ultrasound technology, and embryologists, or doctors who focus on studying the development of embryos. Additionally, some clinics may also employ acupuncturists, nutritionists, and hypnotherapists, as some patients may benefit from such specialties as they try to conceive.
A couple can expect to undergo various tests at a fertility clinic in order to find out why it is so difficult to conceive. Males typically start with a semen analysis, which can determine sperm count, as well as the fructose and pH level of the semen. It also examines the motility, or capacity to move forward, and morphology, or shape, of the sperm. Females can expect to undergo testing that determines whether they ovulate, and how often. She may also get a laparoscopy, which uses a tiny camera to look into her fallopian tubes, ovaries, and uterus to make sure they all appear normal. Of course, some clinics may just use an x-ray or ultrasound to view such areas of the abdomen.
Once screenings have been performed, the typical fertility clinic will begin the appropriate treatment. Some fertility clinic doctors start by prescribing women with pills that will force them to ovulate if that is the issue, though some patients may need surgery for this to occur. It may also be determined that an egg or sperm donor is necessary in order for a couple to conceive, in which case one will be arranged. Most clinics also offer insemination to ensure that the sperm ends up in the cervix where it needs to be, though some couples may benefit more from in vitro fertilization, in which the egg is fertilized by sperm outside the womb.
