Infertility is a major issue affecting 1 out of 6 people worldwide. In such cases, people who consider seeking help often get confused regarding whom to consult in order to get a solution for their infertility. In this blog, we will understand the different roles that gynaecologists and fertility specialists play in regard to infertility and the reproductive health of a person so that you know who to approach regarding your fertility issues.
Who is a gynaecologist?
A gynaecologist is a doctor who focuses on detecting and treating disorders of the female reproductive system. The vulva, vagina, uterus (womb), and ovaries are all parts of your reproductive system, which is responsible for conception and menstruation. Gynaecologists oversee your reproductive health from puberty to menopause.
Role of a Gynaecologist :
Among the services and testing offered by a gynaecologist are the following:
- Pelvic and external genital exams
- Pap smear tests and cancer screenings
- Tests for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
- Diagnosing illnesses and abnormalities of the sexual organs
- Family planning and birth control
- Problems with periods or menopause
Some gynaecologists also practise obstetrics (OBGYN). Gynaecologists may also specialize in certain areas of gynaecology, such as menopause, reconstructive surgery, or reproductive oncology.
When and why should you visit a gynaecologist?
A gynaecologist focuses on all aspects of a woman’s reproductive health, such as preventative care and cancer or STI testing. If you are sexually active, you should have routine checkups with a gynaecologist, at least on an annual basis.
In addition, you should contact a gynaecologist if you have the following symptoms:
- Menstruation that is too painful
- Abnormal vaginal haemorrhage or discharge
- Having trouble getting pregnant
- Vaginal irritation or an unpleasant vaginal odour
- Pelvic discomfort
- Sex-related pain or dysfunction
- Growths, sores, or lumps in your vagina or vulva
Gynaecologists can also diagnose and treat reproductive issues. Some of these conditions include:
- Endometriosis
- Ovarian cysts
- Uterine fibroids
- Infections of the vagina
- Cancer in the uterus, ovaries, or cervix
- Pelvic discomfort
- Irregular bleeding
- Menopause
- Periods or menstrual cycle-related issues
Types of Gynaecologists and their roles :
Obstetrics and Gynaecology (OB-GYN) Physician
An obstetrics and gynaecology (OB-GYN) physician helps with all areas of reproductive health, including pregnancy and childbirth. They perform physical checks to ensure that their patients’ reproductive organs are healthy and arrange tests to detect cervical cancer or sexually transmitted infections. These specialists also help their patients throughout the pregnancy to ensure that the foetus develops properly and then help in the delivery of their babies on the due date.
Maternal-Foetal Medicine Specialist
A maternal-foetal medicine specialist is a gynaecologist who works with patients who have high-risk pregnancies. They assist pregnant women with chronic health concerns in remaining healthy and ensuring that their babies develop healthily before labour. They advise their patients on when to induce labour, how to monitor the fetus’ heart rate, and what to do in the late stages of pregnancy to keep the foetus healthy. These specialists also perform cesarean deliveries or C-sections.
Urogynecologists
Urogynecologists treat pelvic and bladder problems and undertake reconstructive procedures to correct birth abnormalities involving the urinary tract or reproductive organs.
Gynecologic Oncologists
Gynecologic oncologists treat cancers of the reproductive system, such as cervical, uterine, vaginal, and ovarian cancer. They perform surgeries and provide treatments to remove malignant and noncancerous growths, including chemotherapy and intraoperative radiation therapy. These oncologists also evaluate patients for genetic disorders and inherited diseases to assist them in understanding their risks and managing their reproductive health more effectively.
Who is a fertility specialist?
A fertility specialist is a doctor who has received specialized training in assisting patients who are having difficulty conceiving or carrying a pregnancy to term. Fertility doctors may treat fertility issues with surgery, medications, or procedures such as In Vitro Fertilization. They may also use techniques such as sperm banking and egg freezing to assist preserve an individual’s ability to have children following cancer treatment. Some fertility doctors also undertake pregnancy-prevention treatments such as tubal ligation or vasectomy.
When and why should you visit a fertility specialist?
Your doctor may refer you to a fertility specialist for a number of reasons, including:
- You’re having trouble conceiving for over six months above the age of 35, or you’re having trouble conceiving for more than a year if you are under the age of 35.
- You’ve had two or more miscarriages
- You’re beginning to try to conceive with known infertility risk factors or symptoms, such as irregular periods, genetic problems, or prior sexually transmitted illnesses (even if cured).
- You have the desire to avail a long-lasting birth control procedure such as tubal ligation and vasectomy
- You are fighting cancer and require assistance on how to maintain your fertility before your treatment or after your treatment.
A fertility specialist helps you in achieving pregnancy when you are dealing with issues that cause infertility such as:
- Endometriosis
- Ovarian cysts
- Fallopian tube blockage
- Low quality, morphology, and irregular shaped sperm
- Uterine fibroids
- PCOD/PCOS
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Irregular periods
- Menopause
Types of fertility specialists and their roles :
Fertility specialists include a wide range of medical professionals. The most beneficial choice for you will be determined by your medical history and needs.
Reproductive Endocrinologists
A reproductive endocrinologist is a gynaecologist who has additional training in infertility and fertility treatment; they handle both male and female fertility disorders. Most people associate fertility specialists with reproductive endocrinologists (or REs).
Andrologists
Andrologists are urologists who have completed additional training in male fertility. Andrologists can evaluate and treat male fertility difficulties alone or in collaboration with a reproductive endocrinologist. They may investigate further to determine the source of low or nonexistent sperm counts and, if possible, cure the condition so that the couple can conceive without IVF.
Reproductive Surgeons
A reproductive surgeon is yet another type of fertility specialist. While reproductive endocrinologists also perform surgery, reproductive surgeons have additional surgical expertise and may treat patients for reasons other than infertility. Reproductive surgeons, for example, can remove fibroids or treat endometriosis surgically.
Reproductive Immunologists
Reproductive immunologists combine their expertise in immunology and reproductive medicine. In cases of recurrent miscarriage, unexplained infertility, or unexplained recurrent IVF failure, a reproductive immunologist may be consulted.
What is the difference between a Gynaecologist and Infertility specialist?
1. Specialisation
- Gynaecologist: Gynaecologist is an expert in the female reproductive system. They specialize in women’s reproductive and sexual healthcare while also delivering infants and caring for pregnant women.
- Fertility Specialist: An OB-GYN with knowledge of infertility and reproductive endocrinology is a fertility specialist. They cover areas such as fertility preservation, treatments for infertility, hereditary illnesses that could influence future offspring, and uterine issues.
2. Focus
- Gynaecologist: They assist expectant mothers during their pregnancies, throughout labour, and the immediate postpartum period. They also diagnose, treat, and prevent medical disorders that impact women.
- Fertility Specialist: Their primary purpose is to support couples and occasionally individuals who want to start families but are unable to do so naturally, due to medical reasons.
3. Diagnosis
- Gynaecologist: The diagnosis done by an Gynaecologist will include speculum examinations, sonography (ultrasound), colposcopy, cervical biopsy, and endocervical curettage, loop electrosurgical excision procedures, vulvar biopsy, endometrial biopsy, hysteroscopy, and hysterosalpingography (HSG).
- Fertility Specialist: Following a review of your medical background, fertility specialists will describe the fertility tests you (and your partner, if applicable) will need to undergo. These will comprise physical exams, blood tests, semen analysis, ovulation testing, hysterosalpingography, ovarian reserve testing, other hormone testing, and imaging tests.
4. Treatment and services offered
- Gynaecologist: In addition to pelvic examinations, Pap tests, cancer screenings, and diagnosis and treatment for vaginal infections, gynaecologists also provide reproductive and sexual health services. They identify and handle conditions affecting the reproductive system that includes endometriosis, infertility, ovarian cysts, and pelvic pain.
- Fertility Specialist: Treatments and services offered by them include ovulation cycle tracking, ovulation induction, artificial insemination (IUI), In vitro fertilization (IVF), Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment, time-lapse imaging, Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), fertility surgery, fertility preservation, assisted reproductive treatments such as egg, sperm or embryo donation and fertility treatment for same-sex couples.
5. Fertility Care
- Gynaecologist: Regular check-ups and guidance on your reproductive health can be obtained from your gynaecologist. Your gynaecologist is a great resource for basic reproductive treatment and can offer guidance on preconception wellness and the right time to have intercourse, in order to get pregnant.
- Fertility Specialist: Fertility specialists provide advanced reproductive treatments for people suffering from infertility. They are the gateway to conceiving a baby for couples or individuals who had given up hope of ever holding their child in their arms. Along with medical treatments, they also provide mental support to their patients to help them stay hopeful and strong throughout the process.
FAQ’s
What happens when you visit a fertility specialist?
The fertility specialist will want to know about your fertility history and may conduct a physical examination. Women may undergo tests to determine the levels of hormones in their blood and how well their ovaries function.
Do gynaecologists perform IVF?
Some gynaecologists are subspecialists in specific fields. You may be sent to a gynaecological oncologist, who specializes in cancers of the female reproductive system. Reproductive endocrinology and infertility specialists are the ones who address hormonal and conception-related difficulties and perform fertility treatments including IVF (in vitro fertilization).
Who can help me in getting pregnant?
Talking to a doctor who specializes in pregnancy and/or infertility can help you determine which treatment options are right for you. Your primary physician or gynaecologist can recommend you to a fertility expert.
Can my gynaecologist help me get pregnant?
If you’re attempting to get pregnant, you should see an OB-GYN. They will assist you assess your fertile days, recommend a healthy diet and lifestyle, and prescribe supplements such as folic acid. If you fail to get pregnant naturally then consult with a fertility expert.