What Is Reproductive Endocrinology?
- Physicians who are board certified in obstetrics and gynecology must also be board certified in reproductive endocrinology to practice as a reproductive endocrinologist. Per the International Council on Infertility Information Dissemination, reproductive endocrinologists complete a two to three-year fellowship and then must pass exams in both written and oral formats to become certified.
- Reproductive endocrinologists are also called fertility specialists as they treat infertility and underlying disorders that cause infertility. A reproductive endocrinologist can offer more advanced treatment for infertility than an gynecologist.
- According to Penn Fertility Care, reproductive endocrinology also treats disorders in patients who are not trying to get pregnant, such as sexual dysfunction, hormonal imbalances and menopause.
- The Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility is a professional organization for physicians with a board certification in both obstetrics/gynecology and reproductive endocrinology. According to Penn Fertility Care, less than 800 doctors across the United States are part of the Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.
- A reproductive endocrinologist is able to treat patients with assisted reproductive technology, such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF).