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What Is Reproductive Endocrinology?

According to the International Council on Infertility Information Dissemination, reproductive endocrinology is a medical specialty combining studies in obstetrics, gynecology and endocrinology. Reproductive endocrinologists treat reproductive disorders and infertility.

  1. Education

    • 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.

    Infertility

    • 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.

    Other Disorders

    • 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.

    Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility

    • 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.

    Assisted Reproductive Technology

    • A reproductive endocrinologist is able to treat patients with assisted reproductive technology, such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF).

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