Reproductologist

A specialist who deals with problems in the reproductive sphere is called a reproductive specialist.

He is competent in issues of impossibility of conceiving a child, carrying it to term, and, if necessary, can use assisted reproductive technologies (in vitro fertilization, ICSI, IUI). This specialist solves issues of both female and male infertility factors.

All the activities of a reproductive specialist are aimed at achieving a single goal – the onset of pregnancy and the birth of a long-awaited and healthy baby.

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Who is a reproductive specialist?

The ability to continue the family line is one of the most important and complex features of the body. The inability to have a child, to have a full-fledged family, destroys many marriages, cripples the lives of people, because children are the basis of our future. About 20% of couples face problems in conceiving a child. Numerous unsuccessful attempts to get pregnant, "habitual" miscarriages or frozen pregnancy - all these are reasons to seek advice from a reproductive specialist.

The purpose of contacting a reproductive specialist may be to identify the reasons for the impossibility of conception and prescribe the appropriate therapeutic methods. The reproductive specialist examines the woman, simultaneously prescribing a spermogram to the man in order to identify the source of the problem and effectively solve it.

A reproductive specialist is a specialist with a higher medical education who has the skills and extensive experience in examining and successfully treating couples suffering from primary or secondary infertility. Such a doctor can determine the need and carry out complex diagnostic manipulations that are not usually performed by general gynecologists.

When should you see a reproductive specialist?

In cases where the patient has a stable menstrual cycle, ovulation occurs on time, there are regular unprotected sexual contacts throughout the year, but she still cannot get pregnant, then it is time to consult a reproductive specialist. Women over 35 years of age should consult a doctor after six months of futile attempts to conceive a child.

A visit to a specialist and examination is mandatory for both spouses.

The initial examination of an infertile couple begins with collecting information about the health of the spouses, their lifestyle and sexual relations.

Most often, couples who are unable to get pregnant or carry a child to term turn to this specialist. Infertility may be accompanied by:

• spontaneous termination of a previous pregnancy;
• diagnosed with a frozen pregnancy;
• age-related changes in the hormonal system and sexual organs of the spouses;
• pathologies of the reproductive system;
• hormonal disorders;
• inflammatory and infectious diseases of the reproductive system;
• venereal pathologies;
• hereditary factors or congenital anomalies.

If there is a suspicion of any cause for infertility, the doctor may prescribe a number of additional examinations for the couple to clarify the factors that may interfere with the normal conception of a child.

What tests should you take when visiting a reproductive specialist?

If before contacting a reproductive specialist the patient has already visited other doctors, such as a gynecologist, andrologist, endocrinologist, geneticist, then all the results of previously conducted examinations and analyses should be shown to this specialist. The reproductive specialist will evaluate the results and, if necessary, prescribe additional methods:

• spermogram;
• Ultrasound of the reproductive system;
• blood test for pituitary hormone levels;
• blood test for thyroid hormone levels;
• study of the hormonal state of the adrenal glands;
• analysis of the hormonal state of the ovaries;
• diagnostics of torch infection;
• hysteroscopy;
• presence of antisperm antibodies;
• postcoital testing;
• laparoscopy;
• extended immunogram;
• geneticist consultation;
• hysterosalpingography (checking tubal patency);
• mucosal biopsy;
• assessment of blood clotting;
• assessment of follicular reserve.

The question of the need for certain examinations is decided by the doctor on an individual basis.

What diagnostic methods does a reproductive specialist use?

Ultrasound diagnostics of the pelvic organs – provides a unique opportunity to examine the uterus, ovaries, tubes, determine their functionality and structure. This method can be performed both with an abdominal sensor (through the anterior abdominal wall) and a vaginal (vaginal) one, both methods have their own characteristics and are actively used by gynecologists and reproductive specialists around the world.

Hysterosalpingography is a procedure that involves the introduction of a contrast agent to determine tubal patency, uterine developmental anomalies, intrauterine adhesions, and infantilism.

Laparoscopy is a diagnostic examination of abdominal organs through small punctures in the abdominal wall using a special device. The procedure allows you to examine certain types of pathologies that are inaccessible to examination by other devices and methods. A huge advantage of laparoscopy is that when certain pathologies are detected, the doctor can simultaneously perform certain surgical manipulations, which allows you to avoid repeated surgical intervention.

Biopsy of the cervix and endometrium – allows to detect changes in the mucous membrane due to the influence of hormones, the formation of tumors, uterine bleeding.

What does a reproductive specialist do?

A doctor specializing in reproductive medicine diagnoses and treats various types of infertility, develops the necessary therapeutic methods and technologies, using, among other things, cryopreservation of sperm and embryos, in vitro fertilization methods, and ICSI.

The problems of male infertility deserve special attention from a reproductive specialist. According to scientific research, women are endowed with a certain set of eggs from birth; men reproduce sperm every 72 hours. It follows that the processes and possibilities of conceiving a child in men and women have their own differences and certain nuances that are influenced by many factors - pathological conditions, including asymptomatic diseases of the reproductive organs.

The hormonal system, both male and female, also plays a huge role in the conception process.

The mechanism of conception is very complex - it is an extremely delicate and no less serious process, including many step-by-step stages and factors, which a doctor of the appropriate medical specialty - a reproductive specialist - will help you understand.

What diseases does a reproductive specialist treat?

A reproductive specialist examines and studies disorders of organs and systems that may interfere with the normal process of conception. These are disorders of the endocrine sphere, heredity, damage to the reproductive organs of inflammatory or other etiology.

The following diseases fall within the scope of activity of a reproductive specialist:

• menstrual irregularities;
• genital cysts;
• spermatogenesis disorders, sperm defects;
• adhesive disease;
• difficulties with conception arising due to age-related changes;
• infertility of unknown etiology;
• endometrioid growths;
• hypo- and hyperthyroidism as a possible obstacle to pregnancy;
• developmental abnormalities of the uterus;
• infectious diseases of the reproductive system;
• fungal infections of the genitals;
• viral diseases of the genital organs;
• hormonal disorders.

When searching for the reasons for the inability to conceive and bear a child, the impact of external factors on the reproductive abilities of the body can be studied: diet, lifestyle, professional activity, past illnesses, heredity, etc.

Advice from a reproductive doctor

It has been scientifically proven that consuming vitamins E and D, which are found in large quantities in seafood, is useful for improving sperm quality. Zinc, selenium and ascorbic acid are also necessary for full spermatogenesis.

The highest chances of getting pregnant are for couples who have sex every other day.

Visiting a bathhouse, sauna, or taking a hot bath significantly worsens the quality of sperm, so it is better to avoid these procedures at the planning stage.

Smoking, drinking alcohol (including beer), being overweight or being too thin also interfere with the normal process of conception.

When preparing for conception, it is necessary to take multivitamin preparations: this will strengthen the body of the expectant mother and reduce the risk of defects in the baby.

Calculate the date of ovulation - this is the most favorable period for conception. Usually ovulation occurs in the middle of the menstrual cycle, approximately on the 14th day.

It is recommended to avoid stress, rest more, and experience positive emotions during pregnancy planning. Fear, anger, irritability, and rage will not benefit either the woman or her future child.

It is necessary to stick to a healthy diet: drink more clean water, eat more greens, fruits and vegetables. It is recommended to be in the sun more often, walk in the fresh air and enjoy the anticipation of a miracle - the conception of a new life, a new future, the meaning of life for many families.

What can a reproductive specialist do for you? Examination and diagnostics on the latest equipment, selection of treatment methods, and, ultimately, the fulfillment of your dream - pregnancy and the birth of a little person who will fill your life with new meaning and give your family the happiness and joy of being parents.