Building Your Fertility Roster

Couples hoping to start or expand a family are often unaware of the many fertility specialists involved in the process. A fertility team is especially important for those undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) due to infertility. Treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF) require several stages, tests, and information for the best possible outcome. The team dynamics also change based on the length of time trying to conceive, underlying medical conditions, and cases of recurrent pregnancy loss. The right team ensures couples get the information, the right care, and the additional support necessary on the pregnancy journey.

An OB-GYN and urologist

Men and women would require a primary reproductive health physician. For women, this individual is often an OB-GYN. The doctor can provide some initial tests, like ultrasounds and blood tests, to reveal the possible causes of infertility. Men should also work with a urologist to pinpoint possible physical or hormonal reasons, including a sperm analysis, to check for infertility. In both cases, the doctor can recommend some initial steps but will refer the patient to a reproductive endocrinologist (RE) for more support.

Your reproductive endocrinologist

The RE is the next essential member of the fertility team. This doctor specializes in the complex causes of infertility. An RE can give a clearer picture of the root cause of infertility with additional tests and a more complete hormone profile. Common tests include a comprehensive semen analysis, anti-Müllerian hormone tests, and detection of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis. An RE can perform or oversee fertility-saving surgeries like uterine fibroids or fallopian tube blockages. With a deeper understanding, the RE will recommend and manage the appropriate ART treatment, such as IVF.

A fertility team

The reproductive endocrinologist (RE) will be part of a team of specialists required to perform IVF. These specialists work together in the same space, like a fertility clinic. The team consists of fertility nurses, administrative staff, embryologists, counselors, and pharmacists. Pharmacists and nurses will help patients manage hormone therapy, including injectable hormone drugs. The RE will perform tasks like egg retrieval and embryo implantation. The embryologist will help create embryos and, when required, perform genetic testing. Infertility patients will engage with different team members and must manage these relationships for each IVF cycle.

A pharmacy hub

There is a new player in the fertility treatment game who is quickly becoming a valuable team member. Pharmacy hubs are centralized services that intermediate between clients, fertility teams, insurance companies, and pharmacists. Patients often struggle to complete documentation for insurance, benefit from subsidies, or receive the appropriate hormone medication on time. Hubs can own these tasks and streamline communication between patients and the fertility team. Some hubs go a step further by exposing patients to financial assistance programs and providing initial doses of medication. Patients who use pharmacy hubs have improved medication adherence and a better overall experience.

How do you choose the right team?

Navigating infertility can be difficult, so having the right team can make a difference. Take a careful, personalized approach to the process. Do background checks and review patient testimonials. Look for experts in specific fertility concerns. During all initial consultations, ask about success rates, unique features, and the steps to address complications. Some teams provide additional support like preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) that increases success rates. Make sure doctors and fertility teams can work with pharmacy hubs or recommend an effective hub to manage administrative and pharmacist challenges.

Bringing it all together

Addressing fertility issues becomes easier with the right experts guiding the process. From an OB-GYN to an RE and pharmacist, everyone plays a vital part in improving pregnancy rates. There are also optional but overlooked additions like counselors, support groups, and stress management personnel. Adding a pharmacy hub makes the process more efficient while giving the patient more peace of mind. In cases of severe infertility challenges, a collective effort can make a difference.