Getting a
Second Opinion About Fertility Treatment
Fertility assessments require a multidisciplinary
approach which usually begins with the primary care
doctor. The primary care doctor may be a family doctor
an internist or an obstetrics and gynaecologist. He or
she may then refer you to a specialist who is trained to
diagnose and treat your unique condition. Despite this
level of expertise, it may still be beneficial to
consult another specialist for a second opinion.
Although the practice of medicine is governed by
strict moral and ethical principals, some doctors may
differ in their approach. Fertility causes and
treatments are so diverse, that a difference of opinion
between medically trained doctors is not uncommon.
A second opinion facilitates the exploration of other
treatment options, or at times offers a completely
different diagnosis. Medical sub-specialties trained in
the area of fertility, include, endocrinology, urology
and Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Even within these
sub-specialties, there is further training specifically
for fertility.
Be Prepared
When deciding on a second opinion it is best to be
prepared. It may be helpful to bring lab reports and/or
diagnostic test reports such as X-rays, sonograms, etc.
This consultation should be an open forum for you to
discuss efficacy of treatment, side effects and even
alternative options. It may even be helpful to request
for literature which compares different treatment
options and have the consultant explain the results and
ramifications of such medical information
Below is a
list of questions you should ask your doctor when
obtaining a second opinion. These questions should be
addressed to the initial doctor as well as the
consulting doctor. By addressing these questions to both
doctors you can compare answers and help make a more
confident and educated decision.
Questions to Ask the Doctor
- How effective is the proposed treatment
- Is the proposed treatment the best treatment
option for my unique situation
- What are the major side effects
- How will the proposed treatment impact my
present day life?
- What are some of the alternative treatment
options
- What are the chances of conceiving naturally
without any medical intervention?
- Will the proposed treatment option increase the
risk of adverse effects to the baby
- Are there any potential long term effects to the
proposed treatment
Undergoing fertility treatments can be extremely
stressful and difficult. Depending on the cause,
treatments may involve, taking pills, being injected
with hormonal shots and even surgery.
Aside from the physical demands, fertility treatments
can also be emotionally and financially draining. Since
so much is at stake, one should be absolutely certain of
their diagnosis and treatment approach. Seeking a second
opinion will often depend on the initial diagnosis, and
the effected partner. If the infertility issue is
discovered to be caused by the male partner, it may be
helpful to seek the consultation of an urologist, or a
reproductive endocrinologist who treats male
infertility. Urology is a surgical sub-specialisation
which requires additional post graduate training. They
perform fertility procedures such as vasectomies,
vasectomy reversals and microsurgeries. They may also
perform biopsy procedures to asses for testicular
cancer. Reproductive endocrinologists are experts in
diagnosing and treating infertility, due to hormonal
abnormalities.
For issues with female infertility, it is best to
seek the advice of a doctor specially trained in
fertility medicine. Fertility specialists are trained in
performing special procedures, which require delicate
skill and exquisite precision. Procedures such as
Invitro fertilisation, Gamete- Intra Fallopian Transfers
using sperm and/or eggs, can only be done by such
doctors.
Regardless of the cause of infertility each doctor
has their own approach to treatment and can be
drastically different from other experts within the same
field.
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