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Originally Posted by xpinkjulyskyx  im Really Overwhelmed Everytime I Go To This Doctor I Dont Feel Accomplished... Cuz I Come Home And Read What Other Doctors And Giving Other Ppl And Doing For Them And Only Thing She Has Given Me Is Metformin And Provera Im Trying To Conceive I Dont See That Happening Without A Fertility Medicene .... She Is A Endocrineologist. She Told Me If I Wanted To Get Pregnant That I Need To Go To A Fertility/endo Like She Was Rude About It But I Wanna Do Both I Wanna Get It Under Control And Conceive...what Should I Do!!! I Get So Upset About It. Please Help |
There a few different varieties of Doctors, and you need to evaluate what you have currently and what you need based on your goals.
1) the GP (general practitioner).
-This is your every day family Dr. They don't Specialize, and while they may have some base knowledge of PCOS and Infertility they will probably refer you out.
2) The general Gynocologist or OB/GYN NP (nurse practitioner)
-This is a OB/GYN or NP that treats normal gynocological issues. They may have more info about infertility and PCOS then the GP, but still will most likely refer you out.
3) OB/GYN specialist
-These may specialize in treatment and management of PCOS and/or Infertility. Most often they will prescribe Metformin and/or other management tools, and can assist with some low levels of infertility treatment such as the prescription of Clomid.
4) Endrocrinologist / Reproductive endocrinologist
-Specializes in hormones and specifically how they relate to the reproductive system.
-This is great to have since they will help test your hormone levels, manage PCOS and some may help with fertility issues
5) Nutritionalist specializing in PCOS
-Some who can understand PCOS and create a diet that fits your needs to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle as it relates to PCOS and your particular variety of symptoms
6) Naturopath
-An advisor for the homeopathic side of care that can really help with supplements, diet and alternative treatments.
7) Infertility Specialist
-This is were you want to be if you want to get Pregnant and the low level treatments are not working. Often this is a doctor that is out of pocket expense, since most medical plans do not cover infertility treatments and it can be costly.
-This is the doctor that will general do your higher level infertility meds, IVF, and IUS treatments.
Just a a heads up, if you have PCOS and are looking to conceive, you may be looking at a team of doctors to have in your little black book for support. Or you may be looking at a process of starting with one level and as you try treatments, moving to the next step and a higher level of specialty.
I started noticing symptoms of PCOS almost 10 years ago. I was diagnosed with PCOS 4 years ago. I have been tryng to conceive for 4 years, and have seen 5+ doctors in the process.
-I keep an active GP for all my general Doctoring but really do not rely on them for PCOS info or treatment
-I also have an NP that I use for my annual. It is much easier and cheaper to book the NP when I have GYN issues not related to PCOS or just need a general check up
-I have a pretty good OB/GYN for management of my PCOS and testing of my hormone levels etc etc. but I am now at the stage where I will be seeing a infertility specialist
Some things your OB/GYN should do whether they specialize or not:
1) Blood tests for Hormone levels
2) Blood tests for Insulin Levels
3) Rule out Thyroid conditions
4) Pelvic Ultrasound to look for cysts, look at the size of your ovaries and follicles, and check the lining of your uterus.
hope this helps a little bit. I know the number of doctors and the path it takes to get referrals is arduous, but hang in there
