Find the Best Reproductive Medicine & IVF
Near You – Book Now

What a fertility specialist does

A reproductive medicine specialist diagnoses and treats infertility in women and men. Most are gynaecologists with additional training or a fellowship in assisted reproduction, and some are urologists or andrologists who treat male factors. Infertility affects roughly one in six couples worldwide, and in about a third of cases the cause lies with the woman, a third with the man and the rest with both or is unexplained.

When to seek help

• No pregnancy after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse (six months if the woman is over 35).
• Irregular or absent periods, PCOS, endometriosis or fibroids.
• Known tubal problems or previous pelvic infection or surgery.
• Low sperm count or other male factor problems.
• Recurrent miscarriage, or planning to freeze eggs.

Fertility tests

Women commonly have an ultrasound, AMH, FSH, LH, prolactin, TSH and progesterone, and a test of fallopian tube patency (HSG). Men have a semen analysis and sometimes hormone and genetic tests. AMH shows egg reserve but not egg quality; age remains the strongest predictor of success.

Treatment options

• Lifestyle and ovulation induction with tablets, for example in PCOS.
• IUI (intrauterine insemination): prepared sperm placed in the uterus around ovulation.
• IVF/ICSI: eggs retrieved, fertilised in the lab and embryos transferred to the uterus.
• Egg or sperm freezing, donor options and surgery for tubal or uterine causes.

Success and costs

Success rates depend mainly on the woman's age and the cause of infertility, and clinics' published figures are not always comparable, so ask how rates are calculated. Costs vary widely by clinic, medicines and the number of cycles; ask for a clear, itemised estimate. Choose a clinic registered under the ART Act, with experienced embryologists and honest counselling, and be cautious of guarantees. Compare fertility specialists and book on Lab Dekho.

Trusted References

This guide is original content informed by recognised medical and public-health sources. For further reading:

• NABH – hospital accreditation standards
• NABL – laboratory accreditation
• Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY
• Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
• Mayo Clinic – Patient care & health information
• Cleveland Clinic – Health Library
• WebMD – Health A–Z

Disclaimer: This guide is for general information and does not replace advice from a qualified doctor. Costs and fees are approximate and vary by provider. Institution names are given for orientation only; check current services and timings directly. In an emergency, call 108 or 112.