How to Find the Right REI for You
What is a Reproductive Endocrinologist and Infertility (REI) specialist? They are also known simply as “fertility docs.”
OBGYNs will recommend and/or refer patients to an REI specialist for different reasons. Some of these may include:
not getting pregnant after a certain amount of time;
ovulation disorders;
uterine disorders;
sperm parameters, and many more individualized reasons.
REIs have graduated from medical school, have done residency in OBGYN and then have completed a fellowship. That’s a lot of schooling! As you can imagine, there is a national shortage of REIs, which may be why you have a waiting period before you are able to have an initial consultation.
That can be frustrating. However, the thing NOT to do is to call around to find out who can get you in the fastest. Do your research. You want an REI who is knowledgeable, understanding and has stellar reviews. Most importantly, you want an REI who produces results. You will want a great doctor, but you also need a great laboratory.
What is the best way to select an REI?
There are associations who collect data, do their statistical analysis and publish that information on clinics across the country. Maybe you won’t need to utilize the lab for IVF, but there is a certain solace knowing that the practice has high standards in all departments.
Some of the things people should look for in an REI:
Information on their website about doctors, staff, associations and memberships. American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) is a non-profit organization that most REIs have membership.
Statistics – if there are not stats on the clinic’s website, check Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) which collects pregnancy stats for various clinics. If a clinic is not on SART, you can find stats on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website. It is important to note that to become a member of SART, the clinic must pass certain criteria and think of it as a sort of “vetting” process.
OBGYN recommendations. If your OBGYN recommends one, usually they have seen success and have good rapport with the clinic.
Reviews. These can be tricky. There are many reasons people leave reviews. They are either very happy or very unhappy with service. I usually toss out the worst of the worst and best of the best and then concentrate on the rest.
Family and friends. Remember that one in six prospective mothers needs some sort of fertility treatment. If you are comfortable, ask around your close friends and family. Many people are willing to discuss their journey, especially if they had a great experience at their clinic.
Some of the things to avoid when looking for an REI:
Fastest appointment. Ask yourself: Why can I see this doctor tomorrow and the other one has a three-week waiting period? There could be a legit reason.
Gender of the doctor. Many women only want to see female doctors. Male REIs are some of the best doctors I have seen even with those patients who have had a history of trauma. Do not discount a doctor based on this reason only.
Distance. Of course you don’t want to drive three hours to your clinic (unless that is the closest one to you), but do not pick your REI because they are only a few miles away from your house or work. There could be a better REI that may be farther out, but you will be happier.
Cost. You know the saying, “You get what you pay for.” This is true for doctors as well. Maybe you do not have coverage for any fertility treatment; it would be all out of pocket. There are many clinics that are cheap, but the quality of your care will reflect that cost as well.
Ann Marie Luft has been a Fertility Nurse for more than 10 years, with experience in every aspect of the field. Learn more about how she can help guide you through your reproductive journey.
