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Generally, the growing trend is to seek assistance from a Reproductive Endocrinologist (RE). If, however, you are one of many who do not live conveniently located to one, or your insurance balks at covering an RE's services, you may need to become even more of an advocate for yourself.
Some REs will offer consultative or even testing services to other doctors' patients, at times even in different states. Speak with your physician about his/her willingness to consult on a regular basis with another physician of your choice, if needed. You can facilitate that relationship by realizing up front that this can mean more time spent communicating between professionals, therefore more time spent waiting by you for test results or treatment, for example.
Working with your insurance provider to assure coverage of your chosen physician/s is covered.
It is important to approach the relationships with your physician and their staff with the attitude that this could be a long-term relationship. While hoping this is not the case, prepare for the possibility by starting with an easy manner of communication. Many medical professionals can feel defensive when approached by an educated consumer who comes on too strong. After all, what you are possibly just now learning about is their life's work. On the other hand, a patient who seeks a mutual partnership with their physician and staff is generally appreciated.
Like many syndromes, disorders, and diseases, infertility can be a maze of questions. A tiny bit of new information can lead to another avenue to venture down. This can be frustrating, but finally seeing answers after your search will make the journey feel worthwhile.Approach your communications with medical providers with a sense of learning, and you should find yourself in a smoothly working relationship.
Some people may find that they have unproductive ways of thinking about the doctor-patient relationship. For example, it is not uncommon for the patient to believe that doctors know everything about a given subject, and therefore, anything that is suggested by the medical team is not to be questioned. Others may feel that physicians are generally cold and uncaring scientists, and that medical suggestions are to be heeded only with great caution. We all know the truth is somewhere in the middle, but we may have had experiences that are imprinted on our psyches, experiences that may possibly disable us in our future doctor/patient relations.
It is important to be aware of how you feel about doctors andother medical personnel. If you find your feelings standing in the way of optimum communication, talk with other people about their approaches to medical providers. Find new ways of communicating in order to make the relationship work for you.
Many causes of infertility are treatable, and with our rapidly advancing medical technology, even "unexplained" infertility may someday be explained and treated, also. Having a trusting, comfortable relationship with your medical provider is essential to your own ability to persevere through testing and treatment.
© Tracy Morris
