Fertility Specialist (REI) vs OB-GYN
REI (Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility) and OB-GYN (Obstetrics and Gynecology) are two medical specialties that deal with fertility and reproductive health, but they have distinct focuses and areas of expertise.
Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB-GYN):
OB-GYNs are physicians who specialize in women's reproductive health, including pregnancy, childbirth, and the management of diseases of the female reproductive system. Your OB-GYN provides healthcare for you from the time you enter puberty until menopause, otherwise known as your entire reproductive lifespan — as well as during pregnancy and through birth.
While OB-GYN refers to one specialty, doctors may exclusively practice obstetrics or gynecology. Obstetrics refers to preconception pregnancy care, as well as birth and delivery. Gynecology is a broader field encompassing all of women's health. While OB-GYNs may address some basic fertility concerns and provide initial evaluations, they typically refer patients to REI specialists for more complex fertility issues or specialized treatments.
When would you see an OB-GYN?
1. All throughout your reproductive years: The first recommended time to see an OB-GYN is after your first period, which is typically between ages 13 and 15. Throughout your life as a menstruating person, you can visit an OB-GYN for treatment and guidance regarding irregular periods, perform routine screenings (such as Pap smears, medical conditions (endometriosis, PCOS - polycystic ovary syndrome, etc.), or changes happening during menopause.
2. General reproductive and/or sexual healthcare: General reproductive healthcare and sexual healthcare include contraceptives, STI or pelvic exams.
3. Surgeries and procedures: OB-GYNs also perform surgeries and procedures affecting the female reproductive organs, including hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) and dilation & curettage (removal of excess tissue from the uterus, also known as D&C).
4. During pregnancy and delivery: If your gynecologist isn't also an obstetrician, they can recommend you to someone who is so you'll have support throughout pregnancy and birth.
Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI):
REI specialists are sub-specialists within obstetrics and gynecology who undergo additional training (usually 3 years) after completing their OB-GYN residency. They specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of hormonal disorders related to reproduction, as well as infertility issues in both men and women. There's no difference between a reproductive endocrinologist and a fertility specialist.
REI specialists often deal with complex fertility cases, such as recurrent pregnancy loss, advanced maternal age, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and male infertility. They are trained to perform advanced reproductive technologies (ART) like in vitro fertilization (IVF), intrauterine insemination (IUI), and other assisted reproductive techniques.
When would you see an REI?
1. If you're curious about fertility preservation: Your REI can do a fertility assessment to understand your current reproductive health, and may also talk to you about fertility preservation by way of egg, embryo, or sperm freezing.
2. If you're having trouble getting pregnant: An OB-GYN or PCP will usually refer you to an REI if you’ve encountered fertility problems while trying to conceive (TTC).
3. If you've experienced recurrent pregnancy loss: If you’ve experienced two or more miscarriages on your fertility journey, known as recurrent miscarriage, a fertility specialist can help figure out the cause of pregnancy loss and work with you to potentially conceive through advanced reproductive technologies (ART).
In summary, while both REI specialists and OB-GYNs play roles in managing fertility and reproductive health, REI specialists have advanced training and expertise in diagnosing and treating infertility and hormonal disorders, including the use of advanced reproductive technologies. OB-GYNs provide more general reproductive health care, including prenatal care and obstetric services, and may refer patients to REI specialists for specialized fertility treatments. But once you’ve conceived, you’re back at an OB-GYN’s office for help managing a healthy pregnancy and delivering your newborn.
