Reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI) is a surgical subspecialty of obstetrics and gynecology that trains physicians in reproductive medicine addressing hormonal functioning as it pertains to reproduction as well as the issue of infertility. While most REI specialists primarily focus on the treatment of infertility, reproductive endocrinologists are trained to also evaluate and treat hormonal dysfunctions in females and males outside of infertility. Reproductive endocrinologists have specialty training in obstetrics and gynecology (ob-gyn) before they undergo sub-specialty training (fellowship) in REI.
Reproductive surgery is a related specialty, where a physician in ob-gyn or urology further specializes to operate on anatomical disorders that affect fertility.[1]
Certification
In a number of countries, the pathway to become a sub-specialist in REI is regulated. Thus, in the United States, for instance, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) sets the standards for sub-specialtists to become certified. After four years of training in Obstetrics and Gynecology, a three-year approved fellowship needs to be successfully completed. Then, to become board certified in reproductive endocrinolgy and infertility, one must first complete board certification in obstetrics and gynecology (written and oral exams), and then certify in reproductive endocrinology and infertility (written, oral, and thesis exams).
Societies
Reproductive endocrinologists often belong to specific medical societies, such as ASRM or ESHRE.
See also
References
- ^ Glossary The InterNational Council on Infertility Information Dissemination (INCIID). Last Updated: May 4, 2004
External links
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