Working With a Fertility Specialist

If you're having problems conceiving, just going to see a healthcare provider is a big step. Many couples begin by seeing an OB/GYN who will conduct some preliminary tests — monitoring ovulation, post-intercourse tests, and basic blood work.

A woman may be prescribed clomiphene citrate (commonly known as CLOMID®) for several cycles. Hopefully, this basic treatment will work. If it doesn't work after three to six cycles, however, it may be time to start seeing a Fertility Specialist, also called a Reproductive Endocrinologist (RE).1

What is a Reproductive Endocrinologist?

A Reproductive Endocrinologist specializes in treating reproductive disorders. Reproductive Endocrinologists have completed the same education and medical requirements as OB/GYNs. In addition, they have also finished a two- to three-year fellowship in reproductive endocrinology, passed specialized examinations (if board certified) and completed a two-year practice in reproductive endocrinology.

Based on test results, your Reproductive Endocrinologist may probably recommend advanced treatments and medications such as Gonal-f® (follitropin alfa for injection).

Important Safety Information
As with all prescription medications, side effects may occasionally occur with use of fertility drugs. Doctors specializing in fertility or reproductive health should only prescribe these products. Patients prescribed gonadotropins and GnRH analogs should be monitored carefully by a trained fertility specialist. Risks include the following events which can be serious: hypersensitivity reactions; ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS); pulmonary and vascular complications, and multiple births. For complete product details about a specific fertility drug, please refer to the Full Prescribing Information.

  • 1. American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Medications for inducing ovulation: a guide for patients. Birmingham, Alabama: American Society for Reproductive Medicine; 2006

Know Before You Go

Check into your insurance coverage before you see your healthcare provider. Your policy may determine what kind of healthcare provider you see, what kinds of fertility tests you undergo and in what sequence. To have a benefits specialist assist you, call Fertility LifeLines™ at 1-866-LETS-TRY (1-866-538-7879). All calls are free and confidential.

Need Help Paying for Treatment? Learn about payment options and savings on Gonal-f products.

FIND A FERTILITY SPECIALIST

Enter your Zip code to find a fertility treatment specialist or fertility clinic in your area:

FIND A UROLOGIST

The Society for the Study of Male Reproduction (SSMR) can help you locate a urologist in your area.

Locate a Urologist

Indication:
For women, Gonal-f® (follitropin alfa for injection), Gonal-f® RFF (follitropin alfa injection) and Gonal-f® RFF Pen (follitropin alfa injection) are indicated for 1) the induction of ovulation and pregnancy in the anovulatory infertile patient in whom the cause of infertility is functional and not due to primary ovarian failure and 2) for the development of multiple follicles in the ovulatory patient participating in an ART program.

Gonal-f® is also indicated to increase sperm production in men with a rare condition called hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.

Important Safety Information:
These products should only be prescribed by physicians specializing in fertility or reproductive health. Use of Gonal-f® or Gonal-f® RFF by women can result in multiple births. Patients should let their doctor know of any allergic reactions to recombinant FSH preparations or other product ingredients. Patients should also inform their doctor of a history of cancer of the sex organs or brain and uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal disease before starting or continuing treatment. Women with a history of abnormal bleeding from the uterus or vagina, swollen, enlarged, or painful ovaries should speak to their doctor before starting treatment. Gonal-f® and Gonal-f® RFF are potent gonadotropic substances capable of severe adverse reactions, including Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) in women, which can result in hospitalization. Women should inform their doctor if they experience severe stomach pain, vomiting, bloating, or weight gain while taking Gonal-f® or Gonal-f RFF®. The most common side effects are headache, ovarian cysts, upset stomach, and sinus infections in women taking Gonal-f® or Gonal-f® RFF. The most common side effects in men taking Gonal-f® are skin acne, breast pain and growth, and tiredness. Needle injections may cause some discomfort.

For more information, refer to the prescribing and patient information offered below and talk to your doctor.

*RFF Revised Formulation Female


© 2011 EMD Serono, Inc. and its affiliates.
This site contains medical information that is intended for residents of the United States only and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by a medical professional. Always consult a physician if you have health concerns. Use and access of this site is subject to the terms and conditions as set out in our Legal Statement and Privacy Policy.

This site contains information that is intended for US residents only. Canadian residents should consult the EMD Serono Canada Inc. Web site at www.emdserono.ca for information on products and services approved in Canada.

Close

Please wait... loading

View the Full Glossary