"Fertility medicine" redirects here. For fertility medication, see fertility medication.
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 for most REI specialists treatment of infertility is the main focus, reproductive endocrinologists are trained to also evaluate and treat hormonal dysfunctions in females and males outside of infertility. Reproductive surgeons operate on anatomical disorders that affect fertility. Reproductive endocrinologists have specialty training in obstetrics and gynecology before they undergo sub-specialty training (fellowship) in reproductive endocrinology and infertility.
In a number of countries, the pathway to become a subspecialist in REI is regulated. Thus, in the United States, the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) 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. To be 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 edncrinology and infertility (written, oral, and thesis exams).
Societies
Reproductive endocrinologists often belong to specific medical societies, such as ASRM or ESHRE.
