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Two infertility specialists comprise the medical staff of our Texas fertility clinic, one of whom is board certified and the other board eligible. An infertility specialist should evaluate any couple having difficulty conceiving after one
or more years trying to become pregnant, or having difficulty with pregnancy loss. Infertility is classically
defined as the inability to conceive after one or more years.
Although this one-year time period is arbitrary, most couples
should probably try to conceive for one year without intervention before seeking
medical advice from a fertility specialist.
An infertility specialist should be consulted earlier than one year by many couples. Approximately 85% of couples aged 18-42 years will
conceive within one-year of regular intercourse. Factors that warrant an
earlier evaluation include those couples with a female partner
who is 35 years of age or older, or who has known tubal occlusion or problems ovulating and those with male infertility.
 In general,
the older the age of the female partner, the sooner the couple
should seek the advice of an infertility specialist.
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine has
Guidelines for the Provision of Infertility Services.
Infertility specialist care is warranted when one of the conditions below is true for a particular couple. Couples with:
- A female partner aged less than 30 years AND a
duration of infertility of 2 or more years.
- A female partner aged less than 35 years AND
a duration of infertility of 1 ½ years or longer.
- A female partner 35 years of age or older AND
a duration of infertility 6 months or longer.
- Any couple who needs Assisted Reproductive Technologies,
such as IVF, should seek consultation.
An infertility specialist is a physician who spends
the majority of his/her time treating couples with infertility.
A "Reproductive Endocrinologist " is a subspecialty-trained physician
who has completed a Fellowship program approved by the American
Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. A Reproductive Endocrinology
Fellowship consists of an additional 2 or 3 years of training
in the diagnosis and treatment of all types of male and female
infertility problems. Before beginning advanced training the physician must complete a residency in OB/GYN.
Infertility specialists, receive special training in the
diagnosis and treatment of hormonal problems, disorders involving
the pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal glands, and ovaries, and management
of the full range of assisted reproductive technologies and pharmaceuticals.
An Ob/Gyn typically receives less than 6 months (and often less
than 3 months) of training in infertility, with a greater emphasis
on primary women's health care, obstetrics, and routine gynecology.
 "Do you want someone
with a lot of experience managing your fertility treatment, or
do you want someone who "dabbles" in infertility treatment?" This is a key question you must ask yourself when
choosing your doctor.
Numerous studies demonstrate that patients under the care of a
reproductive endocrinologist are more likely to conceive, and in
a shorter period of time. Additionally, overall infertility treatment costs are usually less.
The infertility specialists at Dallas Ft. Worth Fertility Associates have received numerous
awards and honors. Dr. Chantilis has been  recognized as among
the best infertility specialists in Dallas, TX by Child Magazine
for the last several years. He has many other accomplishments
including the "Best Doctor in Dallas" a listing in D
Magazine (yearly since 2001), Texas Super Doctor in Texas
Monthly magazine, Best Doctors in America, and a Healthcare
Hero Award from the Fort Worth Business Press in 2005.
Dr. Lee, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Infertility Specialist, joined our Dallas, Ft. Worth fertility practice after serving as a Clinical Associate, in the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of OB/GYN, at Duke University Medical Center. She held this position while completing her fellowship in reproductive endocrinology.
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