Reproductive endocrinology and infertility

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.

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 Congress 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 endocrinology 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 Certified by ABOG often belong to a specific medical society named Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (SREI). As a condition of full membership, medical practitioners must be ABOG-certified in the reproductive endocrinology and infertility subspecialty.

Journals

 * Human Reproduction is published on behalf of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. According to SCImago Journal Rank, its review journal Human Reproduction Update was the highest ranking journal in obstetrics and gynecology in 2008.
 * Reproduction is published on behalf of the Society for Reproduction and Fertility in the United Kingdom.
 * Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology (RB&E) is an online open access journal published by BioMed Central. It deals with both veterinary and human reproductive medicine.
 * Fertility and Sterility is a monthly journal from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine

Also, many academic journals in obstetrics and gynaecology dedicate many articles to reproductive endocrinology and infertility.

Patient's needs
According to a systematic review, fertility patients want to be treated like human beings with a need for medical skills, respect, coordination, accessibility, information, comfort, support, partner involvement and a good attitude of and relationship with fertility clinic staff.