Catholic Infertility Resources

A database of resources for Catholic couples struggling with infertility.

Find a Doctor

Finding a doctor you like, who listens to you, who is knowledgeable about the female body, and who respects your faith can sometimes feel like trying to find a unicorn.

I’ve experienced both ends of the spectrum – the Ob/Gyn who was dismissive of charting my cycle and who didn’t know why cervical mucus was important and the NaPro Ob/Gyn who asked me how I felt, presented all my options with explanations, and then supported my decision.

Women with infertility may go through doctors faster than other women. One survey showed that almost 50% of PCOS patients saw at least three doctors before getting a diagnosis, and 33% of them said it took more than two years. The statistic for getting an endometriosis diagnosis is even worse – it can take up to 12 years. Personally, it took me three doctors and four years to get a diagnosis for both. If I hadn’t been working with an excellent NaPro doctor, I’m sure it would have taken much, much longer.

Don’t settle for a mediocre doctor-patient experience. Find a medical professional who gives you excellent treatment without pushing you to compromise on your beliefs – even if it requires travel. Personally, I’ve regularly driven 1-4 hours each way for a doctor’s appointment. It’s exhausting, but it’s worth it to get results from a doctor you trust.

Excellent treatment looks like: acknowledging you as a whole person with feelings and beliefs, listening to you and trusting that you know your own body, presenting treatment options without pressuring you into one, explaining your symptoms, explaining why a treatment is being recommended and what the intended outcome is, able to make regular appointments that aren’t too far apart, timely communication from the doctor, nurses, and office staff, and is able to tell you the truth of your situation with compassion. It’s also important that you personally like the doctor; clashing personalities or approaches will only be less than productive.

Make the most of your time face to face with the doctor by coming prepared. Know what your most recent test results were and what your questions are. If something is out of range but your doctor doesn’t mention it, ask about it anyways. Come with your charts and other health symptoms. Take notes. Have ideas for what you want to test next, or ask for more details about what the doctor suggests. Don’t let a doctor “in a rush” prevent you from getting the information you need – they work for you.

Resources for Finding a Doctor: