B4.5 The Menstrual Cycle Assignment

Reproductive endocrinologist

This career shows how a detailed understanding of the male and female reproductive systems,

menstruation and fertilisation can help people who have reproductive problems.

Bryn

As a reproductive endocrinologist, my job is to help people who are having trouble getting pregnant. When arrive at the hospital where I work, I check my schedule to see which patients I will be seeing that day. I usually have appointments with several couples who are trying to have a baby. My first patient is a woman who wants to freeze her ova (egg cells) so she can have a baby later in life. This might be needed because some women can stop producing ova earlier than others. I talk to her

about the process and help her understand what to expect. We discuss the different steps involved, and I answer all of her questions.

Next, I meet with a couple who are trying to have a baby through in vitro fertilisation (IVF). IVF is a medical procedure in which ova are removed from the woman’s ovaries and fertilised with sperm in a lab. After the fertilised ova develop into embryos, one or more are transferred to the woman’s uterus to

try to establish a pregnancy. I explain how the process works and answer their questions. I also take some blood samples and do an ultrasound to check the woman’s ovaries.

Later in the day, I meet with a couple who have been trying to have a baby for a long time without success. They are feeling sad and frustrated. I listen to their concerns and offer them hope. I tell them about some new treatments that might help them get pregnant, and we make a plan for their next

steps. I also encourage them to take care of themselves and stay positive. At the end of a long day, I feel happy knowing that I am helping people achieve their dreams of having a family.