[wasabipea]

My internist said I'm supposed to wait a year before I jump the gun and get checked with what's going on with my girl equipment. However, I’m not a very patient person as evidence by my long standing membership of the premature testers club.
We've only been TTCing since Feb. 08., I've charted, taken my temps, laid in bed with my legs up, etc... hoping that sperm will meet egg. I'm planning to take with me all my charting that I’ve documented since TTC. its a bit overkill but i just want to be prepared.

Advice anyone? Questions I should ask? What are the procedures they'll perform? Tests? Thank you.

[jenniletv]

Have you made an appt yet? I should go in October if not pregnant by then. That will be a year for me, but I am scared...what if they find something wrong with me or DH. I know I know...don't let that stop me, but I guess I am a chicken. I therefore do not have advice. I would want to ask, what is the first step? HSG? Will my insurance cover any testing? Will the procedures be painful? Those would be my most important questions.

[wasabipea]

Yup. My appointment is in two weeks. I just want to know so that I can move on. All this waiting is making me anxious. I've checked my insurance book and it lists what they won't cover. I didn't see infertility treatments, but who knows I'll know when i make that visit. Thanks Jenniletv.

[jenniletv]

How long have you been TTC? 3 cycles? They may tell you to wait a little longer. My insurance specfically says that it does not cover fertility treatment so I think we may be screwed, so to speak.

[wasabipea]

Originally Posted by jenniletv

How long have you been TTC? 3 cycles? They may tell you to wait a little longer. My insurance specfically says that it does not cover fertility treatment so I think we may be screwed, so to speak.

been trying for at least 7 months. 6 cycles. it doesn't say anything about non-coverage for infertility, but they could word it differently. my appointment is in two weeks.

[VPT]

Have you tried the Clear Blue Fertility Monitor and bought the TCOYF book yet? If you haven't I'd say get these 2 items and try them another 2-3 cycles (CBFM takes 2 cycles to work right) before deciding to go to the specialist. Maybe your fault is not getting the accurate time/date of ovulation, which is the most common problem among other people TTC. I also agree 3 cycles is way too soon unless you're around 40+yo, chances are in 3 mths you're just not totally familiar with your ovulation dates yet.

[jenniletv]

Oh okay 6 cycles, well they may still tell you wait a little longer and see what happens, My OB/GYN even told me to wait until after a year to start checking things out. But if they will see you now then I guess go for it. Better to know then not, right?

[wasabipea]

thanks jenniletv.

[tabbyco]

Having been through this (and still going through it...) I can offer this advise.... (this is just my opinion)
-if you are 29 and under wait 9 months with timed intercourse until you see an RE.
-if you are over 30, make an appointment after 6 months of timed intercourse w/an RE.

I say that because once you start the diagnostic process, it can take a long time to get all the test done (1-3 months, if not more).

I DO NOT recommend having an OBGYN treat infertility. Most put you on Clomid and "see what happens", which is no diagnosis and Clomid can really eff up your lining. Most insurance will cover "diagnostic" RE visits.

Here is what to expect from an RE:
-Day 3 labs (take blood), check you FSH, LH and estradiol hormones
-Day 7 (post ovulation) labs (take blood), progesterone
-HSG (hysterosalpingogram) from Day 7-12-an outpatient procedure that checks for blockages in the fallopian tubes- mildly uncomfortable
-Uterine biopsy (can't remeber what day post ovulation) is an outpatient procedure checks for any uterine lining issues- hurts like HELL!

I would have DH do an SA right away. They are inexpensive, quick and the best way to rule out one half of the equation. If something comes out abnormal, have at least 3 SAs done. Everyone of my DH's was drastically different.

Also, there is a test called an AMH test (anti mullerian hormone) that is more accurate than the FSH test that measures egg reserve. The FSH fluctuates and it is often too late when the level measure high. The AMH rarely fluctuates and is a good measure of real time egg reserve. It is a relatively new test, but one your RE should be using.

I hope this helps you out and if you ever have any question, feel free to PM (anyone else for that matter).

[wasabipea]

thank you lots tabbyco. very informative!!

i'll keep your suggestions close by when I see my specialist. I'll also as him questions regarding the difference between he and an RE and what the best course of treatment will be for me.

[wasabipea]

here's my update:

It seems you're right about this. The OBGYN recommended Clomid and tests. He gave me a prescription for Clomid. However I’m scheduled to have an array of blood tests soon after I start Clomid to check my hormone levels. All this of course, is based on my medical history. oh, and he recommended that the DH get an SA.

He doesn't recommend any of the more invasive tests because he wants to make sure that i'm ovulating - i've yet to have AF visit and i'm on CD60. He didn’t want to prescribe meds to induce AF because he said AF will visit soon and the meds will take about two weeks to work. He’d rather have it happen naturally – odd I know. So, if no AF visit then we’ll have to have a new game plan.

Talking to him calmed my fears and gave me hope. that’s my update, just waiting for AF. stupid AF.

[jenniletv]

Did he say why you are so late? Does he think you are not ovulating?

[viba424]

I dont mean to go backwards in conversation, but like VPT asked, have you tried the Clearblue Easy digital fertility monitor? You said youre temerature testing, so Im guessing you probably have. Its an amazing little tool.

[wasabipea]

Viba424 - I was holding off until i saw the MD. I wanted to see what he had to say first. I'm planning to get one soon.

Jenniletv - yes, he doesn't think i'm ovulating regularly.

[viba424]

If you do buy a monitor, check drugstore and amazon. I think I got the monitor at drugstore and got cashback at drugstore and cashback from one of those other cash back sites too. And the sticks were cheaper at amazon. Just want to save you some $$. Good luck to you.