Hellobee Boards

@locavore_mama: I'm gal you made the appointment!

When I first addressed my concerns to my gyne it was because I had long cycles. The first steps for me were to see if I was ovulating. A blood test determined that I wasn't.

He wasn't a specialist and wouldn't put me on clomid without having diagnostic testing done first. Per my insurance, I couldn't see an RE until I had one year of documented unsuccessful TTC before they'd cover any IF diagnostic testing.

So, seeing my gyne was the first step in what turned out to be a long process for us.

@locavore_mama: what do you know so far? Do you know if you are ovulating? Do you know how long your average LP is?

I had been having pain and spotting before AF started, so I went to see my Gyn. She ordered an u/s first to check for fibroids, cysts, etc. Did not find anything. Next ordered an SA and CD3 and CD21 bloodwork (if you are charting, you should do these tests at CD3 and 7 DPO). Everything was normal. I finally had a laparscopy to check for endometriosis (they did an HSG while I was in surgery). Sure enough, endo and two blocked tubes.

In the end, I was glad I went to my Gyn first - she was able to order a bunch of tests and check for all the obvious things without me having to see an RE. If your Gyn can't give you answers, I absolutely recommend seeing an RE, but for me it was nice to continue to work with someone who already knew me and my circumstances for as long as possible.

Good luck! I hope that your OB helps you to come up with the plan that is best for you.

I went to a practice that specialized in infertility, but my doctor wasn't an actual RE. I skipped over the step of discussing it with my regular OB.

My first appt was a consultation where I told him my issues (super light periods after m/c...like 1.5 day periods when I used to have 5 days). He immediately did a transvaginal ultrasound just to rule out any obvious issues (there were none) and he gave me some different options - medication, wait and see, etc. I did the HSG, ruled out any blockages, and ultimately chose to go on fertility drugs (femera) to increase my chances of getting pregnant. I really liked how my doctor worked with me to educate me on my situation, my options, and never pressured me into going on drugs immediately. I had another m/c before starting fertility drugs, but ultimately got pregnant on my first round of femera.

If you do end up with a specialist, I'd highly recommend bringing your SO - it was so much information to take in at once and I regretted going to the first appointment alone.

@locavore_mama: I'm under 30. I was 24 when I addressed concerns with my OB.

@locavore_mama: my ob was really reluctant to do this testing and I really had to push. He doesn't think any of this is an issue because I have had one successful pregnancy and gotten pregnant two other times (that ended in mc). I think like you I just couldn't sit around or go through another loss just to start thinking about testing.

Do you have an idea of what you want them to do (test or medications?)

@locavore_mama: Definitely talk to your insurance company. My plan covers all testing and diagnosis, regardless of whether it's with a Gyn or RE. But they cover ZERO treatment, so all IUI/IVF + associated drugs would be 100% out of pocket.

@locavore_mama: that's a great update! like @LovelyPlum: said, hopefully you dont even need that referral

@locavore_mama: Great to see the update! Sounds like you have some great options!

@locavore_mama: When did you take your test? I got my results less than 24 hours after test.