CD3 testing vs. CD21 testing

1Baby4Me

So I already love my new OBGYN. I spoke with him for about 5 min explained my frustration with my old OBGYN and he's suggesting CD21 testing instead of CD3 testing because of my age. He absolutely agrees that testing needs to be redone after the poss preg test. He even bumped my appointment up to August 13 instead of sept 3. I'm so so excited. Anyone else have CD21 testing done?

LooneyLife

CD3 and CD21 blood tests are for two completely different things.
CD21 tests are usually done to see if you are ovulating.  However, testing on CD21 is worthless unless you actually ovulated on CD14.  This test should actually be done 7DPO, not CD21.

Twinkie0612

CD 3 testing tests for hormone levels such as E2, TSH, FSH, LH, AMH, and Prolactin.

There is no such thing as CD 21 testing.  What some doctors order as CD 21 testing should be done 7 DPO and since not everyone ovulates on CD 14 it should not always be done on CD 21.  7 DPO testing checks progesterone (P4) levels.

I would ask for a referral to a RE.  Many OB/GYNs just aren't qualified to test for or treat IF.

1Baby4Me

Thank you so much to you both. I will keep the 7dpo in mind. Unfortunately, I need a referral for the RE so for now just getting the initial testing done.

Twinkie0612

1Baby4Me said:

Thank you so much to you both. I will keep the 7dpo in mind. Unfortunately, I need a referral for the RE so for now just getting the initial testing done.

Can you just ask for a referral?  I didn't need a written referral to see a RE (my insurance doesn't require referrals and also doesn't cover IF), but I did ask my OB/GYN's office for a referral since I needed somewhere to start my search for a RE. 

I did do my testing with my OB/GYN and one round of Clomid + IUI.  When I was ready to move on to a RE, I just called the office and said I felt more comfortable moving on to a RE and asked for some names. 

1Baby4Me

Unfortunately, I have to go through my obgyn for now. Not only do I have to have a referral but they have to be justified too. Annoying I know. :-/ I know clomid is to help you ovulate but what is an IUI? And why would you need one? I'm still very new to IF.

STBMrsMiller

1Baby4Me said:

Unfortunately, I have to go through my obgyn for now. Not only do I have to have a referral but they have to be justified too. Annoying I know. :-/ I know clomid is to help you ovulate but what is an IUI? And why would you need one? I'm still very new to IF.

I would definitely recommend reading the link at the top of the page if you're very new to this. I'm mobile and can't see it, but it's in the page header area and says something like "New to TTTC". I found it very helpful to review standard testing and treatments prior to my conversations with the OB and RE.

1Baby4Me

I'm also using the mobile app but I'll take a look on the computer. Thank you!

Twinkie0612

1Baby4Me said:

Unfortunately, I have to go through my obgyn for now. Not only do I have to have a referral but they have to be justified too. Annoying I know. :-/ I know clomid is to help you ovulate but what is an IUI? And why would you need one? I'm still very new to IF.

IUI stands for Intra Uterine Insemination. It is a treatment option where the take your DH/SO's semen sample, wash it so that only the best sperm are left, and then inject the washed sample into your uterus. It's a treatment option that can be helpful for MFI and sometimes unexplained IF.

Allison7

I am glad you like your new OB/GYN, but I would talk with him and see if what he meant by CD21 testing was really meant to be 7dpo testing. I would also verify with him if you shouldn't have both. I totally get where you need some tests to prove that you need to see an RE, but I believe most REs will want the results of both CD3 and 7dpo tests. GL!

1Baby4Me

Thank you everyone. One question ... What is MFI?

1Baby4Me

Thank you.