OB/GYN or RE?

shanalei

Hi ladies!  I am brand new to this board.  I've been TTC #1 since June of 2012 and I'm 38. (DH is 39)  We saw our Dr. after 6 months and went through the standard blood tests, ultrasound, etc.  He has also been tested.  So far, the only thing that has been identified is a short luteal phase  I've been on progesterone for almost 5 months and metformin for 2 months.  This month, I started taking 100mg of Clomid after seeing a second Dr. (pill form)  This new Doc thinks my short luteal phase could be caused by ovulation issues. I do get a +OPK each month, but his thought is that the follicle and/or egg is underdeveloped. If nothing happens in 3 months, he'll schedule an HSG. At our last appointment I asked about the benefit of seeing a RE.  Since my husband and I are pretty sure (right now) that we won't try IUI or IVF, the Doc said there was no real benefit to seeing a RE.  True or not true? 

ELF4321

(Lurker chiming in) OBs like to think that they know how to treat fertility issues, but their training in that area is almost zilch (I have friends who are doctors and have acknowledged that to me). REs will be up to date on the latest testing and treatments available.

The fact that your OB has been giving you clomid without having the HSG done first is a sign of trouble --- it doesn't matter if you ovulate if your tubes are blocked and the eggs can never meet up with the sperm. There is a limit of how many times you should use clomid because of a potential link to increased cancer rates (most REs say you should not take clomid more than about 6 times in your life). Especially since you don't think you would do IUI or IVF, potentially wasting your safe clomid cycles without knowing if there are other issues is, IMO, a really bad idea. Time to move on to the experts. Good luck!

ELF4321

Oh, and your doctor should be chcecking your follicle growth with ultrasounds while you are on clomid, so should be able to tell how big the follicle is when the egg is released, which would then indicate whether it is mature or not. It sounds like your OB is just guessing. Clomid can cause cysts to develop on your ovaries that interfere with your cycle too, so if your OB is not monitoring you with ultrasounds while you're taking the clomid, you could end up with bigger problems.

ksgsmu

The other posters gave you great advice... dump the OB and run to a reputable RE!  Giving you Clomid without proper testing and monitoring is DANGEROUS and IRRESPONSIBLE.   Stop wasting your time with this doctor.  Obgyns take care of you while you are pregnant RE's are experts in GETTING you pregnant.  Good luck

shanalei

Thanks ladies!  It's the answer I was expecting since everything has really seemed very haphazard to this point and I'm getting frustrated.  I appreciate the help!

HeathernSteven

Go to an RE, the ob wants to waste another 3 months of your life before the HSG? No way, you have been ttc over a year bring out the big guns now. We thought we would never do IUI too, but I am glad we tried it, now I feel i can look back and say I tried everything I could afford go to the RE even if you decide not to use any ART....make sure everything is ok. Best of luck to you!

shanalei

HSG and RE appointment scheduled.  Thanks for all the support! 

Jacque Sills

Glad to read that you scheduled your apt., with a doctor that can help you.....Best of luck. Keep us posted on how it goes......

PPL2011

RE!! You don't have to do IUI or IVF. They can provide the correct diagnosis above all.