What to get tested for if you're not pregnant yet...

archi35

So we haven't been trying very long, but we're both 36.  I've been off the bcp since May but based on symptoms and CM have most likely only been ovulating for 2 cycles.  Without wanting to go too long without testing, I'm thinking of having some things done if we're still not pregnant by January.  My doctor has suggested blood testing on day 2 and follicle viewing (?) on day 10, and then a sperm count for the hubby.  We already each had a general hormone panel and nothing popped up other than I have low iron which I guess is common right after bcp (taking iron suppl. since).  Does anyone suggest a more aggressive approach and/or anything further at this point?  I'm in the 2ww and we did try during the full two weeks that I was (hopefully) fertile this month.  Fingers are definitely crossed but if not I need to make January doctor appts now.

 

Thanks for any advice!!

on42

Hi! 

My OB referred me to the reproductive endocrinologist I'm seeing now. They did the follie count, hormone tests, and once this cycle starts, I go back for the FSH test and a sperm analysis for my fella. We're also having the HSG test to find out if my tubes are blocked. If you want more aggressive tests (like the HSG), be open with your doctor. For us, I like knowing what we're dealing with and what's available so that we can make the right decisions about how to proceed without wasting time.

Good luck!! xo

archi35

Thanks so much! I agree that it's best to just know. Potential months/years of unsuccessful trying would of course be heartbreaking. Then to find out there was an underlying issue would be worse. I feel like most of the doctors I've talked to so far were very dismissive. "You need to do a full year of trying first". Thank god I found a lovely obgyn who is as businesslike as I need her to be!!

Still waiting and hoping for a big plus sign in a few days.....:)

stephzrn

Good luck and like PP said getting a HSG is a good idea. The tech who did mine said most people get pregnant one or two months afterwards. If you are not blocked it opens and cleans the tubes out so the egg can travel :-) most ob say to try a year but my drs said when you are older then 35 time isn't on your side. Mine didn't waste any time and was aggressive to start because of my age.

gscoville

While waiting for testing in January, why not temp/chart? It's a great way to get to know more about how your body is working throughout your cycle, and pinpointing ovulation can give you a much better chance of hitting your actual fertile window. It concerns me that you said you tried for "the whole two weeks you were fertile", because no one is actually fertile for a whole two weeks, it's more like 3-5 days that a woman is fertile and can get pregnant with sex during those days. Charting/temping can help you narrow down that fertile window rather than 'trying for two weeks' on the off chance you hit the right day. Click on the FF Chart link in my siggy to get to Fertility Friend, which is the charting app most of us on these boards use, sign up for an account, do the free tutorials, pick up a BBT thermometer, and start temping. It's the most concrete and useful thing you can do to up your chances, plus it'll give you some info about your body to take to the doctor later.

owlprof

If you are interested in being more aggressive, I would try to get in to see a reproductive endocrinologist (instead of your regular OB).  As the other ladies have said, I would get a semen analysis for your husband, and day 3 testing (includes AMH & FSH(which give an indication of how many eggs you have left) , as well as thyroid and some others) and an HSG.  The benefit of seeing an RE is that they are typically more familiar with these tests and the range of responses suitable based on your test results.  

Good luck!

archi35

Thanks everyone!  I will definitely see about getting an RE for January set-up.  I have been charting but the problem is that my cycles aren't quite regular yet after the bcp.  Sorry I wasn't clear about that!  They are so far between 35 and 40 days so my gyn suggested we simply try every other day.  Easier suggested than accomplished   Poor tired hubby.

My CM and temps leading up to ovulation were regular the past two cycles, but then the wait before AF is where it gets weird.  Temps go up and down and the number of days varies.  But the past two cycles I've had some breakouts, oilier hair and more typical PMS cramps leading up to bleeding.  Combined with the normal hormone panels I guess this is why the doctor said probably only the past two cycles were viable (?).

Going back to the past two charts, hubby and I were able to try on this cycle specifically during a two weeks timeframe: leading up to and just after ovulation (sticky to watery to eggwhite then dry - up to the temp rise).  But its unclear at what point AF will come and/or when to test.  I'm just going to wait it out I think and cover my bases with the post-holiday doctor visits. 

Thanks again for the suggestions - this is a really great community!   

LaterMama

does anyone know if these tests are generally covered by insurance? i hadn't thought of doing any until this thread. might be a good idea!

stephzrn

Insurance covered all mine. It was all considered diagnostic to make sure nothing medically is wrong.

archi35

Yeah for me too - I just checked out some of the above and as long as its written as diagnostic and not voluntary (on my part) it is covered.