Newbie here! I would welcome your advice on how to proceed next.

rebel239

Hello ladies!

My name is Evelyn and I am 35 years old. Hubby is 40 and we've been TTC for 8 months.  Two months ago, I went to HSG and my tubes are open. My DH had his SA and everything was normal.  My periods used to be heavy and extremely painful and I was worried about endometriosis. Well four months ago I switched tampons for Diva cups and my periods are now normal and pain free. I get + OPK for three days in a row and my monitor peaks on day 15.

Ok, now the question is what to do next.  We moved to Texas couple of months ago so I am just kind of getting to know my OBGYN here. The last time I talked to her was two months ago (6 months TTC at that time) and she told me to relax and keep trying...WELL, thanks!!!!!  Should I ask her to run blood tests on me and do ultrasound?  Should we go directly to Fertility Clinic? 

The other thing is, even though I've lived in USA for years, I am still not familiar with American healthcare system and insurance.  I ended up paying $300 for HSG because my insurance doesn't cover "fertility treatment" and so I would rather stick with OBGYN.

Any advice? Thank you and have a lovely day.

kindershlitz

Hello, welcome.
I don't have much advice and our HSG ended up costing that as well. We are continuing working with the OB at this time (on 11th cycle) and I have another consult this month. Not sure what he will recommend. (He asked us to wait 3 months after HSG to cone in again). I'm hoping to get more aggressive very soon.

This is a good place to get help! Lots of different experiences

meredithcarole

Welcome to the board. I would try Fertility Friend (website/app) and begin temping. OPK are good at predicting you LH surge, but an LH surge does not (always) mean you will ovulate. Temping is the only way to really know. If you haven't been successful with temping in another couple of months perhaps see if your insurance covers an RE visit. There are weird nuances with American insurance, but the office can call and determine your coverage before you see them. Good luck! ETA: grammatical tense error.

thirtyninetoforty

Welcome!

CaraH

Welcome. Chances are what your insurance covers won't change based on who you see, just what it's coded. I get the same coverage - or lack thereof - at the RE as the OB/Gyn. I stuck with my OB/Gyn until she recommended otherwise, because I had an established and comfortable relationship with her and because I knew her to be knowledgeable about the first steps of infertility testing and treatment. When I got to my RE, we had already ruled out basic concerns and could move right along with my specific situation. And my RE was pleased with what we'd done. That said, if it hadn't been that I knew and trusted my dr already, I would have moved immediately to the RE. I hear a lot of stories about wasted time, improperly ordered tests, etc. So, it really depends on your OB/Gyn and your trust in him or her.

Davie813

Welcome to the American insurance system. In some cases, like mine, it does matter who provides the care--services from an RE are covered only with referral from an OB. I think either would be fine for basic CD3 blood work (FSH, LH, estradiol, AMH if they'll do it...) but yes, if you've been trying for 6 months, asking for this is a good idea. Good luck, and welcome to the board!

URMySunshine77

Welcome to the board!

kelley72

Welcome!  Being 35 and ttc for 6 months is often a place where many do choose to have a visit to the RE.  I have no absolutely no insurance coverage for infertility, so I cannot offer experience there.  It really is a decision no one can make for you- how anxious are you/ how much time and money do you have.  For me if I were in a financial situation to do so after ttc for 6 months I would go to RE.  I wish  you well no matter your course of action and hope your journey is successful!

C_Girlie

I agree with others, but good luck

MelOzark

I agree with others!!  Best of luck in your journey! 

annalisel

Through your OB/GYN, you should be able to get hormone testing done without paying to see a RE specialist. They charge a lot even for an office visit! Have you called your insurance company about coverage because $300 for an HSG does sound like you have at least some coverage, perhaps just for testing/diagnostics, not treatment? How much was your husband's semen analysis? If it was $100-$150, then perhaps not, but if it was more like $25, the SA was covered, and other infertility testing and consults are also likely covered.

If your Gyn suspects endometriosis because of your pain, testing and treatment for endo wouldn't necessarily be considered infertility by your insurance company.

Good luck!