Basic Testing

DinosaurJumper

DH and I have been discussing when we want to start seeing an RE and get the infertility testing done, get some answers. I've been doing some research and I'll start looking up REs, but I'd like to get your take on this. What are the basic tests for infertility? and then (If you care to share, I know it's different everywhere for different reasons but...) approximately how much did it all cost? How long did it take? Was it hard emotionally or any pain or discomfort involved? Please let me know, I'm super nervous about all this. 

lablover78

We don't have insurance and a RE was running a special on testing for uninsured ppl. $600 for an HSG (mine was uncomfortable but everyone is different), semen analysis, day 3 (I think?) blood work - FSH, LH (I'm drawing a blank on the other level), it also included a ultrasound to count follicles.
I just started seeing a different RE and she wanted me to get my AMH blood level tested. In AZ you can go to Theranos clinic in Walgreens and pay cash for a bunch of tests and that was $8- my RE recommended that to keep cost low. For $595 she will monitor a Clomid cycle (labs, 3 ultrasounds & a beta - hopefully!) 

wifeinraleigh28

The only tests that were done on me were an HSG (which I found very painful, but it was quick) and AMH blood test, and my husband had an SA.  I know other people have many more tests done, but I think my RE stopped there since it looks like we just have male factor infertility (I have textbook regular cycles and everything looks good on ultrasounds).  The cost completely depends on your insurance coverage.  We just had to pay our specialist co-pay so far for all the testing and our two IUIs.  We will be paying out of pocket though for IVF.

BrightenMySky

I had similar tests to @wifeinraleigh28, although maybe we didn't do bloodwork until I started my first cycle.  I did not find the HSG particularly painful (I took OTC painkillers an hour before as suggested by my RE's office).  I was anxious about the HSG, both the pain potential and the results, but fortunately I ended up booking same-day, so it didn't end up being a lot of time to get nervous once it was scheduled, and the RE did it so I found out the results right away (and they were good, so it was generally a relief...unlike tests where you're trying to read the tech's face for any clues about the results).  My insurance at the time did not have coverage for any treatments, but it did cover the diagnostics.

Also, we had done the Counsyl family prep screen when we first started TTC.  My RE talked about those results with us when we first met him, but I don't know if he would have suggested we do the test if we hadn't already.

ReesaAnne16

I didn't have the "cycle day 3" bloodwork people mention, I'm not sure what that is. Our RE tested my thyroid, vitamin D, AMH, and a handful of stds (which I almost objected to, but decided to just be cooperative even though there is 0 chance I would have an std). 
I also had an ovarian US and HSS (hysteroscopy) instead of a hysterosalpingogram. This was painful, but quick. 
Since everything there was normal and I ovulate normally, my Dr. didn't check anything else.
DH had 2 SA done, and a testicular ultrasound, since 1 of those SA were abnormal. 
As far as costs go, office visits were just a copay, our insurances covers half of testing (but no treatment), so the HSS+US was $600, SAs were about $40 and I'm not sure about the ultrasound yet.  Bloodwork was pretty reasonable through our insurance. 

22mango22

For ours the dr visit is $30 all ultrasounds are $85. Still getting the bills for labs, but what I know insurance wont pay for is gentic testing for both of us which was $450 a person. Some of the labs have been covered, some havent. Some meds are covered, some arent. Go figure the $3.99 ned is covered in full but out ins copay is $15. I would guess in total for all of the blood tests around $2000 without any insurance. But many of ours were not what every one Gets automatically because of already known issues. Most have a financial counselor that you can ask to speak with before you decide on using that office.