IF Testing and Treatment w/o 3/4

littlesheep123

Thanks @celticknotfire and @ruby696 !

We almost hit the 12 months mark of "no protection sex", but haven't done enough initial testings to be given an "unexplained infertility" dx. My day 3 test, day 21 test and AMH were all normal; DH's SA was also normal (though not great).

My OB suggested me to relax (but how... I am already nervous...) and try a couple more cycles on our own before getting a saline sonogram to check my tubes, then an IUI. I begged her to start the process earlier...  I hate TWW so much...

Glad to hear that your saline sono wasn't bad @ruby696 My OB mentioned to me that IUI is a pretty involving process. She will monitor my follicle using ultrasound.  Honestly I am not sure if there is an RE in her office... I wonder who will be washing the sperms... 

b_1029

@littlesheep123 I know it’s not what you want to hear, but since you’re under a year with no underlying problems that you know of, you’re still within normal range! Hopefully if you do have to get the sonogram etc. in a few months it will be ok. 

Side note- it bugs me that your OB told you to just relax. That’s seriously the most annoying “advice” anyone can give while TTC and I’m sorry you had to deal with that! 

ruby696

@littlesheep123 I saw in your intro that you're using OPK's and tracking BBT.  The only advice I can give is to keep it up. I went 10 months with no luck, then started tracking and realized I was a solid week off as to when I thought I was ovulating. Hopefully that's the case for you, too.

inthewoods23

@ruby696 I remember the times when I thought the 14th pill of my BC was when ovulation occurred (assuming I wasn't on BC). Finally hit me once we got close to going off the pill that I was like ohhh.... The first week in the pack is not days 1-7 of my cycle lol.

madcouplewithabox

@littlesheep123 my last IUI I had everything but the wash and actual IUI done by my OB. Clomid, monotoring and trigger were done with him then he refered us to a clinic that did the IUI. We went this route at first cause it was less expensive and we knew we were dealing with MFI after DHs trip to the urologist. I felt comfortable with my OB doing a portion because he was monortoeing the clomids affects very closely. 

@ruby696 the biggest thing I remember about my IUI was how swollen my ovaries felt. It was just uncomfortable. My trigger was done by a Nurse at my OBs office. Also, being tilted a bit back lying down after the procedure was odd feeling. 

celticknotfire

@littlesheep123 Just a heads up to the best of my knowledge a saline sono doesn't check your tubes.  It was explained to me that it gives an image of your uterus to identify any abnormalities including polyps of lingering tissue from a D&C or MMC.  The HSG checks for tube patency and can even be used to clear a blocked tube if necessary.  I recommend checking with your OB because a HSG may be needed if there is concern about your tubes being open.  Personally I am getting a saline sono because it is required for IVF and **TW** I recently had a D&C and my RE wanted to make sure there was no remaining tissue or adhesions** end TW.  Also I will second what @inthewoods23 said in that the worst advice is to just relax.  Keep tracking your BBT and OPKs because you may be surprised to see when you actually ovulate.  Also is there any reason your OB is going straight to IUI instead of Clomid or Letrozole with TI?

emmasemm

@littlesheep123 you already received a lot of good advice above

Get all the testing done first before you start treatments is the main recommendation and for that your OB should need to send you to an RE. And make sure you’ve got that ovulation window pinned down right in all your cycles as believe me you don’t want the hassle, headache and expense of treatment if it’s not needed.

Also please check with your OB if they offer artificial insemination (which just puts the sperm at the top of the vagina and the sperm is not treated first) or IUI which means intra uterine insemination (ie they put a catheter through your cervix and into your uterus where they then inject the washed sperm). AI is more something that same sex couples use first or heterosexual couples where the guy struggles with an erection or ejaculation. 

littlesheep123

@celticknotfire Thanks! I actually had the same concern/question... I wonder if there is something more "light weight" compared to IUI, like a medicated+ultrasound timed intercourse... my luteal phase is only10 days from the two cycles that I tracked so far.

My OB said saline sono is a cheaper alternative to HSG... I guess she can tell whether my tubes are open from the pressure she feels during saline injection?

littlesheep123

Hi @emmasemm ! I indeed learned a lot today!  Things make more sense to me now... I appreciate everyone's advice

I thought IUI and AI were the same thing; now I know they are very different lol! I went back to my OB's page and found that she does both IUI and AI.

My OB had ordered me blood work from free standing labs as they are a lot cheaper. My insurance does not cover infertility workup/treatments Now after reading all the advice from the board, I am considering scheduling an initial consultation with my local fertility clinic, or have my OB refer an RE. 

madcouplewithabox

Ugh. It’s so frustrating watching and knowing O is coming and not doing a damn thing about it. That is all. Wallowing in my Benched status at the moment. 

ruby696

@madcouplewithabox Ugh, being benched is awful. And maybe it's just me, but felt like I was having really "great" cycles while benched. Of course.

wabash15

Lurking*** @celticknotfire a saline sono can be used to check your tubes... after infusing the saline they then infuse air and follow the bubbles up your tubes.  I suspect the HSG is slightly more definitive because the dye is easier to visualize, but if your RE can follow the bubbles and is confident they are visualizing the tubes with the ultrasound than its good too. (this is how my first RE evaluated my tubes)

and since I'm here and this is a huge pet peeve of mine, @littlesheep123 CD21 blood work is a misnomer. Its actually 7dpo blood work (looking at progesterone) saying CD21 makes the HUGE assumption that you O'd on CD14 which the vast majority of women do not. 

blackhottamales

**Lurking**
@littlesheep123 I know you've received a ton of information, Just jumping in to add a little more to what @wabash15 said.  It may be possible to check tubes but I had a saline sono and per my OB (at an infertility practice but not RE) "everything looked great".  It wasn't until almost a year later after learning from all of these wonderful ladies,  I asked for an HSG and learned I had a completely blocked tube. 

madcouplewithabox

Overall TW for asshole behavior..

Guys. I’m about to blow my top. A couple ladies at my work have had IF issues and a woman that works with us just spouted off that she thinks that anyone who can’t concieve on their own should just adopt. Like it’s that effing simple and easy. This is a woman who NEVER wanted kids and accidentally fell pregnant twice. I wanna punch someone. 

ruby696

@madcouplewithabox Oh, is that what she thinks? Well, what a nice little bubble she must live in. Because everyone has tens of thousands of dollars just sitting around for adoption. How effing ignorant. 

Also, I'm so jealous of people with oopsie babies. I'd love to freak out about an unplanned pregnancy. 

inthewoods23

@madcouplewithabox what the F. She clearly doesn't know how adoption works. It's not like you can say "ok I'll take that one home" and that's it as though you went out shopping and pulled a child off the store shelf. Ugh.

celticknotfire

@madcouplewithabox this makes me so mad every time I hear/see someone say this.  They have no idea how much it hurts when they say this.  Most people don't realize how expensive adoption is or how long it can take or the emotional involvement.  I give you credit for holding your tongue. 

b_1029

@madcouplewithabox this always drives me nuts as someone who is adopted. Like “awwww don’t worry you can have a consolation prize”. As others have said, people don’t realize how much goes into adoption. It can be just as heart wrenching as the TTC process. Good for you for somehow holding your tongue.