Visiting from The Nest GP board, What questions to ask RE?

aprilbeachbride

We are going to our second office visit/consultation with the RE/fertility specialist tomorrow.  I initially went by myself a couple months ago and he basically diagnosed me with unexplained fertility.  I have since gone back to have an ultrasound & FSH/estrodial levels checked.  Everything came back normal (including previous HSG & SA) so the doctor just told me to call when I am ready to schedule an IUI.

I guess I just want to make sure there are no more tests that should be done before we start spending money on ART procedures that may or may not work.  I have some questions in mind, but I wanted to make sure I wasn't missing anything.  Hopefully having DH with me this time will be better.  What specific questions would you ask?

Yellow_Daisy

I think the only test you might ask for is an AMH, but not all REs do that test and if your FSH is ok it might not be necessary.  I like to have everything done just so I have the complete picture, but that may seem excessive to some people.  I don't know it is kind of a personal choice.

As for questions.  I would ask what your RE's plan of action is from beginning to end.  How many cycles will you do a protocol before moving on to the next?  What the success rates are for someone your age with your diagnosis for each protocol that s/he would consider?  Do they recommend and/or work with an acupuncturist or other alternative therapies?

I can't think of anything else right now, maybe someone else will have some more suggestions.

Edwina.McDunnough

We both had a broad genetic screen done, I had my CBC and thyroid levels checked, and an AMH/MIS (routine at my office).

Advanced Fertility is a great resource, as is inciid.

Good luck!

scooterq

We're unexplained too.  We had all the same testing that you mentioned prior to moving onto IUI.

The only other questions that I can think of would be: If you are OOP, what are all the costs associated with IUI (meds, semen washing, the actual procedure)? Who will do your monitoring?  Who will do the actual procedure?

Good luck to you.  I hope you get your BFP really soon.

ETA: We also had infectious disease testing and were given the option to have some genetic testing done.

Temp616379875002458

I have nothing else to add - I think the previous posters had great advice with the additional tests, fee schedule, and general protocol questions. Knowing how long you'll try in a certain manner is sort of comforting.

aprilbeachbride

Thanks, everyone, I appreciate the feedback.  We are on cycle 17 of trying, so I am just really ready for some answers and my brain just won't accept the "Unexplained Infertility" diagnosis yet!