What To Ask the Fertility Doctor on Thursday

thewayiam · March 2011

Hi everyone,

Well, on Thursday we are finally seeing the fertility doctor. We each had to fill out a huge booklet of questions, which we will bring with us. I will bring my charts, of course. We are having blood work and DH has to bring a sperm sample. I plan to really advocate for myself, and insist on getting as much help as possible.

My question is.... what should I ask? I want to make sure I'm ovulating (though charts would say I am, and if this CP last week was really a CP, then I am). I don't want to wait to take progesterone if that's what's needed. I just don't want to miss anything. I feel like, at nearing 37, I don't have time to 'wait and see'. I'm feeling extrememly anxious these days.

Advice?

I am counting the milliseconds until the appointment.

badtzmaru22 · March 2011

Most likely, they will be very proactive, but I would just make sure that's all out on the table... I'd ask about their recommended course of action (which may not be decided until after they see your test results/bw) and ask if they have a policy for how many times you will try a certain procedure before going to the next step.

Do you know what your insurance will cover (if anything)? They'll probably provide you an OOP price chart, but I'd ask for one anyway, just so you know what to expect if things aren't covered.

As they're going over everything, I'm sure you'll think of more things, so bring a pen/paper so you can jot things down. Other than that, I don't have much more advice.. you sound like you're on top of things! Good luck!!

thewayiam · March 2011

badtzmaru22:

Most likely, they will be very proactive, but I would just make sure that's all out on the table... I'd ask about their recommended course of action (which may not be decided until after they see your test results/bw) and ask if they have a policy for how many times you will try a certain procedure before going to the next step.

Do you know what your insurance will cover (if anything)? They'll probably provide you an OOP price chart, but I'd ask for one anyway, just so you know what to expect if things aren't covered.

As they're going over everything, I'm sure you'll think of more things, so bring a pen/paper so you can jot things down. Other than that, I don't have much more advice.. you sound like you're on top of things! Good luck!!

Thank you so much for responding.

I'm in Canada, so our health coverage covers the 2 hour consultation and blood work, and I think any ultrasounds, etc. However apparently if they consult or move forward with anything further, we pay. I'll ask about that. Thank you.

tootlebug · March 2011

he/she will most likely want to run all the tests before really getting into the nitty gritty....maybe a saline sono, an HSG, then check your E2, progesterone and your FSH (which is drawn on CD 3 and CD 5 usually). maybe check the thyroid. im sure there are tons of other hormones to test related to all sorts of different situations that i am not familiar with (like PCOS). also, husband will probably get an SA. the RE wont be able to tell you the course of action until all of these tests are completed.

when i went initially i wanted clarification on all the tests and what they meant. i also wanted to know their protocol for monitoring. (they monitored me like every other day to every day when my follicles were getting ripe eggs in them). lastly i wanted to know which nurse i would be dealing with and what the call back times were (regarding my bloodwork and u/s results).

after my tests were completed the RE gave me my "fertility plan". ...i dont know that helps : ) GL!

definitely like PP said ask tons of questions about the insurance if you are unsure if certain things will be covered.

Eris-Alexis · March 2011

I found my RE to be very proactive. I hope you do as well.

You may want to ask about tests that they will run and what they are looking for, possible causes for your losses, review your charts and see if anything stands out to them, and ask for a preliminary treatment plan. My RE told me what she thought the treatment would be pending my test results. We ended up with the plan that she originally outlined, and it was nice to get kind of a preview into what that might be. Also, ask if they are planning on putting you on any medications and what their side effects might be. And you may want to ask about their view on complimentary medicine (acupunture etc) if you are interested in that type of thing.