Hope this is the right place... New to all this

HopeSprings2012

Hello,

I'm sorry to meet you all here... I'm not all that familiar with these boards and probably haven't done sufficient lurking, so please let me know if this is not the right place to post.

A brief intro - I'll be 33 in a month, DH and I have been TTC for 14 months for our first child... I have no diagnosis of any problems that might be lurking, and I'd like to still believe there is not "trouble" and that it's just taking longer than most... But my OBGYN is beginning the testing process this month. I believe this month, I'm doing day 3 bloodwork, day 21 bloodwork, and some sort of saline sonogram? (I do have very painful long periods - that might be the reason for this?)

And now some questions if you will -

First up is this day 3 blood test. I'm wondering what exactly you constitute as day 3? I usually have one day of very light "spotting" where I don't even need a tampon or anything, but would need like a thin pad or pantyliner and it's sorta constant and obviously starting, but not flowing... If that makes sense? Do I count that spotting day as "day 1" or would the following day where it's red flow, cramping and I definitely need those tampons be considered "day 1"? 

Also, when he wrote this all down for me on the prescription notepad, he put in parenthesis (day 2 or 4)... Does that mean that day 3 is ideal, but day 2 or 4 won't be inaccurate? I just don't want to mess this up after all this time and want to start getting answers... You'd think I would be more prepared but this is all still a mystery to me and I don't really have any friends who have been through this.

Lastly, is there anything else I should be asking for or about at this time? I have seen stuff about a "day 7" test but my OBGYN didn't order that...?

If you've gotten this far, congratulations. I'd be very grateful for any thoughts or information.  

Aurora1181

Hi there! Welcome!

They've always told me that CD1 is your first day of heavy flow. Sometimes, because of weekends, I've had to have this bloodwork done on CD2 and CD4. It was no big deal. I assume the "day 7" testing is 7 days past ovulation to check your progesterone levels (the CD21 testing- but if you don't ovulate on CD14, testing on CD21 isn't exactly worthwhile).

You should ask your OBGYN to refer you to an RE who specializes in handling these issues and any resulting treatment. I had my initial testing done with my OBGYN too (because it was covered by insurance and the RE wasn't) so that might be something to keep in mind too. But once and if you start medications / treatments, the RE would be important and necessary.

Welcome again!

brachatzipora

Ditto what PP said about referring you to an RE.  My OB also does the HSG (saline test) and bloodwork, but she decided to refer me to an RE because it looked like it was going to be a longer process and I'd need the referral anyway at some point.

My RE also said between day 2-4 (actually, she wants 2-3).  In most cases, Day 1 is the first day you need a tampon or pad, but you might want to just clarify with your doctor regarding spotting, because I'm not sure.  Day 21 blood work is more specifically 7 days after ovulation.  So, if you're not a regular ovulator (or not ovulating on Day 14), you'll want to discuss this with your doc too!

 Good luck and welcome  

beth9409

I agree with the PPs you should find a good Reproductive Endocrinologist in your area. OB/GYNs can do the initial testing but don't do any treatments with them. A lot of OBs want to give out Clomid like it's candy and that is not safe.

blu-gsgyrl

 

 

beth9409:

I agree with the PPs you should find a good Reproductive Endocrinologist in your area. OB/GYNs can do the initial testing but don't do any treatments with them. A lot of OBs want to give out Clomid like it's candy and that is not safe.

 First welcome to the boards! You aren't alone by any means and continue to lurk around and also ck out the glossary so you know what some of the abbrevations are. You should def see an RE! 2 years ago my ob prescibed clomid for me without having test done and I didn't know any better~If I knew then what I know now I would have never gone through all of that! Def call your insurance to find out what they cover as far as specialist visits go and have your ob refer you to a specialist. Good luck

 

 

 

cdale86

Welcome!  It seems you are in the right the place and this board is loaded with women with great advice and experience to share. I agree with PPs about CD1. You definitely need to talk to your dr about the cd21 b/w.  It prob should be 7dpo. OBs are not good with this stuff. I even called and told them I did not O on cd14 and they told me it didint matter. Wrong!  I would go to an RE ASAP. 

MrsSmith414

Welcome! I also highly suggest an RE.. there is only so much your OBGYN can do in regards to Fertility testing you really need to be with an RE. Good luck on all of your testing!

I have done my CD3 bloodwork on CD2 and CD3, last cycle it was CD2 due to the weekend.

CD1 is your first day of bright red flow. I also spot for 1-2 days before my period starts. I have never counted those spotting days as CD1.

HopeSprings2012

Thank you all for your responses!! Going through all of them now and taking notes to be better prepared with what to do next after this day 3 bloodwork.. Sounds like my day 3 is tomorrow!

alb245

Welcome to 3T! It looks like you've received a lot of great advice so far.  As you know (from above) the CD 21 test should be done at 7dpo.  I know some ladies on here have talked to their OB's about that and they "refused" and "made" them come in on CD 21.  When I was going through my testing with my OB, I didn't even bother trying to educate her, I just figured out when I  O'd (from temping and OPK's) and went in at 7dpo, but I told them it was CD 21. They were too busy to even notice or care.

Welcome again and good luck with all of your testing. Schedule that RE appointment asap!

buckeyebaby814

Aurora1181:

Hi there! Welcome!

They've always told me that CD1 is your first day of heavy flow. Sometimes, because of weekends, I've had to have this bloodwork done on CD2 and CD4. It was no big deal. I assume the "day 7" testing is 7 days past ovulation to check your progesterone levels (the CD21 testing- but if you don't ovulate on CD14, testing on CD21 isn't exactly worthwhile).

You should ask your OBGYN to refer you to an RE who specializes in handling these issues and any resulting treatment. I had my initial testing done with my OBGYN too (because it was covered by insurance and the RE wasn't) so that might be something to keep in mind too. But once and if you start medications / treatments, the RE would be important and necessary.

Welcome again!

^^This.  Although I would count CD 1 as any red flow, that requires you to wear protection.  I've had periods before that were so light I could have worn the same pantyliner all day if it was disgusting!  
GL!