What testing do you need prior to seeing an RE?

pinktrojanbride120107

Ready for a long one? Ok, go...

Background:

- DH 32, Me 29 (next month).

- TTC: just over 2 years. (Which translates to probably 12 or so cycles, how I wish I had been charting all this time!) One BFP --> one m/c last December.

- I have had MIA cycles since high school. I've never been on BC.

 Current Situation:

I had a progesterone injection after a 117 day cycle. At the same time, I had some bloodwork taken after I convinced the Dr. I wanted to find out what was wrong with my cycles. I went in again for CD21 bloodwork (which, after reading Petra's reply to a post below, I think might be useless.)  I went in again today to go over test results.

Testosterone came back "normal." Some other test showed that I'm at an increased risk for diabetes, so Dr. said he wants to try Metformin. I asked him if he figured out what was wrong and he said he "thinks" it's PCOS. He then looked at my FSH and LH levels and said that I was "classic." Then he suggested Clomid.

I asked about moving on to an RE, but he said they usually don't refer until there's an SA done, a bunch of other tests, and a round or 2 of Clomid. I told him I most likely want to bypass that and get it done with an RE, but that I'd think about it.

Long story short, for those of you who see an RE, did you get all of that testing done first? Or did your RE do it? None of this would be covered my insurance, so I want to make sure that I go to an RE at the appropriate time (i.e., not jump the gun.)

If you read through all that, you're sweeter than your reward:

 

RedPhoenix625

I'm sorry for the troubles you've had conceiving and for your loss.

My obgyn did initial testing (day 3 and 7dpo bloodwork, HSG, and SA) before sending me to the RE.  Many REs also do the testing themselves, or will want to re-do some of it anyway (my RE re-did all the testing except the HSG, and also added an additional blood test).

As you know, most of us here will recommend against doing clomid without an RE, or at the very least without proper monitoring from your obgyn (which, frankly, if they're doing CD21 bloodwork instead of 7dpo, I'm not sure I would trust them to do the monitoring anyway since ovulation day is sort of important...)

Does your insurance require a referral?  If not, you could always just call the RE's office directly to set up a consultation.  I may be wrong about this, but the fact that your doctor thinks you may have PCOS should be enough of a reason for him to refer you to one.

Good luck with getting some answers! 

twotexans

My OB ran a blood panel, an HSG, and a SA for DH.  DH's initial SA turned up abnormal, so we were referred to a urologist specializing in MFI.  After my blood work and HSG came back normal, she suggested I move on to an RE.  She said doing some of the tests ahead of time would speed up being able to start treatment. 

Once we went to the RE she ordered some additional blood work for both DH and I, and we were ready to roll.

Laurakat81

I didn't have a single test done before seeing an RE. He has done all of it. My OB did call to get me in but the RE didn't require referrals to be seen but having that referral got me in to see him a lot sooner, so that might be something to think about if the RE has a long wait to get in. I see nothing wrong with going ahead and doing the SA and any other tests the OB wants to do while you wait but I'd still get in with the RE as soon as I could too.

hungryhippo

My OB wants to some very basic blood work on CD3 and have my DH get an SA before referring me. In the meantime, I'm going to attend an open house with the RE office and ask what they would like me to do first and how they can help be get a few things covered using strategies like Rosie described above. 

If there is an RE you want to go to, you might see if they can answer some of these questions for you first. I'll keep you posted with what I learn on Thursday at the open house.  

lmielocl1

I do not think you need to do a lot of testing with your OB before seeing a RE as they may want to do the testing again - will your insurance cover the testing through an OB?  If yes, maybe you could have a consultation with a RE and get his/her recommendations & work with your OB to get those done if they will be covered.  I know RE's understand the costs and are willing to work with you in any way that is needed as in the end, it is their job to help you get pregnant.    

In my experience, my OB did do the HSG & basic hormonal testing so my RE did not need to do them again but he did do a SA again. My OB thought I had PCOS but both the REs I have gone to did not and took/kept me off metformin.  I would suggest getting your thyroid checked by either dr.  I was 35 when we started with the OB and waited almost a year to see an RE.  I wish we had gone earlier as I feel like I wasted time with the OB. An RE specializes in helping women with infertility issues.  

I wish you the best!  I know it is not an easy decision to make on when to move to a RE!!   

BootsOrHearts

My primary physician referred me to an RE, didn't get any testing done ahead of time.

pinktrojanbride120107

Thanks so much, ladies! After a long talk with the hubs, we're planning on setting up a consulation with an RE (that came recommended to me by a friend.) Rosie, my OB told me he could do tests and send them to whatever RE I end up choosing, so I may go your route if I can. Onwards!