New here with a ?

Mrs.Umm · November 2009

I usually post on GP, but I was hoping I might find more answers here (I did ask over there, but it's slow today). DH and I are on our 13th cycle trying, and will be going for testing after the holidays. My question is, what was your first appointment like? Did you take your charts? What questions did you ask (or wish you had asked)?

Also, we have two options. There is an ob/gyn who specializes in infertility in network (which means $10 copay) or an RE out of network (80% out of pocket). Is there enough benefit to an RE at this stage to balance the cost, or would you start with the ob/gyn?

TIA

britny17 · November 2009

I just started with my OB. She will probably ask for a SA fro DH first. Then you can go from there.

Me&Mr.T · November 2009

My first appt I took my charts, etc to discuss everything. My dr sent me for testing and most of the response to that was done over the phone.

Here are my concerns with seeing an ob/gyn who specializes in IF:

1- your appts will be at an OB/GYN office, which means that at any given appt you could be in a room with 1 or more pregnant women, babies, children, etc. That in itself is very difficult, especially if you've just found out that something didn't work or something difficult (like a m/c).

2- What are the treatments that the OB/GYN offers? Even though they may specialize in infertility, a lot of us find that after a while WE know more about IF than our OB/GYNs do.

But the cost is a hard thing to get over. We are 100% OOP right now for IF treatments, and we are on hold until spring so we can save money to go through our next phase of treatments because the cost is so high and we don't want loans.

MichelleL1118 · November 2009

I would start with the OBGYN who specializes in IF. You'll figure out very quickly whether or not s/he knows more than you do, or if you'll be happy with the treatment options. We're completely OOP with the RE (except for diagnostic testing, that's covered), so for me, the cost would be a huge deciding factor, especially during the testing phase.

Dragonfly1226 · November 2009

At your first appointment you'll probably go over your medical history and the doctor will order a bunch of tests.

The first OBGYN I saw told us to just keep trying. Then I spent some time working with an OBGYN who gave me Clomid but didn't monitor me. Because of that, I am a little weary of OBGYNs when it comes to fertility. If it was me, I would go to an RE. But I am not OOP so I guess I have a different perspective.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

Shelley-Bean · November 2009

If I were you, I'd probably start with the OB/GYN, just to get the testing done, and maybe a few cycles on Clomid/IUI. If that doesn't work, then I'd move on to RE.

Good luck!

mrshoppy_1231 · November 2009

Hello and welcome!

I took my charts and everything to our first appointment and our RE was glad to see them. I O on my own regularly so we didn't think that was the issue. We also just went over ALL of our health history in good detail.

We started with an RE but didn't have the choice - my OB/GYN doesn't even do any testing or anything. I was glad about that actually because I wanted an expert in IF specifically, I felt like we were going to need it anyway so I'm glad we started there. We do pay a higher copay and 50% OOP copay for most tests and procedures but it's worth it to me.

Good luck!

esipp000 · November 2009

I see an OB/GYN who specializes in IF. I feel really comfortable with him and he closely monitors me on any medication. At first I was a little unsure but as soon as I opened up and asked the questions I had and my worries he sat down and talked with me until everything was answered and I was comfortable again. At my first appointment they did blood work and then put my on Provera to start AF ( I hadn't had AF for over 2 months). We then did u/s and femera to make me ovulate because I found out I wasn't ovulating and I was diagnosed with PCOS. In my opinion I would start with the OB/GYN and see what you think. You can always change later if you don't feel like they're doing what they should be. For us its great because we not only love him but we only pay a $15 copay. Hope that helps, keep us updated!

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