Should I continue with this doctor?

leahlu · January 2012

I went to my first appt. with a gyn. today regarding a lot of bleeding between periods since I got off BC 5 months ago. I mentioned to him that my husband and I are TTC and I've noticed I have a short luteal phase so far, which I was concerned about. He asked how I knew this and I explained that I'm tracking temps, CM, etc. He told me these methods aren't reliable and that every woman has 14 days between ovulation and menstruation. WHAT!?! I know he's a dr. but the books I've read by other drs. disagree with him. I was so shocked I didn't even argue.

He went on to tell me about all of the other tests he wants me to have asap to help with my "infertility." In the next few weeks he wants me to have a few days worth of blood work, pelvic ultrasound, HSG, and recommended my husband go in for a semen analysis. I thought all of these things were done when you've been trying unsuccessfully for at least a year? I entered his office being a bit concerned about my issues and left feeling that I am now labeled as infertile. He thinks finding the cause of why I'm not pregnant yet will resolve my abnormal bleeding.

His nurse came in to discuss these procedures after he left and she knew what I was talking about with charting and short luteal phases and she seemed to not be as urgent as he was. I am just so confused and frazzled about this dr., can anyone give me so feedback? Are all of these tests necessary this early on? Is he a crack pot?

NeverKnew · January 2012

I think your gut reaction and the fact that you felt strongly enough to post about it here gives you your definitive answer.

Do you like anything about your doctor particularly? If not, there are plenty of other fish in the sea.

Indynurse12 · January 2012

Something sounds really off to me - I would definitely get a second opinion. Not all doctors think charting is valuable, but I've never heard a doctor say that all women have 14 days between ovulation and menstruation - if that were true, it'd be a whole lot easier to get pregnant!

Krissy2388 · January 2012

I completely see why you are concerned...If it were me, I'd see another doctor that is concerened with my individual case & that isn't going to put me on a (this is how every woman's cycle is) standard. If you guys just started TTC, it still may be due to getting back to the norm from your BC, & I think all those tests are a little premature too....I would at least get a 2nd opinion before spending all that money if it may not be needed.

lulamagoo · January 2012

NeverKnew:
I think your gut reaction and the fact that you felt strongly enough to post about it here gives you your definitive answer.

Do you like anything about your doctor particularly? If not, there are plenty of other fish in the sea.

Completely agree with this!

JBMarq3 · January 2012

I have actually been in a situation like this one and I went out and found another doctors opinion but now I got completely different feed back from this doctor. I am sort of confused but It is just like a waiting list to get to another doctor.

I know how you feel. I hope you find your answers

Google83 · January 2012

That's insane. I think to say that everyone has the same exact timing on anything is crazy. Your system is possibly still readjusting to coming off the BCP too, which could be a factor. Don't buy into the infertile label yet.

If it was me, I would try to switch docs. I know that many of them don't suggest charting - then again, it doesn't make them any profit either. Maybe check your local board for recommendations?

Excitedtostart · January 2012

Idiots graduate from med school all the time.

Regardless of his credentials or knowledge, I would never stay with a Dr I didn't trust. I don't need to want to hang out on a Saturday night, but trust is important.

If you don't ultimately trust your Dr, get a new one.

Indynurse12 · January 2012

Excitedtostart:
Idiots graduate from med school all the time.
Regardless of his credentials or knowledge, I would never stay with a Dr I didn't trust. I don't need to want to hang out on a Saturday night, but trust is important.
If you don't ultimately trust your Dr, get a new one.

This made me LOL! So very true...as an RN that has worked with many idiots, I can definitely vouch for this.

ETA: Having said that, there are some very caring, empathetic, insanely smart doctors out there too. I hope the OP is able to find one!

MrsMDem · January 2012

Ok, here's my 2cents: I would go with your gut feeling on this Dr. From what it sounds like, you are skeptical at this point about his knowledge on what infertility really is. If it were me, I would probably start looking into your options for different Dr's. If you are skeptical now, you probably won't trust much of what he recommends in the future and second guessing if he is correct.

GL!

larhun3 · January 2012

slightlyslapdash:
I'm a firm believer that if you have the slightest bit of doubt with a doctor, then you should get at least one more professional opinion.
FWIW, it doesn't sound right to me either, but I don't know what the protocol for your concerns would be.

I couldn't agree more. I wouldn't necessarily jump into all those test if you don't have a diagnosis for an issue or if it hasn't been a year. I would try to find another dr for a 2nd opinion and finding out the cause of the bleeding first before investigating "infertility" as your dr put it.

aschultz03 · January 2012

Wow, did we see the same dr! Mine did not have an open ear. Whipped through my consult in 20 minutes and that was time spent with him recommending test after test. I will trust my gut and continue with the first three blood test/workups but will find a new doctor. I think you should do the same. GL!

Note: I saw a different doctor from the same practive 4 months ago and she had complete opposite views of TTC.

ukcats27 · January 2012

OBGYNs are idiots. All of them.

KdgTeacher · January 2012

ukcats27:
OBGYNs are idiots. All of them.

When it comes to TTC/geting women pregnant that may not be too far from the truth.

ukcats27 · January 2012

KdgTeacher:
ukcats27:
OBGYNs are idiots. All of them.

When it comes to TTC/geting women pregnant that may not be too far from the truth.

Ah yes that is what I meant. Once you are pregnant their intelligence level increases.

OneHotMama89 · January 2012

I think he's on crack. I wouldn't continue to see him. Certainly some doctors don't see the value in charting, but this guy seems a bit off.

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