help for a lurker: bad ob/gyn experience

boxie · December 2008

Long time lurker here! I just came back from a visit from my ob/gyn. I went to my regular doctor because I had an yeast infection that was spiraling out of control.

I have already read TCOYF cover to cover and loved it! My DH and I are ttc for the first time this month, and I decided to ask her a couple of questions about safe medications to take while ttc. I told her I was charting because my periods were never regular before I got on the pill nine years ago, and wanted to know when I was ovulating. I told her I was both temping and checking CM. She then informed me that checking CM for fertility was something that was considered valid years ago, but recent studies have found it to be an unreliable indicator of detecting your fertile period. Then she said with a laugh, ? unless you like shoving your fingers up yourself you are better off with an OPK.?

I was a little disheartened to say the least. Confused I want to find a new doctor who is more open to charting fertility signs. Anyone else have this experience? How did you all go about finding a good ob/gyn?

alexisz523 · December 2008

I would have kicked her in the knee!!

mrspink77 · December 2008

my obgyn didn't jump up and down at the idea of me charting but she wasn't telling me not to either. to me checking cm is one part of charting. do what feels right for you! gl

alexisz523 · December 2008

P.S. Find a new Dr.! Someone who will help you not put your choice down.

Carrie50 · December 2008

I don't really have any advice different than the PP.

Just wanted to say welcome to the board!

happysong · December 2008

It wouldn't hurt to see another dr. to see if you are more comfortable there. Think about it this way: If she is treating you this way now, what's going to happen when you're pregnant and have serious concerns? Do you want someone who's going to put you down or take the time to explain it to you?

Bcbscorp · December 2008

I've gotten really lucky with OBGYNs, other than the lady who put her hand up and said "Were going in" before every pap. This OB must have stock in OPK's. Ignore her, keep doing what your doing and maybe start asking around to friends (if your comfortable with that), I love mine and always recommend him when a friend brings up their need for a good one!

craftlady07 · December 2008

hi, welcome to the board, sorry about your experience. I really haven't talked to my dr about charting since last year at my annual we hadn't started TTC yet. i mentioned charting and he wasn't too excited but didn't talk me out of it. i go for my annual next monday and i'll be seeing a different dr (scheduling conflicts) so I'll see what she has to say when i mention charting. if she reacts like this dr i'd want to want to see another dr. i have no problem if a dr "isn't into charting fertility" but to down play it or make me feel stupid for doing it, yeah, then i'd get a new one. I guess I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. the dr's I see did tell me to try for a year and one year will be in march, so I don't have that much longer to wait if we need to take the next step.

if I were you I'd keep charting, if that's what you want, keep trying. if you're not pg within a year, charts or no charts, I would think your doc would be willing to take the next step. if your charts reveal an issue within that time frame, I'd make an appointment, and if they are not receptive to your documented issues, then I'd start looking around.

Keep in mind, this is what I would do, what I'm comfortable doing. others may feel differently.

I hope this helps, gl to you!

skinnursemandee · December 2008

You need a new doctor.. I trusted my last RE and OB when they told me just chart CM and not temps you will be fine..well years later still no BFP it wasnt fine. I finally found new docs who told me to chart and temp and check cm and I found this site where everyone is so full of info and for the first time, Its all falling into place. Oh and temps do tell when you O because I never get menstrual cramps just O pain and when I logged O pain and my temps, i was given the ok from FF that I did in fact o.

Do what is right for you!! Do not be like me and trust them just because they had a medical degree. I could have avoided wasting all these years

boxie · December 2008

Thanks everyone for the advice and the warm welcome! I am going to find a new doctor. I really want someone who will be there for me through the entire process. Having a baby is going to be the most important experience in my life, and I want someone to take me seriously and not laugh at me! I guess I have between now and my BFP (god willing!) for the ob/gyn search...

mtendere · December 2008

When I had my first chat with my ob/gyn about TTC at my annual last spring, he's the first one to tell me about CM and exactly what to look for. He talked about charting temperatures. He didn't discount it at all, but mentioned that it didn't help you predict ovulation, because your temp only rose after the fact. In fact, all the helpful info that he gave is what eventually lead me to this board. I had never even heard of checking CM or temping or OPKs.

I hope you find someone you're more comfortable with! Good luck.

Mel*Berry · December 2008

My doctor isn't too thrilled about charting, either. Which surprised me since I'm on Clomid. She seemed to think OPK's would be better. But I'm still charting, because I have to know for sure what's going on, and OPK's don't confirm ovulation.

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