Trouble TTC - how does it work where you live?

adunkin · April 2013

We've been trying for right at the 1 year mark. I thought I'd done all my research about what tests we needed next, what doctors we should see next, etc.

Then I actually went to the doctor only to discover that all my research was done in English and based primarily on the American/Canadian system. And here (French speaking doctors in Belgium) the system is very very different. I was just told yesterday that they don't even have Reproductive Endocrinologists (RE) here. They basically have gynecologists and gynecologists who specialize in IVF.

I was also told there was no need for an HSG because I have no evidence of endometriosis or PCOS and my Chlamydia blood work came back negative. And an ultrasound gave no reason to be concerned. I am there for very low risk and don't need it.

It really does seem that you do everything except IVF with a gyno. Oh yeah - and blood work shows I am ovulating regularly so we'll just do IUI without a trigger - home OPKs are sufficient for the first few tries. (These first few tries will be almost completely cost free to us. In fact, almost all IUI is nearly completely covered by national insurance and IVF is also largely covered.)

It's just so hard to navigate the differences and find a supportive community. How does your fertility system work where you live? And where have you found the best support?

kelly321 · April 2013

Two friends of mine here have dealt with IF. We live in a city with an amazing university hospital, and they have what is called a "desiring a child office hour" where people who are having difficulty TTC go to get advice and treatment. You could look

adunkin · April 2013

kelly321:
Two friends of mine here have dealt with IF. We live in a city with an amazing university hospital, and they have wh

The Irish Gal · April 2013

Congrats!!! We look forward to seeing you on the other side more. There's also a pregnancy board over there "got pregnant" and there's a few of us more international people posting there too.