Re-intro.../Question

Bridesmaid x 7 · July 2014

Hi ladies, It's been a while since I've participated in any posts, but I do lurk from time to time. I've been off BC for a year and I've been temping on and off during this time. I've used OPK's for the past 3 cycles. My cycles range anywhere from 36-49 days long. My husband and I are both 30. I saw my OB a few months ago and she said I could start taking fertility meds at any time due to my long cycles. I just made my infertility appointment for August. What should I expect for this appointment? It was described as a consult, but does this include a physical exam or no? I've never seen a male doctor and I'm a little scared/modest. Do husbands usually go too? Thanks!

Staceanng · July 2014

If your husband would like to go. He should be there.

catlover790 · July 2014

Hi and welcome. In terms of setting up an IF appointment, how long have you been TTC? I couldn't tell if you've been off the pill for a year and TTC or only the past 3 cycles. That would help me with some more info. Also, your cycles are not too terrible, but yes a little on the longer side.

In terms of the RE appointment; I had a consult where the RE talked to me about the practice and how they like to approach testing etc. Then I had a vaginal ultrasound and they took blood. The ultrasound is a little uncomfortable but it doesn't hurt, and yes it's a little embarrassing at first but after you go a couple times it's much easier!

My DH did come because he had the day off of work, and I think having him at least at one appointment is nice. He probably won't be able to go with me at many other ones. They may ask if he could provide a sample for a sperm analysis as well if it's difficult for him to get time off from work to go. My DH was able to do it from home the following week and I dropped it off.

I would recommend calling and asking what the office has planned and also if you should have records faxed to them.

Bridesmaid x 7 · July 2014

I would say actively trying since fall of last year. I don't think my husband really had any idea that it takes "work" to get pregnant. While we still BD'd, I think he assumed it would happen quickly and that timing it perfectly wasn't so important. Now I think he's starting to realize that even with perfect timing - it's not always so easy. Even if we could shorten my cycles, it would increase our chances.

catlover790 · July 2014

@Bridesmaid x 7‌ I would say if you've been TTC since the fall then an August appt for a consult wouldn't be too soon since you might not actually start testing until September by the time you wait for the correct cycle day. I can't think of anything else I would add, but if you have more specific questions I could try to answer them! I'm still in the testing phase so I don't know too much yet!

DenaMaree · July 2014

If your seeing an RE then there is a good chance that your hubby will do a sperm analysis. Check with the scheduler! Our RE office sent us a packet of what to expect with the first appointment that explained how both mine and DH's tests would go!

divinemsbee · July 2014

I think you should definitely call the office and ask what is included in the exam, and as PP said, you may need to get your records faxed over.

For me, since my case has been weird and ongoing, I was seeing a doc I was already really familiar with. I didn't have a transvaginal ultrasound during the consult, but I did have a pelvic and Pap smear done. I also got orders for my blood work, some of which has to be done on specific cycle days, but others of which can be done at any time (they may want to run a STI and HIV blood test as well as hepatitis, that's a given with my clinic). My H didn't go to that visit because he was at work, but he's been with me before when I had transvaginal ultrasounds, so I imagine they'd either ask him to wait in the lobby or just let him stand on the other side of the room. The doc will also probably give an order for your H to complete a sperm analysis.

As for the whole male doctor thing, I really haven't had a preference. I've had craptastic female doctors and rock star male ones and vice versa. The only reason I have a female doc now is that when I was first making an appointment back in December, she's who was available, and I like her so I continued to see her. There's no need to be scared, this is their job, their job is to help you get pregnant. Also, male or female, if there's any sort of physical exam there's going to be a nurse in there with you as well.

catlover790 · July 2014

Just wanted to add, my DH was able to stay with me during the ultrasound too. I'd ask if that would make you feel more comfortable for the first time. Now that I've gone back for 2more it's like a piece of cake!

Bridesmaid x 7 · July 2014

Thank you for the encouragement! The specialist is actually part of my OB GYN practice, just at a different location. I think they are also already checking with my insurance to see what treatments are covered and what is not. Are ultrasounds usually the first "tests"?

catlover790 · July 2014

Bridesmaid x 7 said:

Thank you for the encouragement! The specialist is actually part of my OB GYN practice, just at a different location. I think they are also already checking with my insurance to see what treatments are covered and what is not. Are ultrasounds usually the first "tests"?

For me an ultrasound was the first thing they did to see my ovaries; I think from what I've read on here that is done at one of the first appointments. Next, you'll need blood tests and an HSG (where dye is put into your uterus and tubes to check for blockages). These need to be done on certain cycle days so if you are temping and can see if you O'd you can just wait for CD 1 then schedule the appointment from there, that's how my office does it. For me though, I'm not ovulating so I was given prometrium to hopefully have a period and then I can have these tests done. I would just make sure the specialist is an RE as I've read on here about OBs not being as equipped to treat fertility stuff. I hope you have some insurance coverage!

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