Fertility Clinic vs. OBGYN?

CCBrownEyedGirl · December 2015

Hi Friends,

It's been a while! I hope everyone is doing well.

I've been busy with a new job and secretly hoping that having my mind off of baby-making would magically work. Isn't that what everyone says? I was wondering, at what point do you switch from a OBGYN to a fertility clinic? What's the difference? We've been trying for 14 months and I had a polypectomy 8 months ago. I'm "ovulating" and my husband's sperm is fine. The next step the doctor is talking about is an HSG test. It just seems like everything is dragged out at my OBGYN. What are your opinions on the difference between an OBGYN and a fertility clinic?

I value your opinions! Thanks!

BrightenMySky · December 2015

We went to an RE after 13-14 months of trying. I liked having a plan I place. And I found that the things like HSGs, monitoring, etc. all felt very routine with the RE. Although I went straight to an RE (got a referral from my PCP), It seems that some OBs will prescribe mess like Clomid without doing the monitoring that an RE would do, and I would definitely recommend monitoring if you decide to do meds. My RE also is so knowledgeable about fertility issues, it is very reassuring.

Alyeena · December 2015

It is definitely far better to go to an RE than a OBGYN, OBGYN's only have a few months formation of fertility training compared to years with RE's. And like mentioned, OBGYN's prescribe medication like clomid without monitoring, and that can be more detrimental to you than helpful.

But I must say, even with an RE things move slow sometimes depending on your situation. But you will be on a better path, have more answers and will feel better for having a plan.

You said your are "ovulating" what do you mean? Why the quotation marks?

CCBrownEyedGirl · December 2015

Thank you! I just requested an appointment online. We'll see how it goes. Is it significantly more expensive? We'll do what it takes, but it's nice to have an idea. As far as the "ovulation," I put it in quotes because it's a source of confusion/stress. I get a monthly positive ovulation test, which is great, but it hasn't been confirmed through ultrasound. My OBGYN makes it out to seem that if I didn't ovulate it would be easier because he would just prescribe Clomid. It's a double-edged sword. It's awesome that I ovulate, but if I ovulate, then why aren't I pregnant yet? It's made treatment less straight forward, if that makes sense.

GWest13 · December 2015

We tried for a year before I had my HSG test done. My tubes were open and she wanted us to wait another year before she put me on fertility meds. Well, my hubbys semen analysis was 152 million!! After a month we found a much better doctor who is as aggressive as we are. Within 10 minutes of us telling him our story he had me taken back for an ultrasound and gave my a prescription for Femara. It's been 3 years since TTC but I'm glad we switched! Honestly, I feel he genuinely cares and we're not just "another patient".

BrightenMySky · December 2015

I am glad you requested an appointment, it is a good step. Unfortunately with fertility issues there are so many things that good be going on. I recently had a check in with my RE, and we know there is a MFI issue, but the particular issue--morphology--is kind of controversial as to what the actual effects are and what the recommended treatment is. I ovulate, but we did Clomid to give the sperm more of a shot at finding an egg. But I really felt like my RE talked us through all the options and when we go with his recommendations, I feel confident about it.

In terms of cost, check with your insurance. Mine has a higher copay for specialists (which the RE is, not sure about OB/GYN). And then insurance varies in terms of coverage for testing and treatment, some may cover diagnostics but not treatment. The RE clinic will likely have billing specialists that can talk to you about costs--mine has one that focuses on IUI and one that focuses on IVF.

wifeinraleigh28 · December 2015

If you're trying to get pregnant and are having difficulty, an RE is the specialist you want to see. OBGYNs don't specialize in that department. It's like the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist. You want to go to the doctor who specializes in your specific issue. REs will monitor you closely throughout your cycle with ultrasounds and blood work and will run many more tests than an OBGYN will. It is more expensive though, as an RE will require your specialist copay whereas your OBGYN is a primary copay. Like others said before me, insurance coverage for fertility varies from plan to plan, so check your coverage. My RE has financial advisors on site at all times, and we spoke with one during our very first visit and they checked our insurance on the spot to be able to give us some answers regarding cost and coverage. Good luck!

CCBrownEyedGirl · December 2015

Thanks, ladies! I took your advice to heart and went to a consultation at an RE. It took 1 1/2 hours, but she was great! She really listened and put a plan in place to work from the bottom up. It turns out that my OBGYN knew the gist of what he had to do, just not the logistics. For example, he sent me for all these different blood tests and wanted to do a HSG, yet didn't realize that they were supposed to be done at certain points during my cycle. As for the cost, AETNA covers the doctor's visits, evaluations to find the source of infertility, and treatment of the underlying issue of infertility. It does not cover Clomid, or IVF. This was better than what I thought, especially since I've had fibroids and polyps before....Thanks for the advice!

wifeinraleigh28 · December 2015

Good luck to you! I hope you get some answers and a good treatment plan put in place!

KLake42 · December 2015

I'm glad you got to see an RE. They can be pricey, but they know so much more than OB/Gyns about fertility.

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Fertility Clinic vs. OBGYN?

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