Testing question

halfanewt · May 2016

hi all,

We're thinking its about time to start Letrozole. Waiting to see what the doc says on whether it's this cycle or the next.

Are there any benefits/reasons to get an HSG before starting? I feel like I read that somewhere, but can't remember.

Any other advice/tips greatly appreciated!

ReesaAnne16 · May 2016

I feel like it's a good idea to have a basic IF work up before going on potent fertility drugs, including some method to check fallopian tube patency. If your tubes are blocked for some reason, then Letrozole is going to be ineffective.

BrightenMySky · May 2016

I agree with @ReesaAnne16. Before I started any meds, my husband had a SA and I did an HSG. I think there are other ways to visualize the tubes (maybe saline sono?), but it makes sense to do something to know if the meds and/or procedures you are thinking about doing have any chance of working.

halfanewt · May 2016

That makes logical sense, and is what I was thinking. Just wondering if there's also a medical reason.

I I have yet to be super impressed with any doctor I've worked with, unfortunately, so I'm trying to get extra info!

wifeinraleigh28 · May 2016

Definitely agree with what @ReesaAnne16 and @BrightenMySky said. A lot of REs, mine included, won't even start treatment until basic testing has been completed. An HSG and SA (for DH) are the most basic tests to make sure treatments even have a chance of working. Good luck!

LadyMillil · May 2016

Like others have said, definitely get an HSG to make sure your tubes are open. If they are blocked then the Letrozole won't help because the eggs aren't able to travel to the uterus. You should also have your SO do a semen analysis to make sure everything is good on his side. If he has low numbers or motility (and maybe low morphology, my doctors disagree on if that matters) it can impact the ability of the sperm to actually make it to the egg.

hudson1029 · May 2016

My doctor required the HSG and semen analysis before I could start femara. I'm on my second round.

halfanewt · May 2016

Thanks, guys!
RE suggested meds a few months ago, we decided to wait a few more cycles, but started with this one. I requested an HSG and am now scheduled for that and day 12 ultrasound on Monday. They've mentioned the possibility of an HCG trigger shot - are there any side effects to that one that I should know about?
DH had one SA a few months ago. GP thought it was borderline, RE was unconcerned. He's getting another one this week because we want confirmation.
Feeling a bit frustrated. Anything else I should know?

BrightenMySky · May 2016

@smokinangel do you know exactly what the issue was with the SA? My understanding is that there are different ways to measure morphology, and there is some disagreement in the medical community about whether low morphology numbers are a problem--just an idea of why there might have been disagreement between your GP and RE.

I have used the HCG trigger shot Ovidrel several times. It is not a large needle, and I never found it that painful. Don't be afraid to ask questions when your doctor tells you how to do it. I found that the day after I triggered (trigger would be at night) I felt very bloated, and then ovulation was more crampy than usual (I also always used the trigger with Clomid, so I had multiple follicles). Since it is HCG, it will give you a positive HPT until it's out of your system. Some people test out the trigger to know when it's out, so that if they POAS and get a BFP after that, they'll know it's real (I'm usually beta or bust, but just something to know, not sure my RE told me about that issue with the trigger).

wifeinraleigh28 · May 2016

I never had any major side effects from the trigger shot (mine was ovidrel). Like the PP said, there was more pain with ovulation but my RE said that was due to producing multiple follicles since I took stimming meds leading up to my IUIs. It's a pretty easy shot to take. Trigger shots do produce positive pregnancy tests if you test before it is out of your system. However, at 14dpo you are safe to trust a pregnancy test (which is also 16 days post trigger). I always wait until my test day to POAS, as my RE doesn't do betas for IUIs unless you get a positive HPT on 14dpo.

halfanewt · May 2016

Thanks for all the info!
HSG came back clear, day 12 US shows 1-2 ready to go. Went with the trigger shot and have an IUI scheduled tomorrow. When things start moving they sure go fast!

@BrightenMySky His most recent one came back lower than average on motility and morphology. Saw a different doc today and he did recommend IUI, since just using TI "is still possible, but would take much longer".

Thanks for the testing info, too. Not sure if this will be an easier TWW since I know what's going on, or harder for the extra hopefuls...lol.

BrightenMySky · May 2016

@smokinangel fx for you, I hope the IUI goes well tomorrow. And I know it is hard to balance the extra hopefuls with managing expectations.

seethosestars · May 2016

Good luck with the IUI tomorrow! hope the TWW goes by quickly after that with good news at the end!

Want a personalized experience?

Testing question

Re: Testing question

Choose Another Board

Search Boards