[Marisophia]

As much I need support and need to hear from other women I am already overwhelmed with information regarding our infertlity. Basically I don't know where to turn to at this point. We have a beautiful 4 1/2 year old girl and have been trying for #2 for 2 years. I have NO infertlity coverage but we have managed to get blood tests and a sperm analysis and all seems okay. Simply unexplained infertility. My obgyn said it looks like I'm ovulating and I definitely feel what I have always thought was ovulation but when I do the ov sticks I never get two very red lines...one is always pink. I'm seeing a new doctor in November and need to know what questions I should ask her. I want to know if there ae specific tests I could take etc... I'm 36, have a tipped uterus and my daughter was induced at 37 and 1/2 weeks b/c she wa not growing during the later part of pregnancy. She was born at 4 pounds 15 ounces, but is perfectly normal and healthy. The placenta looked fine and I never got a good answer as to why she was so small. Thanks for any advice regarding our next steps.

[Lou lou]

Not sure about what tests to ask for since most are pretty $$$ like the HSG. It is usually a good indication of your tubes and if there's any kind of blockage. It's a radiological test. I think most RE's do it early on (mine did right away) as one of the preliminary tests to determine plan "A". They usually also do bloodwork and a sperm analysis (which you've done).

I would pay the $$ to see an RE instead of wasting time with ob/gyn.

Good luck and keep us posted!!

lori

[Marisophia]

Thanks for responding. I feel pretty silly but I don't know what an RE is. Some type of fertility specialist I guess???? It was strange because awhile back I had some lower right pains and my doctor's PA did an exam. She said she felt a tumor and sent me for the MRI. My doc called with normal results wondering why I had the MRI in the first place ( great communication, I know) Then she did an exam and verified there was nothing there. Anyway, she said the MRI would have shown if my tubes were blocked and that I probably didn't need the HSG. Then she referred me to a gastro for the pains which led to an UGI and a colonoscopy. Everything was normal. What a surprise. ( sarcasm) I know I should have just had the HSG right away regardless, but we were getting frustrated with all the tests thinking something might be seriously wrong with me and left the pregnancy issue in the wind for 4 months. This is why I'm seeing a new doctor, but I can't get in until November. I'm not going to be a happy woman if I find out my tubes are blocked now, when I could have known 8 months ago. Anyway, thanks for reading and for the information. Good luck to you.

[CreoleInDC]

Welcome chica!

[gmh]

Marisophia, I to am new to this site. But not new to TTC. About your insurance. Mine does not cover infertility either. But you might be surprized what it will cover. Mine cover office calls to the RE, U/S part of blood work and some of the other services mostly because of how they code them which my office does. Also shop for the drugs... if you end up going that route. I am not sure were you are but I have a Costco and Sam's club they have low prices as online is another good place saved alot on the injectables. HTH.

[Gemmabean]

Marianne,

RE = Reproductive Endocrinologist

Is your appt. in Nov. with an RE???

Ob.gyns are not in the business of treating IF and we sometimes forget that. I know I had no idea they didn't treat it until I kept pushing the issue with mine. AND it was my NP at my general doc who recommended an RE. I'd never heard of it.

We found that there are definately two types of "infertility specialists."

We saw a "specialist" first. This was like a visit to a factory. There were baby pictures plastered ALL over the office. We were taken into the Dr. office, with desk and family photos, not an exam room. We were then quoted prices for variations of IVF. He didn't even try to find out what was wrong with us, nor did he intend to. He also took a photo of us so he could keep us straight from other patients. I thought this was a sign he saw too many people if he couldn't keep us straight!

When we went to our current RE's office. It look pretty much like any dr's office (read "no baby photos"). We were taken to an exam room, I had my temp taken, was weighed etc. Saw doc and we were asked a ton of questions. I was diagnosed with PCOS at our first appt.

What I'm getting at is I believe there are at least two types of infertility docs that I've met:

1. The doc who wants to make money by getting you pregnant. I call these baby factories.
2. The doc who wants to treat your IF problem and assist you in getting pregnant.

I prefer #2.

While a lot of insurance does not cover IF tx, quite often any testing to find the problem IS covered. My HSG was covered, lap would have been covered if I'd opt to have it.

The first thing they usually prescribe is clomid, which works for some and not for others. At 36 I'd recommend asking to go to the next level (injections) and not waste time with clomid, or if you must, just one or two cycles, no more.

We're here if you need us and together we have tons of experience with this as you'll soon find out.

Any more questions, PLEASE JUST ASK!

Good luck to you
Love,
Julie

[KT1979]

marisophia- I stumbled upon your post today, and was struck by how similar our situations seem. I too conceived my first child easily, but had a heck of a time with my second. Just a little background-- my first; a girl, was conceived easily, born a little small, but at term and healthy. My second, a boy, took 2 years to conceive, stopped growing in the third trimester, and was born at almost 36 weeks (induced) weighing only 4 lbs. 4 oz. He was not born healthy and spent 18 days in the NICU. Absoultely no cause could be found for the IUGR, but my son is now normal and healthy. After another 2 years of trying I conceived again in June, but miscarried in July. It is now January and I am not pregnant. My doctor believes that the infertility and IUGR are somehow connected, but he doesn't know how. If you would be willing to share a little more about yourself and your situation, I would really appreciate it. I'm frustrated and desperately seeking answers. Any information you might have would be great.