Would love any help/advice.

Here's my story:

I am mid-twenties, DH is late-twenties. Neither of us has any known medical problems.

We started TTC in September by just not using condoms.
October, November, December - used OPKs
January - above + started CBEFM
June - above + started temping
July - above + used PreSeed

We are just finishing our 11th month TTC.

DH had an SA done a few months ago and the results were all within the normal range. I have the numbers, but not with me.. I just know that pretty much everything was within the normal range. Volume was low, but the doctor said that shouldn't be a problem since the count, motility, and morphology were all great. My ob/gyn (new, we moved last year) said we needed to wait until we had been trying for a year before she would give us a referral to an RE. Our PCP said the same thing - it's insurance policy, and we need a referral with our insurance in order to see any kind of specialist.

From what I can tell, I have pretty normal cycles - they can range a little in length, but I'm almost positive I'm ovulating (my temps show that I am and they correlate with my OPKs and CBEFM), my LP is 14 days, and DH's SA came back normal. What's going on?

Of course we are going to make an appointment with an RE as soon as possible.

What would our first steps be?
CD 3 & 21 bloodwork?
Sono?
What else?

I would love any information you have about first seeing an RE and what steps were taken. We want to be as proactive as possible in this.

What are some reasons that people would need an IUI or IVF?

Thank you so much for any information you have! I am just trying to get my footing here, as I feel completely helpless and lost. Even with 11 months under my belt, I still felt like each month was "the one" and I am devastated especially this month since I felt like we did everything right.

Re: Would love any help/advice.

Has your doctor had you do an HSG yet? If not, I would ask your doctor to write you a script for it to rule out any tubal issues (blockages).

Re: Would love any help/advice.

Since you are coming up on the one year mark of TTC and have obviously been giving it your best shot, I think seeing a RE is a good idea. Make sure you choose someone who has a office close to where you work or live since if you get involved with treatments there will be many morning appointments. The initial testing usually involves blood work, an internal sonogram, a SA (probaly will be repeated in your case), and a HSG. Depending on your test results, an initial line of treament could be IUI with or without a drug like Clomid. If that doesn't work, some women move on to injections with IUI. IVF is generally used for the most "severe" cases of infertility or when all else has failed.

Re: Would love any help/advice.

Hey there!!! As you know, I am in a similar situation that you are in so I know how you feel. I went for my first RE appointment a few weeks ago and it was definitely the right move. Initially, they did CD3 bloodwork and a sonogram. I am going for an HSG tomorrow - which checks your tubes. I also may have polyps in my uterus, so they are looking into that situation.

I also have started my first cycle of Clomid and will either be doing an IUI or timed BD this month.

It's definitely tough, but we are all here for you I also felt sooooo much better after I saw the RE and got the ball rolling!!!

Good luck and I hope your stay is short

Re: Would love any help/advice.

i just wanted to support your thread and give you my love...

i am in tears for you & hope and pray you get the answers you need.

Re: Would love any help/advice.

The ladies pretty much covered it. At my first RE visit, they did initial bloodwork on both DH and I. Then I had a HSG done and CD3 bloodwork.

Re: Would love any help/advice.

I agree with PP, maybe have your GYN/OBY send you for an HSG. That is actually how I started out. And it will move things along quicker b/c if you need to go to the RE you will save yourself about a month. This test can only be performed CD7-CD10. You can only make the appointment on CD1.

Also take the time and search this website to see which RE you'd like to go to. I guess it also depends on your insurance etc...

And I will say this again. Many women get a BFP after the HSG (I did, though it ended in m/c, but that was most likely due to my age and chromosomal issues).


Good luck.