Opinions Please

I went to a new obgyn yesterday for my yearly exam and to talk about getting pregnant. We have been trying since July, I know not that long, but I've always had long and irregular cycles so I wanted to speak with her about getting tested for PCOS and just to see if I had an issue.

I don't think this doctor meant to upset me, but she actually laughed at me and made fun of the fact that I was concerned about TTC since it's not been a year yet and I'm only 30 years old.

She also said that all of irregularities are due to my weight and I should def drop at least 10-15 pounds before getting pregnant because I would be at a MUCH higher risk for miscarriage and other problems while pregnant.

She didn't tell me anything I don't already know but just her attitude was horrible and I sat there crying in her office, something that has NEVER happened to me before.

I guess my question is, do you think she is right? I have been overweight my whole life, I've been thinner than I am now and still have had issues with my cycle.

Should I see someone else for just a consult or go to a specialist even though I don't know if I have PCOS or something else? She said even a RE would not see me now until I lost a little weight.

Ugh so upset and frustrated. Any thoughts and opinions would be great and if anyone can recommend another doctor, I would appreciate it just in case I decide to switch.

Thanks! Sorry for my novel! :)

Re: Opinions Please

What she said to you was just awful.

Some specialists or even OBG's won't start fertility treatments until after a year of TTC. However, they can run tests to figure out if there are any problems, especially testing for PCOS. If this doctor does not seem to interested, I would go somewhere else and ask if they can start testing to be sure everything is ok.

Weight can contribute to some infertility issues, but it is not always a reason. PCOS can cause wieght gain. I used to weigh around 105 in college, and it was a struggle to maintain that weight, if not I would drop to under 100, and looked awful. But as soon as I hit 24, my body changed dramatically and I started to nitce the amount of weight I was gaining. I went for my annual and my doc noticed as well and in talking about how my cycles are very irregular now, she tested for PCOS and found out I had a mild case.

I hope this helps, although honestly, I feel like I was just rambling. Good luck!

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I would go directly to an RE and run tests to find out if there is an issue. You will find an answer a lot faster this way, instead of going to a different OBGYN to do testing and then have everything sent over to an RE if need be. I think she is very insensitive and I would be very pizzed if I were you. Some of the things she told you are totally inaccurate. An RE WILL see you if you are overweight and being 30 is not THAT young. Female fertility peaks at 24 and then gradually starts declining. You shouldn't let people like her get in your way of success.

Good Luck!

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She was rude! Yes, losing weight can help if you have PSOC, but just because you are overweight, doesn't mean you can't conceive. My bff was around 400 lbs when she got pregnant with her first and wasn't even trying. But a RE wont tell you they wont treat you b/c you are overweight. That's insane. My Dr. did tell me that the average age of women he sees who are TTC are 27-33 so you aren't at high risk with age or anything at just 30.

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She sounds like a total nightmare! I'm so sorry you had that experience. Go to a RE. If you find out nothing is wrong, that'll be great. It is better to have peace of mind and someone that will treat you with respect.

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No only was that rude and completely unprofessional, but she was completely off base by telling you that an RE won't see you until you lose weight


Yes, losing a few pounds can often "help" when trying to concieve but in no way is that the be all end all of solving the problems of all conception related issues !

I myself have a mild case of PCOS and conceived both my DS, DD and baby on the way with the help of an RE...I always knew there was something going on because I had very irregular infrequent cycles (sometimes skipping months at a time)

There is no cardinal rule that you must wait a year at age 30, especially given the fact that you have irregular cycles...I personally would not wait and would at least go for a consult to get some preliminary testing done on both yourself and your DH...

There are many facets to infertility- do not let her get you down !!!

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OMG she sounds like a TOTAL moron!! Its amazing the bedside manner of some ob/gyn.. esp. female ob/gyn…
Anyway no matter how much you weigh, I cant see 10-15lbs changing your cycle drastically. An RE will ABSOLUTELY see you. That is absolutely ridiculous for her to say that no RE would see you. An RE might recommend that you lose weight, but many will see you and do the appropriate testing. If I were you I would go right to an RE now and not waste any time with doctors that are going to make you feel bad!! An RE’s ONLY job is to get you pregnant, so that’s what I would do if I were you!!
sorry... doctors like this just make me absolutely furious!!!!!!

Message edited 1/18/2011 3:19:49 PM.

Re: Opinions Please

Thank you all so much! I completely agree and knew it couldn't only be me that thought she was very very wrong!! I plan on going to see a RE. Do you however need a referral from your OB or does it depend on insurance? Can anyone recommend someone?

Thanks again!! :)

Message edited 1/18/2011 3:36:04 PM.

Re: Opinions Please

With "my" insurance you need a referral from your pcp, not the gyn...

All insurances are different though so I would give a call and see who if anyone needs to give you the referral....

There are lots of great RE's out there, I will bump a thread I created a while back where you can see some success stories and what the posters backstories are maybe to help get you started

I think you are making a wise decision-Good Luck

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Being overweight is a symptom of the PCOS and is not the cause of anything except ovulation issues. And those can be overcome (sometimes weightloss won't even help on it's own.)
However, you should know there ARE RE's out there that will not treat you if you are very overweight or may limit the treatments they offer you. I won't say who to avoid (FM me if you like to know) but I will say Dr. Braverman will not turn you away!GL!!

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i agree with what all the girls here are saying. your doctor sounds really insensitive! i don't understand why some obgyn's make their patients feel so badly about TTC issues!!!

i am VERY overweight (waaayyyyy more than 10-15 pounds) and i'm currently seeing dr. braverman. so far he hasn't mentioned one thing about my weight. i am almost 35 and want 2 or 3 kids so in my head the clock is ticking. yes, i'm sure it would be good to take off some weight, but i don't really have the time to spare.

i think you should definitely go see an RE. it's worth getting tested and seeing what they come up with. plus, from my experience so far with braverman, the care that you get at an RE far exceeds what any obgyn office will do for you. GL!!