What would you do if you were told this.....

sorry it's so long, I'm just unsure as to what to do.



My DH and I have been actively TTC-ing for 9 unsuccessful months (we had a m/c in 07 at 7 wks, and a chemical this past march), and just recently I went for blood work, and was told all my levels are normal. When I last spoke with my dr, he wanted me to go on BCP for 6 months, and then TTC naturally for another year before he wants me to see an RE. I told him that BCP wasn't a favorable option for us because we don't want to put off ttc-ing. I was then given Provera to bring on my pd, and I have an appt on Thursday.

What other options are there besides BCP? My dr said that I'm too young for any IF treatment, and I just need to give it time. I'm 25, and DH is 35, so waiting isn't something we want to do. I've been reading up on IUI's and from what I gather GHI covers them right? Also, do you think I should be getting a second opinion? DH wants to come with me to my next appointment because he's not to happy with the options we were given.

thanks ladies!

Re: What would you do if you were told this.....

I would just go see a RE. RE's specialize in getting people pregnant. It's their job!!!! Go to an expert! Even if your levels through blood work seem okay, there could be other issues that would be picked up by the testing that the RE does. Personally, I wouldn't wait.

Re: What would you do if you were told this.....

I disagree that you are too young to start IF treatments. It's a misconception that women who are YOUNG can't have fertility issues and I'm surprised a doctor would say that. I started fertility treatments at 25. I have PCOS and I wasn't ovulating. The fact that I was 25 was not going to make me ovulate.

I would def seek out a second opinion It seems GHI plans vary, but mine covers unlimited IUIs, 3 fresh IVFs and 3 FETs.

Good luck!! I def think if you want to be more proactive (which it seems you do!) you should seek out someone who will be willing to work with you. The age thing is a lot of BS, in my opinion.

Re: What would you do if you were told this.....

id get a second opinion for sure... it would depend on what "levels" were tested, whether id see an RE right away...

Re: What would you do if you were told this.....

You are not too young. I was 25 when I started everything and I am happy we did. My DH was 29 at the time and we found out he has unexplained Male infertility (very low sperm count). If we never went to RE and kept trying it would have been even harder for another year. Now I am pregnant with twins after IVF and I am 26.

Re: What would you do if you were told this.....

So you've already been trying for 9 months, and your dr is suggesting you try for another year before going to see an RE? that's not very reassuring.. doesn't matter what age you are.
And what would taking bcp for 6 months accomplish anyway??

IMO, i'd make an appt with an RE for your own peace of mind.
They will do a lot more testing than your regular gyno (do you know what sort of blood work you had done?) and be able to at least put you on some sort of regimented protocol where you're being monitored each cycle and potentially find any other problems that your other dr didn't find.
And honestly, you may not have any problems.. you may be one of the people who have unexplained IF, and it just takes you a lot longer to conceive. But at least you know you'll be monitored during your cycles and become a lot more informed about how your body works and what you respond to.

Ultimately, its your body and you and DH need to be comfortable with the dr you're seeing. I agree that getting a 2nd opinion can't hurt

good luck!

Re: What would you do if you were told this.....

Go with your gut!! See an re and the worst thing that can happen is they say nothing is wrong and best thing in a weird way is they can find something and treat it so you aren't left second guessing yourself!!! Gl

Re: What would you do if you were told this.....

I would go to the re. I started when I was 25 , age shouldn't matter when you are having issues. I don't understand the whole bcp seems like a waste of time to me. I had a mc in may and my ob said I should wait 6 months before going to the re, there was no way I was going to wait that long I'm back at my RE. A re knows how to get you pg its what they do all day long, they also will run a lot more tests than your standard bloodwork.

Re: What would you do if you were told this.....

thank you so much ladies for the reassurance. I was a little taken aback at first by his comments, and after talking to DH and now you girls, I'm going ahead with visiting a RE.

Have any recommendations within the GHI network?

Message edited 9/20/2011 3:25:47 PM.

Re: What would you do if you were told this.....

I think that's the best choice! Going to see a RE can't hurt. I find that even though ob/gyns are knowledgeable their focus is different from a RE and that's why the advice can be different.

I have GHI PPO and I go to LI IVF, I see Dr. Brenner and I really like him so far. The office staff is very organized and friendly. You should go onto the GHI website and search for REs in your network. Good Luck!

Re: What would you do if you were told this.....

Definitely visit the RE. I was 26 when we started actively trying to TTC...before then we were just throwing caution to the wind. Nothing happened. Turns out DH has issues. I would have your DH tested too. I would definitely go to an RE. They do all the testing there and are very helpful. Good Luck!

Re: What would you do if you were told this.....

Go to the RE! I started when I was 26, my DH is 30. Age is nothing. Sometimes REs are able to give more info then reg. drs.

Re: What would you do if you were told this.....

Go see an RE! If you want a solid case for it, try on your own the next 3 months and then see one, but I honestly don't think that's necessary.

In my experience, the average GYN is shockingly ignorant about IF.

Re: What would you do if you were told this.....

If I were you I would def go to an RE. My husband has great counts and all of my bloodwork and sonos came back good. We were given a diagnosis of unexplained IF. I didn't see an RE until I was 31 and we started trying when I was 30. I consulted with 3 doctors - and all 3 doctors told me my ssues were not age related and I most likely would of had the same issues in my 20's. I am currently 30 weeks pregnant through IVF. Good Luck!!!

Re: What would you do if you were told this.....

Posted by Otherme

So you've already been trying for 9 months, and your dr is suggesting you try for another year before going to see an RE? that's not very reassuring.. doesn't matter what age you are.
And what would taking bcp for 6 months accomplish anyway??

IMO, i'd make an appt with an RE for your own peace of mind.
They will do a lot more testing than your regular gyno (do you know what sort of blood work you had done?) and be able to at least put you on some sort of regimented protocol where you're being monitored each cycle and potentially find any other problems that your other dr didn't find.
And honestly, you may not have any problems.. you may be one of the people who have unexplained IF, and it just takes you a lot longer to conceive. But at least you know you'll be monitored during your cycles and become a lot more informed about how your body works and what you respond to.

Ultimately, its your body and you and DH need to be comfortable with the dr you're seeing. I agree that getting a 2nd opinion can't hurt

good luck!

Re: What would you do if you were told this.....

Re: What would you do if you were told this.....

I would def go to an RE. Insurance covers it so why not?? I went to ECF. They were great there. The staff was very nice and understanding. Good luck!

Re: What would you do if you were told this.....

I would definitely see an RE right away, and I'd probably be looking for a new OB in the process

Re: What would you do if you were told this.....

You are NOT too young for IVF or any fertility treatments for that matter. I think your dr is judging you a little bit. (and I'm not one to ever talk about drs.) At my fertility center we treat everyone who's looking for help and have had many patients who are 25 and under.
I also think that him wanting you to go on OCPs for 6mos is strange. If I were you, I'd be going for a second opinion and possibly switching drs. I think he needs to be a little less subjective.

Re: What would you do if you were told this.....

You know, now that I'm thinking.. I get the impression that your OB/GYN doesn't want you to get pregnant, or doesn't care This leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

Re: What would you do if you were told this.....

I agree with getting a second opinion!

Re: What would you do if you were told this.....

your all absolutely right, and I appreciate all of the supportive responses.

I'm calling my insurance company after my appt tomorrow morning to see what is specifically covered under our plan. I went through our benefits, and IF isn't mentioned- yet I read online the NYS is one of the 15 states that requires to cover or offer coverage for infertility diagnosis and treatment. So we'll see



Mind if I bother you all one more time??


I have a choice between seeing any of the following RE's...

ZAPANTIS GREGORY MD

ZINGER MICHAEL MD

BRENNER STEVEN H MD

DROESCH KATHLEEN E MD

KENIGSBERG DANIEL J MD


does anyone have any +/- feedback on any of them? I've seen the recent post about Dr. Brenner which is great, but haven't found much on the others.


thanks again ladies

Re: What would you do if you were told this.....

definitely see an re. there are a couple of big places on the island. I would call them and see who takes your ins.
I loved using reproductive services of NY

Re: What would you do if you were told this.....

Dr. Zapantis is a sweetheart!