Fertility Clinic

So I have my first appointment with my Fertility Clinic on June 9th. I have to pay for the whole thing so.... I was wondering what I should expect, and What questions should I ask? Sometimes I freeze like a deer caught in the headlights at a Dr.s appointment :) Advice anyone :)

[mommyof3andhopefully4]

Well, start off by just listening...he will ask your when your last period was, how long you have been trying.  I know my RE started out by scheduling DH for a seman analysis, but that is because we were married last June and I have children from a previous marriage, so we were thinking he was the one with issues since he has no children.  Well, he was fine, so he then scheduled me for an HSG.  This is a dye test where they check to see if you have any blocked tubes, I did not, but here we are four months later and almost five months later with BFN's.  Ask him if he is going to check your ovarian reserve (this checks to see how many eggs you have in your reserve) also see if he is going to do blood work to check your thyroid and prolactin.  The ovarian reserve test is called the FSH test (follicle stimulating hormone) and is done on day 3 of your cycle.  Then there is a test on day 17 which I think is the progesterone to make sure you are ovulating.

Good luck and I hope this helped a little.  I am not a pro at it, but if I keep going at this rate I will be!

Heather

[candie429]

I agree with Heather.  I'm sure the doctor will want to start out with the basic tests - FSH, TSH(thyroid), and Prolactin on day 3 of your cycle as well as possibly a progesterone test done 7 days past ovulation to see if you are ovulating and if your level is adequate.  They will also want to have your husband have a semen analysis.  I think all our guys are a little embarassed by this, but at least it's fairly simple.  The HSG (hystersalpingogram) is also another basic test where they inject dye up through your cervix and then do x-rays to see if the dye is going all the way through your uterus, tubes, etc.  It sounds bad, but you'll probably just have some cramping and that's it.  I'm not sure what your specific history is, but if you've had specific problems/concerns, I would definitely make a list of anything you want to ask about.  I'm the same way, I think of all these things I want to know, but then I get nervous and forget.  I've learned that it's best to find out as much as you can and not be afraid to ask questions.  I'm sure the doctor will also talk to you about possible treatment options, but that will all depend on the outcome of your tests.  I wish you all the best!

[kaprovea]

I think that if you are afraid of freezing and not remembering all of the questions that you want to ask then write them down.  Its good to have a list so you don't forget anything you want ask with all the information that the doctor will be asking you for and telling you about.

[hutchette81]

Great ideas. I think I will bring a list for sure. We have been TTC for just over 2 years, so I have had alot of testing done. I am hoping that they will be able to get on with the plan :) I have not had the ovarian reserve done though, so maybe that would be a good thing too.