How do I refuse a diagnostic test when I feel like its just procedure?

I had a m/c last  august and started to see an  RE recently.   I had an HSG and was found to have blocked tubes.  My FSH is 12. She said this is fine.  I think it's high.  Now she wants my husband to go for sperm analysis.  He doesn't want to and feels since I did get pregnant he shouldn't.  They won't move forward with any other testing for me until he gets this test.  Because my FSH is so high I would like to at least get this tested again. ( Has anyone done the clomid challenge test?) If  someone could lend advice on how to approach this I would be greatful!! Thank You    

[wanting4#1]

First, I am sorry for your loss!  The frustration of all of this 'other stuff' is not fair, is it?  I completely understand your concern, as well as your husband's.   I do think that there is a great deal of value to a SA - there are a number of women who go through months of testing, only to find that the 'problem' was the sperm quality, motility or amount.

However, in your situation, I think that I would want some additional opinions before getting more tests done - it seems that a 'problem' has been found and would want to address that before moving on to more analysis.  I have not heard of anyone thinking that an FSH of 12 is 'fine' - that would bother me a great deal, to be honest!  It might be a good idea to get a second opinion.  Also, what are they going to do to address the blocked tubes?

Also, I guess it would depend on how aggressive you want to be in your TTC process.  For me, I wanted to know ALL of our 'problems' and deal with them all at the same time to give us the best chance.  Unfortunately, my situation was quite the opposite of yours.  My RE did no testing until the Clomid didn't work for a few months, then it was one test and more trying, another test and more trying.  I do recall, though, that the SA was one of the FIRST tests that was done (maybe because it's so easy to do and rule out quickly??)

I am now with an OB/GYN ttc naturally.  I feel more optimistic than I have ever felt with the artificial methods.

HTH and the best of luck to you!

[tina1111]

Most drs won't go further into testing until a s/a is done. It is usually one of the 1st tests performed. Even though you have 2 obvious problems, there could very well be a 3rd. It is always best to have the most informed diagnosis before proceeding.

FSH does fluctuate, but 12 is still "borderline" at best. You many want to seek a 2nd opinion. The blocked tubes certainly need addressing. But, if you did conceive, an egg got through. So both cannot be blocked completely.

[tina1111]

Just another thought. My insurance would not cover any tests until dh had the s/a done. Maybe your insurance requires it, too?

[leighanne143]

that's funny because my RE made me and hubby get bloodwork but because i was able to get pregnant 2 times they did not have his run a sperm sample.

I do not understand why they are just not unblocking your tubes ASAP since that is very important.  have you spoken directly to the doctor of just the nurses?

[sjm72]

Thanks for your input.  My tubes were unblocked during the HSG.  I am positive about that however I think I am most bothered by the RE not wanting to move a little faster on things when my FSH is 12.  I became even more anxious and feel more of a sense of urgency  when I found that out!   From what I read the rate of  m/c increases when FSh is higher. Sometimes I wonder if I should be even trying anymore because of it.   I have appt. on Thurs. so If you think of any tests I could request let me know!  My thyroid is also off but since it's in range of normal 3.27 she also didn't question that even though last year it was a 1.23.  It is all so confusing           Thank You so much again I"m sending  Many well wishes to you on your ttc journey! Sara

[sjm72]

Thank You  The HSG fixed the tube problem for now.  I'm glad you said that about the second opinion because I feel that maybe I should even though I just started seeing her. ( my husband thinks that's crazy but I just don't want to be wasting my time or hers for that matter)   My luteal phase is short even with Progesterone supplements (100mg) and to me it doesn't even look like I'm ovulating but fertility friend says I am so that gave me some hope!   I feel like I have almost every problem in the book!  Thanks so much for your help!  If you think of any tests I should request let me know.  I was wondering about the 3 day clomid challenge test but I asked before and noone seemed to have any input on it?!   Much luck and many well wishes to you Sara  

[sjm72]

Thank You.  My husband would do blood work.  Do you know what they look for?  I  go tomorrow to the RE.  Sara

[rene67]

We had this problem once too.  After my 2nd m/c, OB referred me to RE but RE would not let me book an appt unless husband did sperm analysis.  And my insurance would not authorize it without one.

It was only after 3 m/c that no sperm analysis was required.  RE office saw me right away and started the workup, plus the insurance authorized it.

With 1 m/c your DH may need to do the SA if you want further testing.  But maybe check with another provider, say a private clinic.  They may be willing to see you on a self-pay basis.

Your right the FSH is elevated, but it is still borderline.  It certainly means you shouldn't waste time, but not sure you need to be frantic just yet.  I am truly sorry for your m/c, I know how devastating and frustrating it can be.  But "just" 1 does not increase your chances of another, so you still have a very good chance of success on your own.

[sjm72]

Thank You.  I feel awful for you though.  I'm sure you know how I feel.  I just don't want to continue trying if my eggs are'nt good because of the threat of m/c.  Some of the ladies are so strong on this sight.  I just don't think I have it in me and yet it's all I can think about.    Thanks so much again for the words of encouragement!  Many well wishes!! Sara      

[rene67]

Thanks for your concern.  It isn't something I'd ever wish on anyone, such a frustrating and heartbreaking experience.  My m/c's were likely due to poor quality eggs (first preg I was 38, now 41).  Because I've gotten pregnant and have no other obvious issues, my RE has no real advice for me except keep trying.  I am taking meds and may do IUI soon, but mainly because my RE thinks I need to get pregnant again ASAP.  

Try to keep your hopes up, you still have a very good chance of conceiving again and carrying a child.  My 38 yo sis is now 20 wks preg w/her 2nd child. She had a m/c just before, so I know it can turn out OK.  It may seem you don't have it in you, but you'd be suprised.  If you want a child, you're going to have to keep trying.  There is no way to know what will happen, but a happy ending may be just around the corner.  If you give up now, you may regret it down the road.  

Good luck at the RE's office tommorrow, I hope all goes well for you.

[wanting4#1]

Hi! I just re-read one of your replies and had to respond!  If your TSH is at 3.27, it could be difficult to impossible to achieve or maintain a pregnancy according to my OB/GYN and acupuncturist. My level was at 2.7, but after doing a thyroid symptom checklist and a body temperature analysis, it was determined that I have subclinical hypothryoidism.  If I hadn't pushed to have further analysis, no doctor would have ever treated my "normal" thyroid levels.  I have been on Armour Thyroid for a couple of months, my levels are dropping (last test they were at 1.75) and it turned out that my DHEA hormone was too low, so I had to start DHEA everyday.

I don't know EXACTLY how they work, but the thryoid, adrenal glands, cortisol and DHEA all are connected and can SERIOUSLY affect your chances of a successful pregnancy!