TTC#1 advice

Posted by Northern Angel (86 days ago)

Hi I’m looking for some advice me and my husband have been TTC#1 since July 07 and are starting to think about testing. I’ve received the Ob/Gyn list from the member Wishing and Hoping which is a great help.

However I’m wondering if we are just going to start with a sperm count and blood work for me would it be easier and cheaper if we go to our regular Dr? Or do you think we’d be better off going to an Ob/Gyn straight away?

I have been BBT charting and using OPk’s so I know I’m ovulating. Our insurance won’t pay for much so didn’t know if it would be a waste to see an Ob/Gyn for relatively straight forward initial tests?

Anyone who has had experience of this I would appreciate your advice.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

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Posted by lpperry (86 days ago)

I would definitely go to your regular doctor for the basic tests - then you will know if you can rule out Male Factor issues (which can be quite common) before going on to more invasive tests. I know a lot of people who took more than 12 months to conceive naturally so it could still happen but I wouldn't wait to investigate. If there is a problem, it's best to move on to the right treatment because as I am sure you know, trying unsuccessfully each month and getting more and more anxious takes its toll on you both. It can be scary to do the tests (especially for hubbies) but it is what it is...best to know.... Best of luck.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by 788 (86 days ago)

I didn't think there was a great price difference between regular dr. or an ob/gyn for the tests. Better to call them and ask them. You would go to an ob/gyn in any case for all your scans/ tests. Blood work doesn't tell you much about where the problem might lie, that is ofcourse if there is any problem.

I agree about the male factor issues. Better to get it tested right away. It can be done by anyone. We wasted time with IUI's unnecessarily. With the sperm count it is sperm motility and morphology that are as critical, sometimes even more so.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by 788 (85 days ago)

NA, I just remembered I had mentioned Toni Weschler's book (Taking charge of Fertility) on another thread. I really think its worth checking it out. I knew when I was ovulating with OPK. I only realized later that our timing was never quite right. Understanding your CM was something I never knew about and I have started believing it was more accurate than opk's for us.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Northern Angel (84 days ago)

Ipperry and 788 thank you to you both for your advice. 788 thanks for the recommendation I have 'Taking charge of your fertility' definitely worth a read.

I think we'll get my husband tested at our Dr soon and see where we go from his results.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Ed (82 days ago)

test

(I am based in Hong Kong)