Question about fertility testing

[cormama]

So it's been almost a year since AF returned with no luck ttc. DH and I, well more me, decided to start the testing process for fertility problems. I'm wondering how many appointments there might be (for co-pays), how long the testing might take (months?). I know nothing about the process. I have a physical appt on the 3rd with my OB's physician's assistant but nothing specific was discussed. Thanks for any input, I appreciate it

[l_Kimmie_l]

I would ask for a hormone panal to see why you are not conceiving. You should get it done on CD 3 and ask for -

Progesterone
Estrogen
Testosterone
Prolactin
DHEA
LH
FSH
Thyroid

[mama1980]

Request 7 DPO check of estradiol, P4 (progesterone). That is peak progesterone day within a cycle (to determine if you've had a strong ovulation/enough progesterone to support a pregnancy). Estradiol will be a marker for egg quality and amount in reserves. Additionally thyroid (both T3 and T4) are checked at this point. Good luck!

[cormama]

Thank you!

[amyltc]

Have you had your dh tested? That was the first thing my dr did.

[carriek38]

You have a couple of really good RE practices near you...I didn't do any testing until I started w/ the RE, just b/c my circumstances were a little different, but they did all my testing in 2 appts--the first was a long appt to meet the doctor, talks about insurance & finances, do a pelvic exam, & get extensive blood panels done. The second was for the HSG test. I could look up all the tests they did on my blood draw, but I don't remember off the top of my head. I know it included an HIV test, CMV status, Thyroid (I think T4 & TSH), AMH, Progestrone, Estradiol, HcG, & several other things, all of which are a bunch of letters & don't mean much to me unless I look it up.

[lynn97]

Originally Posted by amyltc Have you had your dh tested? That was the first thing my dr did.

This is what my OB recommended too. She said it was the cheapest and easiest test to start with. He will just have to provide a "sample" within their time constraints.

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[mama1980]

Originally Posted by lynn97 This is what my OB recommended too. She said it was the cheapest and easiest test to start with. He will just have to provide a "sample" within their time constraints. Sent from my iPhone using DS Forum

Right, but if there are symptoms of low progesterone (often the same symptoms as hypothyroidism as well as days of premenstrual spotting) that's a good place to start, especially if a pregnancy occurs.

[lynn97]

Originally Posted by mama1980 Right, but if there are symptoms of low progesterone (often the same symptoms as hypothyroidism as well as days of premenstrual spotting) that's a good place to start, especially if a pregnancy occurs.

she didn't mention any symptoms, just not getting pregnant.

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[cormama]

Thanks for the info ladies. They didn't mention seeing an RE yet so we'll see what happens next week. I have irregular periods and sharp ovarian pains during my periods, but no other symptoms of anything going on. Hopefully we can get it figured out!