I was so, so happy at my doctor office. My doctor and the nursing staff were the same staff that watched everything unfold with our daughter and they were so compassionate towards us about where we had been, where we were and where we were headed. However, there reached a point where I needed to see someone that knew more about fertility and the person that was available at that office just wasn’t my favorite. But here’s the amazing thing, you don’t have to stay with a doctor or office that you aren’t comfortable with!
I was not super thrilled when at a consultation, we were basically told that we are old and fat and need help to get pregnant ASAP. So, I made the switch from my regular OBGYN office to an office that specializes in Reproductive Medicine. In my first new patient consultation I received so much information and options, and I never felt old and fat. I felt hopeful and I didn’t feel rushed! The doctor that made me feel icky told me that a HSG was unnecessary because she knew my tubes were open because I had been pregnant before. This doctor didn’t like that answer and advised we do the HSG before making any decisions about our fertility route.
At the end of our consultation, they drew blood for my AMH levels, scheduled an AFC and HSG, and went over in detail all the finances off what we were up against – and exact costs of what things would cost if insurance kicked it back. I loved that they were so upfront so that there are no surprises and we could start planning for the finance side of things right away.
Anyone confused? AMH (Anti-Mullerian Hormone) is a blood test that serves as an indicator of ovarian reserve. HSG (Hysterosalpingogram) is a test where a dye is injected into the uterus and x-rays are taken. As the dye travels through the uterus it should also go through the Fallopian tubes, if they are open. An AFC is an ultrasound that looks at ovarian reserve and egg supply.
AMH levels: Came back looking positive.
AFC: Looked good as far as ovarian reserve but they thought they may have seen a polyp on my uterus so we needed to schedule a follow up office hysteroscopy so they could take a closer look at this.
HSG: I learned that one of my tubes is completely blocked. I would have never known this had I stuck with that icky doctor! This was a bummer to hear but also felt good to have some answers and our plan would just be adjusted accordingly. Side Note: This was very uncomfortable for me, I know there is mixed feedback on this but that was my experience. The good news is that it is very quick and the pain was only during and not after. Also, bring a liner because you will spot and I wasn’t told this before I showed up.
Follow up Office Hysteroscopy: They sent a scope up to look at my uterine cavity to make sure everything was healthy. There was no sign of a polyp and everything looked good!
With these results, here we are. Cycle Day 11 and officially in the cycle where we will hopefully be doing our first IUI!! (Squeal)!! We were planning to skip the ultrasound monitoring to save some money but now that we know that one of my tubes is blocked, I have an ultrasound tomorrow (CD12) to check out how my follicles are doing (with the help of Letrozole) and which side I am ovulating on. If I am ovulating on the right side (literally) then we will be able to go through with it, if not we will try again the next cycle. Fingers crossed! I am scared to death about the trigger shot and still unsure if we will do OPK’s (Ovulation Prediction Kits) or the trigger shot. For the first IUI, I may just have them do the trigger shot in the office at an additional cost because I don’t think I can do it myself and I’m way too much of a control freak to be able to stomach someone else doing it!
I welcome all (positive and relevant) advice as we head into this very nerve wracking and exciting part of our fertility journey! Stay tuned for a follow up on tomorrows appointment.