DH and I have been TTC for 2 years now, and have been discussing doing fertility treatments. I have a few questions for those who've "been there, done that".

1. Is there anything I should be doing prior to making a fertility appointment? Tracking or charting my cycles or something?

2. What testing should be done (with either myself or DH) prior to going to a fertility dr? I have had testing done to rule out hyperthyroidism, abnormal/non-existent ovulation, and irregular hormonal activity. Are there any more tests I should ask for through my obgyn? Any tests DH should have done?

3. What did you do to TTC before you finally went to the fertility doctor? I've read about putting hips up in the air after sex (which I did a few times TTC with DS, actually - don't know if that's what did it..?) or taking Robitussin to thin out the cervical mucous. there's BBT thermometers (which I should probably get one of those) and ovulation predictors. What did you all do before finally making the fertility dr appt?

Thanks so much -- I really appreciate it all!!

__________________
~~Amanda~~ Mommy to one Little Man (3 1/2 yrs old), TTC #2

WE'RE ADOPTING!!!
http://daughterinthedistance.blogspot.com/

I've never done fertility treatments, but I can tell you that elevating my bottom (on a pillow) for about 30 minutes after doing the deed worked three times. I would also suggest that you start charting your cycles (check out mymonthlycycles.com) and that you consider charting your temperature and checking your cervical mucous - it can be a really good guide to when you're ovulating. You may also want to consider checking Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler out from the library. It's mainly geared towards natural family planning (I think) but the concept is the same and the goal is to get to know your body better (I keep meaning to read it, but haven't gotten around to it yet ). The bottom line is no matter what course you end up taking (achieving pregnancy with or without medical intervention), getting to know your body and your cycle is a good thing. I wish you the best of luck!

__________________
Stephanie
Mom to: Caleb (8-27-2003), Ian (9-28-2005), & Baby Boy #3 (EDD 11-9-2008)

Amanda - I just posted about my first fertility appointment. Not sure if you saw it or not. Hopefully that helps shed some light on the process! (Or at least what my Dr's doing for us)

Also, there's a great website that I HIGHLY recommend you checking out: Early Pregnancy Symptoms & The Best TTC Community Online Those ladies could all be OB/GYNs I swear!!!

Baby dust to you!!

__________________


Mommy to Dakota, Wife to James
Proud Air Force Family

1. Have hubby go to the urologist to see what his sperm count is.
2. Go to your ob/gyn and have him put you on clomid for a cycle and then start artificial insemination for another 2 cycles as long as hubby's sperm count is OK. Your Dr. will check your hormone levels.
3. If that does not work, go to the fertility center.

This will save thousands in medical bills

Your ob/gyn should be able to do initial testing for you. Make a ttc appointment. The doc should ask what you've done as far as charting, etc, and then order bloodwork and possibly other tests. Make sure dh has a semen analysis, also.
Depending on the results, your ob/gyn might have some options for you. Otherwise, you will probably be referred to an RE.

__________________
~Jeweled