Been TTC for 1 year, next steps?

[Anonymous]

Hello,
We have been TTC for 1 year. I am 34. I live in Northern Loudoun. We have Aetna so it looks like Shady Grove and Genetics and IVF institute are their preferred specialists. I also saw CCRM takes Aetna. What are my first steps? I usually do my well woman exam with my NP, but I have seen gunecologists in the past for normal visits. Do I make an appointment with a gynecologist first or go straight to a fertility clinic? How close should it be to where I live (Lovettsville) or work ( Leesburg)? The female doc at Shady Grove Frederick seems to have good reviews on google.
I just don't really understand where this whole process starts and I feel very overwhelmed and sad so I was hoping you all could help
Thanks

[Anonymous]

The process starts by making an appointment with shady grove at any location that’s convenient for you - if there is a doctor that seems to get good reviews go with her. They will run all the right tests and help you create a plan to love forward, your gyno at this point can’t do much - and I’ve found the tests the gunk runs are run at the wrong time or not complete, etc. just go see the specialist. The good news is your relatively young so you should be hopeful! Good luck

[Anonymous]

I would have the tests run at Shady Grove as a first step. That can take months.

[Anonymous]

Definitely see an RE to get your initial testing completed (often called cycle day 3 tests). I would recommend consulting with CCRM and any other clinics once you have the test results. You can compare possible plans of action and pricing.

Many fertility appointments once you are in treatment are early in the morning so a location near work can be helpful but I wouldn’t make it the defining issue for choosing a clinic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Definitely see an RE to get your initial testing completed (often called cycle day 3 tests). I would recommend consulting with CCRM and any other clinics once you have the test results. You can compare possible plans of action and pricing.

Many fertility appointments once you are in treatment are early in the morning so a location near work can be helpful but I wouldn’t make it the defining issue for choosing a clinic.

Agree with this.

[Anonymous]

You'll want to get initial bloodwork (checking for AMH, FSH, etc) scheduled with any of the clinics as soon as you can. Schedule initial consultations with a few clinics to be held once the bloodwork is back. (It may take a few weeks to get on their calendars, so I would try to get those scheduled quickly.) A gyn can do the bloodwork but the clinic will want to repeat it anyway.
The waiting can be hard. Good luck.