RE or OB for first fertility workup?

[Anonymous]

I am 37, with a 1.5 year old, and TTC#2. It's been 6 months w/ timed intercourse, charting, etc., and we haven't gotten pregnant, so I want to have a workup done (HSG, progesterone, prolactin, etc., tests). Should I go to my OB for the initial fertility workup, or is it better to go straight to a specialist / RE so as not to "waste time"?

[Anonymous]

Go straight to a specialist!!!!! I experienced secondary infertility when I was about 34. I didn't like the doc who delivered our oldest- not a good match for us. Two of the things I did like about her was she did a great job with a crazy emergency C-section with my older DC and when I went to her after 11 months of trying, she refered me to a specialist. Our specialist did the infertility workups every day and I felt was in a much better position to evaluate what was going on.

[Anonymous]

Go directly to a specialist -- no need to waste time with an OB. OBs can't (or shouldn't) treat infertility so you might as well start with an RE.

[Anonymous]

I agree with PPs, just go straight to an RE. Even if an OB would refer you for something like an HSG, many good REs like to do the HSG themselves because they can tell a lot about your tubes just from performing them. My OB group refers to REs anyway under these circumstances, they don't do initial stuff or give "trials" of clomid like I've heard others would do. Since your number one enemy may be time, I wouldn't waste any by going through an OB process when you can go straight to an RE. I don't want to make it sound like something is necessarily wrong or you need to be freaked out, I'm just saying I think that IF you are thinking of getting any work up, go straight to a good source.

[Anonymous]

RE -I wasted over a year with a dithering OB who told me nothing was wrong.

[Anonymous]

Thanks very much ladies. I just called SG to make an appointment with Dr. Widra, who was highly recommended by a friend. Appreciate the advice.

[Anonymous]

Dr Widra is a really nice guy and a good RE. You are in good hands!!!

[Anonymous]

He is great. I got pregnant on my second IVF cycle with him and I hope you find success as well!

[Anonymous]

good luck

[Anonymous]

I actually have to say the opposite with my experience - our OB has done a lot of of the fertility workup with us and thinks something is wrong but not sure what and sent us to an RE (a very highly recommended one on these boards too). The RE thinks nothing is wrong and thinks we should continue trying naturally at least for another while.

[Anonymous]

In my experience REs like to run their own tests. So if you go to the OB first they will likely just repeat all the tests at the RE's office.