What questions to ask - first visit to ob after long ttc

[Anonymous]

I am 37 and we are trying for second child. The first was conceived on 4th cycle of trying w/o any meds or assistance. I am wondering if my age is doing a number on my reproductive capabilities. I made an appt with my OBGYN. What questions should I be asking? Should I ask about IUI or ask for tests or just tell her why I came to her and let her tell me how to proceed?

Any guidance please? Thank you!

[Anonymous]

I'd just get some day 3 bloodwork done.
How long have you been trying for # 2 and how long since you delivered #1?

Are you charting or using OPKs?

OB's don't really do fertility stuff. If you've been trying for a long time, you would probably be better served by going to a fertility expert. Since you already have one child (if it was recent) then your tubes probably aren't blocked, and you most likely don't have male factor. RE's will have you go through a ton of bloodwork and testing before they will do anything for you.

Your OB might give you clomid, but IMO, it's not necessary if you are ovulating.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thank you for the reply PP. Yes I am charting, using opks, pre-seed. I am doing everything I did for my previous pregnancy. My cycles are clockwork. DC is 2 yrs old and we have been trying a year now.
For my insurance, I think OB is the first stop. I need OB to send me out to someone else.

[Anonymous]

OB's can help you with a short luteal phase, or some chemical pregnancies, by giving you progesterone supplements. If that's not your problem, I would ask for the blood work and a recommendation for an RE.

[Anonymous]

Another vote for going to an RE. If you need a referral from the OB, then that should be your question.

[Anonymous]

Go to the RE (Imo)

[Anonymous]

Ask for the RE referral and dont waste too much time with OB. the RE can also do more detailed testing on your husband and this is critical, things change and so can his sperm over time.

[Anonymous]

Ditto on just going to an RE. So maybe you need to ask the OB for a referral, or maybe not. But I'd skip the OB for actual treatment/advice.

[Anonymous]

Completely agree re: the RE. I'd also say to go ahead and make the initial consul with the RE - sometimes you can't get an appointment for a few weeks. By the time it rolls around you'll have the referral from your doc. I wouldn't waste too much time - there's lots that can be done to help, and you'll want to know what you're dealing with sooner than later.