need OB (or RE?) in Fairfax County or NWDC

[Anonymous]

We have been TTC for 5 months with no success. Not terribly long, but time is of the essence -- I turn 39 next month. I'd like to have bloodwork done so we at least know what issues we're dealing with. (I figure I'll have 6 months TTC under my belt by the time I get in to see a doctor; I think that's all they require for my age?)

Forgive my ignorance, but I don't know if I should go to an OB or straight to an RE/fertility doc for testing/treatment. Given my age, I want a doctor who will be proactive, accessible, and positive when dealing with "older" moms.

I loved my previous OB but haven't been to see him since we moved 5 yrs ago & haven't really needed an OB/GYN; I've just been getting an annual Pap smear from my GP. (I'm not asking my GP for an OB referral b/c I can't stand her!)

Any suggestions are appreciated!!

[Anonymous]

I love my OB practice...Fair Ridge OB/GYN in Fairfax (Drs. Hodges, Shin and Zaita). I go to Dr. Shin, she is very cool-headed, funny and pleasant, really knows her stuff and is easy to have a nice patient/dr relationship with. I can't wait for her to deliver my baby!

My husband and I only TTC for 3 months before consulting an RE. We just had a gut feeling something was wrong and boy am I glad we did not waste anytime because we found out that my husband has major issues with his swimmers (thankfully I am healthy) so we are persuing IVF with donor sperm. My RE is Dr. John Gordon at Dominion Fertility in Arlington. I LOVE him and his practice. See Dr. Gordon, not DiMattina, because although I like Dr. D as well, he tends to rub people the wrong way and comes off a bit arrogant. Dr. Gordon I just can't say enough good things about. He has been a blessing for my husband and I.

We also saw Dr. Greenhouse at Shady Grove in Fairfax. Although I liked him personally, I was not thrilled with the lack of individual attention I received at Shady Grove where it felt more like a baby factory, so we switched to Dominion, where I am very happy. But many people on this board rave about Shady Grove and Dr. Greenhouse so I guess its a matter of preference/experience.

[Anonymous]

An OB can run the preliminary tests (Day 3 blood test for you, semen analysis for your DH), but since you don't have one I would go directly to an RE. You'll need to start by checking w/ your insurance about what coverage you have and whether you need a referral for a consult. Since your age will be one factor, I would look at the SART statistics for clinics in this area to see who has the best statistics for the 38-40 age group. I believe Shady Grove and Dominion are fairly similar, and I'm not sure anyone in the area has better stats (check Columbia Fertility as well). I was at Shady Grove and have consulted w/ Dr. Gordon. I'm not sure that Shady Grove's lab is any better than Dominion's, so take your pick based on what is easier for appointments.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks for the recommendations.

[Anonymous]

If I were you I'd immediately call Shady Grove. It could take months to get a consult. Also, they have very experienced billing staff who can help you navigate insurance issues so you don't have problems.

For an OB, I really like Georgetown.

[Anonymous]

OP again, thanks.

Is there a website or book you guys recommend where I can start educating myself a little more about the testing/treatment I might expect? I am pretty well-versed in BBT charting & my cycles seem normal/ovulatory, but it's the IF side of things I know nothing about. I know at my age there is a good chance of high FSH, diminished ovarian reserve, etc. (which is why I want to have bloodwork done) & I have no clue what would be recommended if that is the case.

Sorry but this is very unfamiliar territory for me & I appreciate all the advice!

[Anonymous]

I would go visit an RE as soon as you can. Make an appnt. for a consultantion. They will have to run mulitple tests, sonograms, and blood work on you and your husband. From the results of those test they may be able to give you a diagnosis of what's wrong or they may not--you may be unexplained.

There is hope though, even if you are unexplained. I was unexplained and have 2 daughters now.

I highly recommend Dominion Fertility in Arlington VA.
They have a website and facebook page. You can read and understand a great deal more on their website.
Dr. DiMatinna and Dr. Gordon. I was a patient of Dr. Gordon...he is fabulous. They have a great deal of experience, knowledge, success and are both authors in the field of infertility too. They are rated in Washingtonian's Top 50 doctors as well.

Good luck on your journey.

[Anonymous]

If you consult with Dr. Gordon, he'll give you a copy of their book. I think it is a good and balanced overview of the infertility treatment process.

[Anonymous]

Please don't wait another 6 months...that's what we did and I wish we hadn't. I would make and appointment with an RE and then find and OB/GYN.

We loved our experience at Domianian Fertility (Dr. Gordon and Dr. Dimatina). They are located just off of Rt 50 - close to DC. Remember when you are choosing and RE you may have to visit frequently so pick one you like but also one you can easily drive to without spending too much time in traffic.

Dr. Gordon's book is excellent. Here's their website: http://www.dominionfertility.com/site/index.aspx

I love my OB/GYNs - Drs Elliot and Sue Lashgari at Arlington Hospital (VA Hospital Center). Both are board certified, caring, and professional.

[Anonymous]

Definitley go straight to a RE. You can pick an OB/GYN once your pregnant For a practice in DC, check out Columbia Fertility, I have a friend in her 40s that goes to Dr. Sacks who is very open to treating "older" patients.

[Anonymous]

i have been to dominion and shady grove. saw dimattina at dominion and could not stand him. i am not the "touchy feely" type, but this guy is an ass and tells you that you "have to" pursue a certain procedure, whether or not your comfortable with it. my husband and i found him to be very demeaning and arrogant. he continually told me i was old (i was 38.5 years old - i know i was old trying to have a baby, but do you need to beat it into me?) we only did initial testing there, and then left before deciding to try on our own again.

two years later, we decided to try shady grove. went to the fair oaks office and met with dr. paulette brown. she is wonderful. i cannot say enough good things about her - she cares about her patients, she genuinely cares about what she does, and she is willing to meet you where you are. she will be honest with you about the challenges you will face, but she is also encouraging along the way. i highly, highly recommend her.

we are expecting our first baby as a result of our IUI.

[Anonymous]

OP here.

Thanks everyone! I am going to Shady Grove (Fair Oaks) in a couple of weeks for a consultation. I appreciate all the great advice!

[Anonymous]

Which doctor are you meeting with? We used that office and met and liked all of them. And they got us pregnant, so I am huge fan!

[Anonymous]

Dr. Browne. I read some positive comments about her elsewhere on this forum so I'm looking forward to meeting her!

[Anonymous]

I saw Dr. Browne several times- she saw me when I developed OHSS during IVF and she did my transfer-- I thought she was wonderful. I hope you have a great experience with her. My main doctor was Greenhouse and I loved him too! Of all the Sahdy Grove offices, I found Fair Oaks to be the most calming and least crowded. Good Luck!