new to this forum

[Anonymous]

Hi

I am new to this forum and feeling a bit overwhelmed as I read through and try to decode all
the the TTC lingo! I am 39 and have gotten pregnant naturally before. Been trying for over a year
for baby #2......with no luck. After meeting with my OB/GYN we have now decided to go the next route.
I am just started to research which doctors/clinics to go to. I live in Bethesda and would prefer something
closer to home...as I have a preschooler at home with me. Any advice for a newbie on how to begin this whole
process? Books? Websites? anything??? Should I go to a few places and "interview" doctors? or just make a choice
and go for it?

Thankful for any input and knowledge you can share!

[Anonymous]

usually when you go to an RE they will do some testing on you, blood work, ultrasound, semen analysis for husband and xray.

once you do that, then get your records (always a good idea that i have learned throughout this process), and then you can consult w/ other doctors. they just may not know much until you do the testing.

resolve.org is a good website; fertility forum is also good.
i have read "the infertility survival handbook" (elizaeth swire falker), but that is good once you have sort of been through some processes or once you know what is wrong. but it may be good to look at - has a great index in the back with websites, and questions to ask an re during initial consults.

good luck!

[Anonymous]

I'd recommend "Navigating the Land of If." It's a great IF primer. I wish I read it when I first started seeing an RE. Good luck!!

[Anonymous]

stay away from this forum and you may have some hope of getting good advice.

[Anonymous]

I would definitely research the REs (including using SART and CDC statistics), narrow down a list you think you might like to work with, and interview 2-3.

On day 3 of your cycle, you need to have your bloodwork done (looking at FSH and estrogen, called estrodiol), plus your ovarian volume checked and your follicles counted (via ultrasound). This will give you a decent idea of your ovarian reserve, which may be your issue. If your follicle count is below 10 and your FSH is about 8 or 9 (with normal estrogen levels), that may indicate reduced ovarian reserve. If your follicle count is really high, like 20, and you are overweight or have other symptoms, you may have PCOS, which is different diagnosis requiring different treatment. Other possible issues would be endometriosis, scaring from a c-section, low sperm count, or (less likely) blocked tubes. I would expect an RE would take your history to look at any of these possibilities.