Anonymous
Post 12/23/2023 16:47     Subject: Fertility testing before TTC?
Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks all— didn’t even know REs were a thing— had to Google it! Making an appointment to get my IUD out after the holidays and then to see an RE. It’s been something we’ve planned on doing in June, but with the new info on being able to see an RE, don’t want to wait.


I just noticed you did not mention DH. It can be an uncomfortable conversation but an important one. He is on this journey with you.

Bring him in to get tested. Insist, if you have to.
Anonymous
Post 12/17/2023 16:22     Subject: Fertility testing before TTC?
YOu can't do preconception testing while on birth control. You need to be off it for the bloodwork. I suspect you have PCOS with periods like that. Just assume that you will need IVF. Also, get a new gyn. She sounds terrible.
Anonymous
Post 12/17/2023 16:12     Subject: Fertility testing before TTC?
*worried not worked
Anonymous
Post 12/17/2023 16:12     Subject: Fertility testing before TTC?
Chill is my best advice. I had IUDs (first copper then Mirena) for 15 years, no pregnancy scares in all that time, and very irregular periods AND delayed ovulation plus light periods plus short luteal phase…and I got pregnant second month trying. I worked for nothing. No way to know until you try. The signs mean nothing, I promise.
Anonymous
Post 12/17/2023 08:08     Subject: Fertility testing before TTC?
Once you get the IUD out, I highly recommend something like Inito to test your hormones and see if you can figure out your cycle. It’s a bit of $$ but I found it very helpful and it seems like you are curious.
Anonymous
Post 12/15/2023 08:18     Subject: Fertility testing before TTC?
You need a to speak to an RE. If you're not having regular periods, you're not ovulating regularly, which will make conceiving very hard.

You also need a new OBGYN. Your OB doesn't get to tell you that you're not allowed to remove your IUD. That's appalling to me. That decision is entirely yours. No doctor should be keeping you on contraception by force.
Anonymous
Post 12/14/2023 21:25     Subject: Fertility testing before TTC?
OP here. Thanks all— didn’t even know REs were a thing— had to Google it! Making an appointment to get my IUD out after the holidays and then to see an RE. It’s been something we’ve planned on doing in June, but with the new info on being able to see an RE, don’t want to wait.
Anonymous
Post 12/13/2023 19:33     Subject: Re:Fertility testing before TTC?
Anonymous wrote:Talk to a fertility specialist.

Your average gynecologist is not a fertility specialist. Rather, she is a generalist.

Not knocking gynecologists, just stating a truth.

Also, bring your husband in to get him tested ahead of time. Testing can save go. Lots of wasted time and heartbreak later.


+1. With your history it absolutely makes sense to consult a RE before TTC. I don’t think you even have to say “we tried 12 months with no luck”.
Anonymous
Post 12/13/2023 19:26     Subject: Re:Fertility testing before TTC?
Talk to a fertility specialist.

Your average gynecologist is not a fertility specialist. Rather, she is a generalist.

Not knocking gynecologists, just stating a truth.

Also, bring your husband in to get him tested ahead of time. Testing can save go. Lots of wasted time and heartbreak later.
Anonymous
Post 12/12/2023 23:03     Subject: Fertility testing before TTC?
You have no idea how resistant OBs are to doing testing and also treatment. Tell your OB to pull the IUD so you at least can start "counting" time for the RE appointment.

My OBs, yes multiple, would not run the basic fertility numbers and refused to treat my PCOS. I finally had to see a Chiropractor that specializes in hormonal issues to get treatment.
Anonymous
Post 12/12/2023 22:58     Subject: Fertility testing before TTC?
Anonymous wrote:Before getting my IUD 7 years ago, I had never, for the 10 years I’d had periods, had a regular period. It’d always last around 7 days, but in between I could go 2 months or 7 months. It was always different and unpredictable. 7 years ago, my gynecologist was finally like, “this is not good” and recommended the IUD. My husband and I are wanting to start TTC in the next 6-12 mos. I’m worried that we’re going to run into fertility issues because of my cycle. I’d like to have some type of testing done to know what we’re up against, but my obgyn wouldn’t even consider taking my IUD out until we were absolutely ready to start trying. Is there such a thing as pre-trying fertility testing? Has anyone else experienced something similar?


i did a preconception consultation at a RE-- in part because I had done egg freezing there years earlier and he was way more knowledgeable (and contradicted many things my regular OBGYN said). was glad to have it all in place when inevitable i needed fertility treatment (I have PCOS and sounds like you may too).
Anonymous
Post 12/12/2023 18:36     Subject: Fertility testing before TTC?
Before getting my IUD 7 years ago, I had never, for the 10 years I’d had periods, had a regular period. It’d always last around 7 days, but in between I could go 2 months or 7 months. It was always different and unpredictable. 7 years ago, my gynecologist was finally like, “this is not good” and recommended the IUD. My husband and I are wanting to start TTC in the next 6-12 mos. I’m worried that we’re going to run into fertility issues because of my cycle. I’d like to have some type of testing done to know what we’re up against, but my obgyn wouldn’t even consider taking my IUD out until we were absolutely ready to start trying. Is there such a thing as pre-trying fertility testing? Has anyone else experienced something similar?