GP, OB GYN or Fertility Dr. if insurance covers nothing?

[honeysuckle.]

Hi Ladies,
My insurance basically covers nothing fertility wise. Would it be smarter to do my tests with my GP or go to a fertility specialist?
Cheers,
H.Suckle

 

[lilmama6]

I would start at my OB for the bloods and what not and then go from there

 

[SabrinaKat]

We went to GP first as tests are less expensive to begin with (and she found PCOS and underactive thyroid), the ob/gyn for general check-up/scans down there and finally, met with a fertility specialist/pre-IVF team (so did the more expensive tests through them)...I actually fell pregnant naturally the month we were supposed to start IVF and I think knowing that everything else was ok with me and my body, helped me to relax (a little, not much)!

best wishes

 

[velo]

If you are regular and appear to be ovulating (do you chart?) I would have your partner go to the GP first for a semen analysis (SA). Probably the cheapest route is to start with your GP and go from there, and if you have issues with your cycle can probably provide the best starting point. So far we have done: SA, day 21 progesterone test, HSG - in that order. The HSG was done by a ob/gyn, and tells whether your uterus is normal and your tubes are open or blocked. I felt the day 21 pg test was unnecessary as I had been charting so knew I was ovulating - or knew as well as the pg test would tell anyway - but fertility testing is covered where I am so I humored the doctor.

 

[honeysuckle.]

Thanks so much for your advice. I went about six months ago (was married in June) and said that I was going to try and she suggested pre-natals vitamins and told me to "have fun trying to get pregnant" (ugh) and come back in six months and not to get all anxious about it. I just starting temping this last month and did OPKs (ovulation success!). I know that knowledge is power. Appreciate you all responding!