OB/GYN Referred me to Fertility Specialist... :(

[ttc1stime]

Hi Ladies,

This is my first post here. I'm writing here because I don't know where else to turn because I'm just not feeling right with the way that things are turning out with our TTC journey.

My hubby and I have been TTCing for 1 year and 4 months now and nothing yet. We've tried using iPhone apps, LH strips, Pre Seed lube, the good old Legs in the Air trick and nothing has worked.

We've visited 2 different OB/GYN's because I have very painful cycles. I have suffered through almost every symptom that I have seen listed for endo. My mom had endometriosis and had to get a hysterectomy by my age (28) and i'm concerned and almost convinced now that I have it too. So far we've faced nothing more than frustration.

The first OB/GYN just gave me a pelvic exam to see if she notices any endo scar tissue... nothing.

The second doctor ordered an ultrasound (which came out normal) and prescription strength ibuprofen in order to cope with the pain and she told me to make an appointment with a fertility specialist.

From what i've learned the only way to truly diagnose endo is through a laparoscopy.

I'm concerned over the fact that they just refer me to a fertility specialist when it is very likely that I have endo... I'm really afraid of starting the fertility route because anything through them will only be covered at 50%. We're not quite prepared for huge bills when our issue with TTCing might be endo. The initial appointment alone is estimated to be around $500 and it only really includes an hour long chat with the Dr, blood work, and an ultrasound (which I already did).

I feel like if I would have never told the doctor that we were TTCing they might have done more to try to truly diagnose and or treat endo?

Is it right that my OB/GYN referred out out like that?!

Sorry for the long post...

 

[europa59]

A good fertility doctor should be able to do a laparoscopy, and should want one done before starting treatment if you've got symptoms of endo. Will your insurance cover that since it's diagnostic? If not, ask the RE to refer you to someone the insurance will cover for the lap.

I'm not surprised your OB/GYN referred you out. You're young enough and you've been trying for long enough that something is obviously going wrong and you need a full workup. The first doctor who told you to take pain meds was a cold-hearted idiot. We had to go through four different doctors to get my wife's severe PCOS properly diagnosed and treated because the first three (male, though not sure if that has anything to do with it) told her to take motrin and birth control.

Good luck, and welcome! This is a great forum.

 

[karenh]

I have signs of endo as well, debilitating period pain, but everything including lap turns up clear for endo. I was referred to an RE as well. All my symptoms are due to my bad PCOS. When under the care of the RE and medication to make me ovulate almost all my symptoms went away. It may be worth it to at least see what they have to say.

 

[MnGmakes3]

I agree with the above posters. The OB did a good thing getting you a referral, just make sure it's someone covered by insurance. Surely there's more than 1 in your area.

Good luck hun!

 

[Diddy2013]

I completely understand. I'm in a similar situation, met with a fertility specialist today. Pausing our attempts because the cost of treatment. I have 0% covered.

I think you should insist on the laparoscopy. With obgyn or fertility dr.

 

[karenh]

Oh, I forgot to mention, my infertility stuff is not covered at all, however, the RE can bill the lap so that it is not fertility related but heath reasons and it is covered like a normal specialist appointment. I would ask them about that.