Reproductive Endocrinologist: What To Expect From Your Visit
If you are going to an reproductive endocrinologist to find out why you are having trouble getting pregnant, you are probably wondering what to expect. And even if you are in the middle of seeing one, you may still be wondering where all the tests are going. Well, it is different for everyone, but here is an example of an average series of appointments with a reproductive endocrinologist.
1) Scheduling the New Patient Appointment with the Reproductive Endocrinologist: This can take a long time to get in to the clinic, so don't put off scheduling it. If you can't get in soon enough, keep calling around different clinics, get on the will-call lists, try academic institutions, and call back... these appointments get cancelled when people get pregnant waiting for the appointment.
2) First Appointment: Bring your husband or partner if they are able to join you. You will probably have a lot of information to fill out ahead of time. Bring in what information you have about your cycles, etc. Ask your parents and siblings about family medical history and their pregnancy history. Don't expect an answer at this appointment. They will come up with a plan to approach and figure out what is wrong.
3) Next Step: Lots of labs which usually include TSH, progesterone at different days in your cycle, Basic Chem Panel; FSH; LH; Prolactin, Bio Available Testosterone, and plasma estradial. There are some that must be on day 3 of your cycle and others that have to be different days depending on when you ovulate. There are lots of other labs that may be ordered, in particular if you may have polycystic ovary disease.
4) Ultrasound: Yes, they do mean vaginal ultrasound even though they may not say that. It is not bad though, not as bad as a pap smear. You have to come in soon before ovulation so they can see if the follicle has formed appropriately. Then you come back and they can see how the endometrium is preparing for possible pregnancy.
5) Don't be surprised if they ask you to stop trying to get pregnant for a month. Or tell you if you do get pregnant, you may be at high risk of miscarriage.
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