Fertility Bloodwork: How Often?

[URMySunshine77]

Does anyone know how often we should have a fertility bloodwork panel? My last panel was probably eight months ago. I'm just wondering if I should get new bloodwork done while I'm getting a SIS and (hopefully) SA.

[wannabmama]

Hm I never thought about that, how often to do it. I would guess that since we are "AMA" and things can change relatively quickly a yearly re-do makes sense but have no real idea. Would be interested if you get an answer. What's SIS?

[luvmyponies]

My RE said my tests were all good for a year. I had CD 3 blood work done and an HSG. I never had an SIS, so I'm not sure about that one, but I'm guessing it's probably good for a year like an HSG.

[agpjt413]

URMySunshine77 - OB mentioned what luvmyponies' RE said: my tests were good for a year. GL Sunshine!!

wannabmama - I've never had an HSG or SIS done but hear they are similar. It's a Saline Infused Sonogram - several ladies on CAL have done this procedure. I know that one is less comfortable than the other but don't remember* which.

ETA: b/c *"remover" just doesn't make sense LOL!! #fatfingers

[wannabmama]

agpjt413 thanks! I googled after I asked but wasn't sure about it v HSG either. My doc wants me to get HSG this cycle (of course thanks to the timing of my cycle and the upcoming holiday weekend taking even more days out of the available times it looks like I'm going to miss my HSG window this month...boo hiss).

Eta: HSG window not FW...my FW starts my bday weekend so I better get some action, ha!!

[agpjt413]

Oh no re: missing your FW! Definitely keep us posted, wannabmama on how your HSG goes!! FX'd that all is clear!! (For your SIS as well URMySunshine77!!)

[URMySunshine77]

Thanks everyone! I asked for a HSG, but RE though the saline test would be appropriate. Evidently he is more interested in the topography of the area. He is going to send bubbles up there to identify any potential polyps.

[wannabmama]

URMySunshine77 that's interesting! All of these tests and such fascinate me and are totally new to me so I enjoy learning more about when and why docs recommend different ones! GL with it!

[URMySunshine77]

I did a little research, wannabmama, and a FemVue Sono HSG is what my doctor might be performing.

health.ucsd.edu/news/releases/Pages/2014-06-23-bubbles-reveal-fertility-problems.aspx

[wannabmama]

URMySunshine77 thanks! Science is so cool! I wish I had that available to me here...getting my iud placed was horribly painful and traumatic so I'm dreading the HSG so much and this sounds generally less painful. My doc promised me the HSG won't be like the iud but my body tenses up just thinking about that experience so I'm really not looking forward to it (though I'm glad we live in a time where we can get all this info)! Let me know how yours goes, it looks like mine won't be until next cycle.

[mom2boxers]

URMySunshine77 - Sounds like a less painful experience than the traditional test the doc discusses. Good luck!

[URMySunshine77]

May 15, 2015 13:03:31 GMT -5 wannabmama said:

URMySunshine77 thanks! Science is so cool! I wish I had that available to me here...getting my iud placed was horribly painful and traumatic so I'm dreading the HSG so much and this sounds generally less painful. My doc promised me the HSG won't be like the iud but my body tenses up just thinking about that experience so I'm really not looking forward to it (though I'm glad we live in a time where we can get all this info)! Let me know how yours goes, it looks like mine won't be until next cycle.

wannabmama, I had a copper IUD placed about ten years ago and I also found it so painful. I had to take one or two days off of work because I was cramping so horribly. I totally understand your fears. 

My OB suggested Mirena when I get BC again, but I am skeptical about hormones. What are you considering when you have to take it again in the future?

My RE isn't concerned at ALL about my tubes since I had a non-traumatic childbirth, but I still think it's prudent to look at them before I even considered Clomid. He saw a small uterine polyp in my last ultrasound, and I just want to make sure that the polyp or polyps aren't an issue.

[URMySunshine77]

May 15, 2015 13:05:52 GMT -5 mom2boxers said:

URMySunshine77 - Sounds like a less painful experience than the traditional test the doc discusses. Good luck!

Thanks mom2boxers! I just scheduled it for Thursday, so I will update everyone.

[mom2boxers]

URMySunshine77 - I think Paragard is the non-hormonal IUD. The copper in it is what keeps you from getting pregnant. I'm not sure what kind of adjustment & side effects you might experience though.

[URMySunshine77]

May 15, 2015 13:31:10 GMT -5 mom2boxers said:

URMySunshine77 - I think Paragard is the non-hormonal IUD. The copper in it is what keeps you from getting pregnant. I'm not sure what kind of adjustment & side effects you might experience though.

I had the Paragard the first time, and I did like it once my initial cramps subsided. My OB acted like I was crazy for wanting it again in the future. It was almost like she was getting paid by Mirena. 

I actually might get a new OB/Gyn because I haven't been very happy with my doctor or nurse practitioner during my TTC journey. 

[mom2boxers]

URMySunshine77 - I've always had pills so I've never thought about potential kick backs (although they probably have a pc name for them) that docs would get if it's something that has to be inserted in the office. It's DH's turn to visit the doctor if we're blessed with #2.

[URMySunshine77]

May 15, 2015 13:38:59 GMT -5 mom2boxers said:

URMySunshine77 - I've always had pills so I've never thought about potential kick backs (although they probably have a pc name for them) that docs would get if it's something that has to be inserted in the office. It's DH's turn to visit the doctor if we're blessed with #2.

Hey, I didn't think of it that way. Might be the same for us, actually.

[wannabmama]

I had the mirena. I guess I was happy with it after the initial horror. I was not one of the lucky ones who didn't get a period, in fact I had very light but very long ones a few times a year and then mostly more "normal" ones the rest of the year. I wasn't bothered by the hormones, I was on pills for years prior and had lots of issues (migraine related) so was on progesterone only (mini pill) for the last years and then to Mirena. The doc said the hormone level is so low it's not even detectable and when I got it out I immediately went to normal pre-BC cycles, so I'd get it again I guess (esp since I hear it's less traumatic a second time esp if you've had kids but I'm not sure I believe them...at least Id be prepared this time tho)!

[wirt2cute]

wannabmama +1 for the Mirena with no cycle. Once I got it out and my period came it was so weird buying products again.

URMySunshine77, Good luck on Tuesday. That test sounds so interesting especially with the bubbles.

[wannabmama]

Yaay my doc found a way to fit in my HSG on Monday. I was bummed about waiting a while 'nother cycle. AF better freaking cooperate and hit the road before Monday...for once in her life I hope she's not an arse!
Now I can start being nervous about it, ha.

[URMySunshine77]

May 15, 2015 15:08:42 GMT -5 wannabmama said:

Yaay my doc found a way to fit in my HSG on Monday. I was bummed about waiting a while 'nother cycle. AF better freaking cooperate and hit the road before Monday...for once in her life I hope she's not an arse!
Now I can start being nervous about it, ha.

How was your HSG, wannabmama? Did you find it painful? 

[wannabmama]

URMySunshine77, I had pretty severe cramping. I must be a big baby because it was pretty bad. Luckily, it's over quickly and I was fine after.

Makes me scared about actually labor bc I'm clearly a big wimp!

But the doc went over everything and all looked good and so far my blood work from cd3 looks mostly good/normal, so it's worth the suffering for some piece of mind I guess (I fainted after the blood draw and then was crazy nauseous for a few hours...yeah...tough girl here

[mom2boxers]

wannabmama - that's what epidurals are for.

Glad everything is looking good so far.

[wannabmama]

mom2boxers ha yes I have no illusions of doing any kind of "natural birth" stuff...crazy respect for anyone who does but it's definitely not for me!!

[vh2014]

wannabmama, URMySunshine77, wirt2cute,I had Mirena for 10 years. Cramping with the first one and then the replacement hurt to come out but was fine going in. I was one of the ones with no AF. LOVED it.... then switched to Nuvaring before our wedding once I found a dress that wouldn't work if we were KTFU. I blame the Nuvaring for my current issues because I was all over the place with it. Spotting inbetween missing cycles...

They have some kind of new 3 year thing that is smaller, I think it's designed for those who haven't had kids. If we get a BFP I think we are just going to let nature take its course after this experience until we are absolutely sure we are done.

URMySunshine77, Glad you brought this up. I want to have all my tests redone after the Acupuncturist is done with me and wondered the same thing. I was told they normally do 2 FSH tests so I am just waiting on that one until things get back to normal. Good luck with your test! (and you too wannabmama )

[wirt2cute]

May 19, 2015 8:24:55 GMT -5 vh2014 said:

wannabmama, URMySunshine77, wirt2cute,I had Mirena for 10 years. Cramping with the first one and then the replacement hurt to come out but was fine going in. I was one of the ones with no AF. LOVED it.... then switched to Nuvaring before our wedding once I found a dress that wouldn't work if we were KTFU. I blame the Nuvaring for my current issues because I was all over the place with it. Spotting inbetween missing cycles...

They have some kind of new 3 year thing that is smaller, I think it's designed for those who haven't had kids. If we get a BFP I think we are just going to let nature take its course after this experience until we are absolutely sure we are done.

URMySunshine77, Glad you brought this up. I want to have all my tests redone after the Acupuncturist is done with me and wondered the same thing. I was told they normally do 2 FSH tests so I am just waiting on that one until things get back to normal. Good luck with your test! (and you too wannabmama )

I totally think we are going to do the same. If and when we get a BFP, thereafter I will not do the Mirena or anything else. 

[wannabmama]

Yeah, wirt2cute and vh2014 I think, once we (hopefully) get KU, we will let nature take its course for a couple years (of course all depends if we ever get a KU in the first place!). MH would like more than one kiddo but I'm fine one and done or with more, so we'll see what happens until I'm 40, then I think I'll close up shop, ha. But I'm in no hurry to get the mirena put back in!

[vh2014]

May 19, 2015 8:49:52 GMT -5 wannabmama said:

Yeah, wirt2cute and vh2014 I think, once we (hopefully) get KU, we will let nature take its course for a couple years (of course all depends if we ever get a KU in the first place!). MH would like more than one kiddo but I'm fine one and done or with more, so we'll see what happens until I'm 40, then I think I'll close up shop, ha. But I'm in no hurry to get the mirena put back in!

I'm 41.  I almost didn't have it put back in at the 35 appointment but I was sure that if I didn't there would be an "oops" Hahahahahahhaha.... hindsight 20/20.  Grr.  (I was with DH then so now I know it would have been fine) 

[wirt2cute]

vh2014, hindsight kicks my ass all the damn time!

[wannabmama]

URMySunshine77 I hope my 40 cutoff comment wasn't taken the wrong way, I have many friends getting KU well past 40, it's just sort of the agreement MH and I have about where we'd probably stop (again, assuming we even have 1 by then). Since I'm a little on the fence about having 2, it's our compromise to try until around then and see what happens. After that we might not want any surprises (this all subject to change of course...I wanted to be married by 30, too, ha...best laid plans (married last year at 36)).