What to ask the Doctor???

[Manhattan]

Hi all!

DF and I are want to TTC, however my cycle has been quite irregular since coming off BCP in January. I have only had AF 5 times this year with cycles being 42, 51, 46, 46 and now an excrutiating 90 days and still counting

I saw my local GP nearly a month ago now, and he was not concerned at all, and said it was quite normal coming off BCP (Diane to be exact). He also did a PG test which was a BFN, then sent me on my way.

I want to see another DR, so my question is, what tests should i ask for (if any), and do I have a right to demand these tests????

Thanks in advance

[Snacks]

Perhaps for a referral to a fertility specialist?
Sorry, I don't have any experience, so I'm not sure. But I wish you all the very best. (It must be so frustrating for you! I hope that wench AF turns up for you again soon.)

[[M]umma[M]ia]

Mayb ask for some tests to check for PCOS - polycystic ovarian sydrome. PCOS can play havic on your cycles and could be a good reason for ur "long" cycles.

You probley wont get to see a fertility specialist unless you have been TTC for 12 months or more.

[becky27]

Hi Melis81. I know how you are feeling, I went off BCP in June this year and ovulated properly for the first time just this week. I went to the doctors after only 8 weeks and carried on so much they agreed to do blood tests to see if my hormones were normal. Maybe if you havent done this it would be a good first step. I think 10 months of abnormal periods should be enough to justify blood tests at least. Otherwise I would demand a referral to a specialist to test for other problems. It doesnt hurt to try! As an alternative, have you considered seeing a naturopath? Good luck.

[Alloy]

Melis, I would make sure to ask the doctor if this is a normal reaction to coming off the BCP. I came off Diane at the beginning of 2006 and my periods were pretty regular straight away. If anything, since I've been off the BCP my cycles have been a little shorter. Being that you're so close to the 12 month mark I would ask for a referral to a fertility specialist who will initiate all the testing required at the first stage.

Good luck, I hope you get UTD soon!

[Manhattan]

Thanks for all the responses so far.

I've pretty much made up my mind that I am going to ask for some blood work, and possibly a ultrasound. The only thing i'm not sure about now is if i go back to the same DR. He has been the family doctor for who knows how long, and was mums DR for her 3 births (he specialises in womens health) so he knows absolutely everything about me. Do u think i should see him again, or try someone new?

Oh and also, do you always need a referral to see a gyno?

Thanks again

[farmgirl77]

Hi Melis81,
My dh and i started TTC after having a pg scare - i was on the pill at the time and after that went off it. My cycles were not so great - anywhere between 30-38 days. I charted for approx 8 months and based on that info thought that something was up as we had not fallen pg. I went to my GP, explained the situation and she refered me to a gyno, did some prelim blood work and she also had dh sperm tested at the same time (so be prepared for that). We did not wait the 12 months, and my gp was very understanding about my concerns.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that it is your body, and if you think something is wrong then your GP should listen and should take resonable steps to help you work out if things are or are not, ok. Rather than ask to go to a fert specialist straight off, maybe a gyno referal is more appropriate - they can then refer you onto a fertility specialist if needed - as happened with us (in the end we had sperm issues, rather than my cycle being the primary issue). If you are unhappy with your current GP, try getting a second opinion (i know in some areas that is difficult). You have to be comfortable with the advice you are getting, irrispective of your families history with the doctor.

I'm not sure if you always need a referal to see a gyno - i think you might be able to see one without a referal, but medicare will not cover any of the cost...something like that. but you might find that most gyno's are pretty flat out so will only see patients with a referal.

I really think your best bet is to get a second opinion from a gp and take it from there.

good luck.
FG

[Manhattan]

Thank you for sharing your story Farmgirl. I think I will take your advice and get a second opinion from another GP.

I have another question about the referral (sorry, I know I'm painful at times!). Does the GP refer me to one they know of, or can i ask for one that I want to see?

Thanks again, sending you lots of

[Snacks]

Not sure specifically for gynos, but I would've thought if you have a specialist in mind that you'd like to see, just ask your GP for a referral to that specialist. GL!