1st RE visit, need advice!

[Carolyn32]

I'm going to my 1st RE visit next Tuesday and would appreciate any advice on:

1. Questions to ask my RE.
2. Questions to ask about the facility.
3. Information I should take with me.
4. Anything else you can think of.

Also, did anyone "shop around" for an RE, like go to several to see what they offer during the consultation? I have appointments with 2 REs, but the second one is not til May. Thanks for any advice!

Carolyn

[SunnyMer]

Hi Carolyn! I have similar questions/concerns. My first RE appt is on Monday, cd3. I don't know really what to expect. My dh had a VR 11/04 and that is why we are opting to do IUI, due to poor motility. His urologist suggested the medicated IUI to increase the number of "targets" for his sperm. I ovulate on my own, and have never had any problems. I don't know if when you are on clomid you also have to be triggered, etc? Anybody have any suggestions?

Meredith

[DrAussieMom]

Here is what I would ask:
1. What is the game plan, meaning what tests do they do up front. (RE differ greatly in this), What tests do they do on you? CD3 b/w (LSH and E2), HSG (for blocked tubes), E2 8-10dpo, u/s, etc. What tests do they do on DH? Semen analysis - there are 4 tests - what the count is, how many are the right shape, how many are dead, and how many swim. Do they test for all 4?

I would ask for a standard cycle and how it works. They usually have a day by day map (each cycle will vary a bit, but having a game plan up front is very reassuring). What days to they do u/s and b/w tests?

How will they work each month, if you are not responding (clomid to injections, etc). What meds do they use (prefer using). How do they time the IUIs (1 or 2). Triggering?

When will they cancel a cycle? How many follciles do they like to see? This one is very senstivie on slective reduction, really talk through it with them. What do you and DH's feel about it - when would you cancel? Would you be OK with twins? Risks on trips and above in their minds I would ask.

2. When are they open, and when are they not! Will you see the same RE everytime (my facility does not). Are they available via phone? What are their success rate? What are the costs? Per cycle or per test? Does the clinic do IVFs?

3. Take all paperwork and tests you have had done. Take an outline / bio on you. How old, prior preg., any health issue with DH or you.

4. Really understand that liking your RE is a big part of it, so don't discount that part. Get to know him / her.

The biggest thing is to let them know your plan up front as well, and see if it fits with them. My RE is very conservative, so said it will take a few months to get the protocol down for me, and there were other clinics much more aggressive, but due to my age would not be. I liked that (a little less now ), but we had 4 cycles before I responded to meds.

I hope this is what you were looking for, if you have any questions on the above, please ask. After going through it, I would have asked so many more questions up front, so I know it can be overwhelming.

Good luck!!!!