Should I get tested?

[rikiteacup]

Chocolatepie's post made me wonder if I should get some tests done.

H is seeing a urologist at the end of January.

Should I see my OBGYN and ask them to run some tests for me in the meantime? My doctor mentioned checking for hormone levels and making sure my tubes aren't blocked, etc. I would be asking the OBGYN myself since my PCP is now out of network.

Is this something they would do if I just asked them?

[thoseareradishes]

I would recommend seeing a reproductive endocrinologist (RE) rather than an obgyn. Obgyns are good once you're pregnant, but most seem to lack the in-depth knowledge needed for getting a woman pregnant. An RE will do the correct tests and then come up with a treatment plan, and you can then proceed with what you are comfortable with.

[icedcoffee]

I agree with thoseareradishes. I'd go straight to an RE.

[cherryvalance]

thoseareradishes made excellent points. The only thing I'd consider is insurance coverage. Can you go straight to an RE? If so, and you're not wanting to wait, I'd start there without a doubt. While my gynecologist did some testing and H got a semen analysis, my RE wanted to redo everything anyway and was far more in depth. If you're hesitant, there's nothing wrong with asking what your doctor can do first. I just know that I regretted waiting and I've never heard anyone say they regretted seeing a specialist.

[megstoo]

Echo'ing what others said about going to an RE. Honestly I 100% REGRET the time that was wasted with my OB. Since going to an RE we've done far more, had several tests done (and redone) and did 3 rounds of IUI. If I was still with the OB we'd still be doing clomid and timed intercourse which clearly did nothing.

[rikiteacup]

Thanks for the advice. I have selected 3 clinics in my area and my top choice requires a referral from your doctor to be seen. So we're going to do that. The other 2 clinics have new patient forms available online.
I have an appointment with my OBGYN office next week to do basic tests (HSG...) and my H has an appointment with a urologist specializing in fertility at the end of January. He has to do a couple more SA in the meantime.
At this time, we don't know what is causing his low sperm count. Could have been a bad day or a varicocele.
He started Fertilaid + low count + sperm boost and he will do another SA in early December and see if there are some improvements.

We're also going to talk with his younger brother. When we saw them last week, they were talking about their first appointment at a fertility clinic and it sounded like they were going to my top choice.