Coping with Infertility

Lesson 2: Initial Testing and Diagnosis

Evaluating the Results

So, now that you know when the blood tests should be done and what the 'normal' ranges are, how do you evaluate your results with your doctor? Part of this will depend on you and how involved you want to be in your infertility treatment. Some women feel more comfortable allowing the doctor to make the decisions for them, while others are more comfortable if they make the decisions on which treatments to pursue.

No matter which you prefer, you should be as informed as possible, and knowing what your blood test results are and what they mean to your treatment options is very important. Your blood test results, when compared to each other and to your fertility charts, can tell you and your doctor a great deal. They can tell if you are ovulating, have PCOS, Thyroid dysfunction, early ovarian failure, and even if you would be a good candidate for fertility medications. Your results can also show if further, and more invasive, testing should be done to locate and diagnose any fertility problem.

You and your doctor should have a good line of communication already open from your initial appointment and from your interview or history. Some doctors will call you into the office to discuss the blood test results, and this is usually the best thing to do. Other doctors may have their staff call to tell you that all is normal and to schedule another appointment. You should let your doctor know if you want to wait until your next appointment to discuss the results, or if you would rather schedule a short office visit to discuss the results and what your next step should be.

When you do meet with your doctor to discuss the results, you should be as prepared as possible, including printing out what the 'normal' ranges are for the different hormones. This should be placed in your FJ (Fertility Journal) along with any questions that you have concerning the tests for your doctor. Another item that you should place inside your FJ is a listing of what 'next steps' you are willing to take.

• Additional invasive tests
• Lifestyle changes
• Natural/Herbal remedies
• Fertility medications
• ART – IUI, IVF, GIFT, Donor sperm or eggs

This is not by any means, a "be all end all" list of your possible options. This is a reference that you and your partner have discussed, and listed your possible options based on your current financial situation, insurance coverage, and personal feelings/beliefs. This is your 'treatment roadmap' and it may change depending on your blood and other test results and your partner's test results.

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