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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