Infertility Evaluation - what happens?

[Tellera]

I know every doctor and insurance is different, but, any ideas about what is covered in a first infertility evaluation?

My ob already knows our history (been trying for x months, etc.)

She said policy doesn't allow tests (FSH, SA, HSG) until after this infertility evaluation.

So, it kind of sounds to me like a "gatekeeper" meeting to kick off some tests rather than her or I learning anything new in the evaluation. Am I wrong?

[KarinaNYC]

Have you called your insurance & specifically asked what they mean by an evaluation? It seems a little odd to me. My understanding is that in order to evaluate they would need to do preliminary tests (vaginal sonogram, bloodwork, and then, if warranted, an HSG). Semen analysis is easy and relatively cheap if insurance doesn't cover (my last policy didn't, my current one does). Three years ago a lab (in NYC) was charging ~$150 for a SA. My OB said that an "infertility diagnosis" is really a broad term & the preliminary tests help them in offering you a course of action & options (referrals to specialist & more invasive procedures). Sorry I couldn't offer more info. I would definitely start asking more questions to your OB and ins. provider to get further clarification. Hope you get a clear answer.

[Tellera]

Thanks, Karina, I can't believe I missed your response.

I came back to update because I had my eval. Well, she reviewed my cycles. My luteal phase has been changing, going back and forth a few times from 11 to 14 days. That coupled with my sometimes 17 day "o" and sometimes 26 day "o", something is going on. I'm doing Clomid starting cd3, and then a progesterone test at "o"+7d. So, I guess that is what happens at my infertility eval, lol.

I took a long time deciding to take the Clomid (although not too long because it had a time constraint, of course). In the end, here I am, wanting a child, and well, what else did I think was going to happen? I knew this would likely be a first step. So, I took it. Am taking it. And I am hopeful, and trying to remain optimistic.

Thanks again for your comments Karina.