Fertility Testing - Which Tests Did You Do First?

[GaleTX]

After more than a year of trying, we have begun fertility testing. Our insurance does not cover any part of infertility, so we're paying out-of-pocket for everything. My OB wants me to have the basic infertility panel, HSG and semen analysis for my husband. I had the bloodwork portion done yesterday. My question is this: for those of you who have had this done, did you do it all at once or space it out and wait for the results of one thing before moving on the the next? Since we're paying for everything, I'm leaning towards spacing it out and getting the answers to one thing before moving on the next, but I also realize the tests have to be done at certain times during my cycle, so waiting for the results of one will mean having to wait until the next cycle to do another. Also, which did you do first: semen analysis or HSG?

[Maurine]

I did them all at once, but if I had to space them out, I would do the SA first. Male factor is more common than tubal/anatomy issues for the woman. If you did have MF infertility it could mean more major treatments (I hope not!), so you would still have to get an HSG regardless. But, if the goal is to get answers I would do that first.

[bcblondie]

I don't know too much about the more extensive testing. My gyn did a progesterone test which proved I didn't ovulate. Got me on clomid and after 5 cycles I was pregnant.

Before we found out, my gyn refered us to an RE, who was going to do an SA.

I think if you are paying out of pocket you'll probably want to do one or 2 tests at a time.

[jenger]

I got CD blood work done first... I left the SA appointment making to DH - who is getting it next week. (After I first got a script for it 5 months ago )

We have to pay for most everything of of pocket - and I am thinking we will try one thing at a time.

This cycle, our sad one year anniversary, I am getting thyroid blood tests and DH the SA. We will probably try HSG or the clomid challenge test in a month or 2...

[GolfAddict]

GaleTX ~ Not sure what part of TX you are in but I think I saw on the Sher Institute of Repro Medicine website that they do free SA's if you schedule in Aug. They have a location in Dallas.

[GaleTX]

Originally Posted by GolfAddict

GaleTX ~ Not sure what part of TX you are in but I think I saw on the Sher Institute of Repro Medicine website that they do free SA's if you schedule in Aug. They have a location in Dallas.

We are in San Antonio, but thanks for the info! I called the labs where my doc wants us to go for the HSG and SA. The HSG is $887 and the SA is $175.
Then I did some searching on the web and discovered the RE my original OB wanted me to go see actually does both. So I called and asked if we could go there just for those two things. They said we could and the cost for the HSG is $300 and the SA is $125. I can definitely deal with that! I have a follow-up with my OB on Monday for an ultrasound and to review the results of my blood work, then depending on those results, I think we'll do the SA next.

Thanks for all the input!