Vasectomy Reversal/Female Fertility Testing?

[Sabrina78]

My husband is planning to get a vasectomy reversal in January.  Before we get it done, though, I thought it might be wise to look into my fertility.  Can anyone suggest any tests that I could have done that wouldn't be terribly invasive or expensive?  We have insurance (in fact, we are SO fortunate that it covers the reversal!), but I don't know if it will pay for this, especially since I haven't actually had any fertility problems (it's just a preventive measure before we get the reversal done).  I did, however, have a miscarriage at 14 weeks in 2004 and I have endometriosis (so, more reason I want to make sure there aren't any problems with me before my husband goes through the surgery).  I had a successful pregnancy in 2000 and have a healthy 11 year old boy.

Also, if anyone wants to share their experiences with TTC after a reversal, that would be great 

[Rani]

Well, in our journey to get pregnant, we were both tested various ways. For me, the hysterosalpingram was the final one after months of not catching. It checks the fillopian tubes and can actually remove any blockages - open the way as it were...

[belovedofbast]

My husband had a reversal in May of 2010.  He wasn't allowed to have sex for about 6 weeks (not that he felt like it anyhow, make sure you have plenty of ice packs!) and he was tested at the end of August 2010.  We have been TTC since August 2010.  I started charting this month, after ups and downs for a year.  I highly recommend charting earlier, though.  From what I can tell, it looks like I am expecting AF this month, although I am currently 3 days "late"

Best of luck to you!

If there is anything you want to know about the surgery/recovery or anything, let me know.

[JMJ]

You might consider looking into learning the Creighton Method of Natural Family Planning.  It uses a mucus cycle scoring system that gives you information on how healthy your cycles are and how likely you would be to conceive.  If there are any problems, it is connected to NaPro Technology, a way of treating the underlying causes of any fertility problems that is more effective than IVF in most cases, especially endometriosis.

[Sabrina78]

Thank you, everyone!

belovedofbast - I actually am charting now, I started this month!  I'm nothing if not a planner   I wanted to make sure I had several months data before we actually started trying!

JMJ - I will definitely look into that!

[sweetest77]

My DH had a VR in May of 2009.  We didn't do any testing before hand because we had previously conceived two children together (quickly!)... the Dr. told us that proven fertility is a good indicator of success with VR.  I actually knew before the reversal that I had spotting during my luteal phase but I wasn't charting so I didn't know that my LP was actually short.  I wish I had been charting earlier and had addressed the issue sooner... so I think it is great that you are charting, that can tell you a lot! 

I would recommend doing an HSG just to make sure your tubes are open... especially since you have endometriosis.  I had my HSG 6 months after the VR and I remember thinking "I should have done this before the VR"!   My tubes were clear so it all worked out but if they had been blocked the VR would have been for nothing.

As far as my TTC journey after VR, it has been a long road and it's not over yet!  Right around the 2 year mark we finally conceived but miscarried around 9 weeks.  So our VR was successful but we still don't have a baby.  We are both older (I'm 40, DH is 41) so I believe that is a big part of our struggle.   

[monkeyscience]

I would say that you should get blood tests to check basic hormone levels (progesterone before/after O, thyroid, LH, FSH, etc.). That should be covered by your insurance no problem. You don't mention how old you are, but if you are somewhat on the "older" side you might also see about having a blood test to check your ovarian reserve. Other than that, I second what everyone else has said. :)

[Sabrina78]

Thanks, everyone, you all have been very helpful!

(I am 33, by the way)

[belovedofbast]

I should have added - My DH's reversal was 9 years after he had his V, and he had a daughter from a previous relationship, so he was a proven "breeder" if you will (we joke that I am the unproven one).  I have never had children, nor have I ever been pregnant, to my knowledge.  He is 39 and I am 29.

Best of luck (again!) :)