[purduegrad2005]

Quick update - been TTC for 11 months now. I am 26, DH is 28 (married almost 3 years in Jan).

Okay, I took in a pretty calendar that marked everything (periods, O's, etc.) from January 2008 until now. I was soo aggrevated because I sat in the waiting room for 1 hr 10 minutes before I got taken back. by this time it's about 11:45 and the doctor is ready for lunch. Not good (dont schedule important appointments around lunch or the end of the day!!).

So anyway, I showed him my calendar and he acted like he couldn't read it! It was a printable one from the internet that had CD's marked and I even highlighted in pink my periods and yellow my OPK +. How can he not know how to read these?! He is experienced and delivers babies. I was so aggrevated. Then he really didnt take a good look at it. I showed him that my cycles are like 29, 32, 35, 37, 45 (I was really late last month). He said he didn't think I was ovulating. Can he tell just from looking at that???

It's true I don't feel anything when I'm supposedly ovulating. I have no symptoms really. Anyways, he had me go get bloodwork done and I have to go back next Friday.

I asked if I could get on Clomid and he said we'd wait to see what the test results show and he'd give me something based on that. I told him I wanted to get pregnant in 2008 - so no pressure

I told him that after DH and I DTD, I feel like ALL his lil swimmers come out when I go to the bathroom (no matter how long I just lay there and let it "sink" in). He said that is completely normal. And I let him know it was A LOT, not a little. He said it was fine???? He said if I have a flow with my periods then he doesn't think that my cervix would be blocked and not letting any sperm in. (does that sound right?)

Then he made it sound like laying there with your butt propped up is a myth and he said that basal temp is a waste of time?!!!!!!!! I think I can hear all of you saying "find a new doctor" He is good from what a lot of people in my town say. There are only like 3 doctors in my town that deliver babies so I guess its not like we have a lot of "good" doctors to pick from.

So - this was my very 1st experience about my current infertility issues. I will update you when I have my second (when I get my test results back) to see what else he has to say. He said he plans to do an exam at the next appointment as well!!

Later girls!

[SavaAngel]

Well the problem with many doctors is that they aren't very knowledgeable in the ways charting works and everything. You said you marked O's - is that just when you thought you O'd or you got positive OPK's? If you are using OPK's and getting positives, then you are Oing - it just might not be enough or your lining isn't allowing implantation. I took 5 months of charts when I went in for my yearly exam (we had been trying for about 4 months or so by then) and I told him I had charts, but I also made sure I had all the information in my head and just gave it to all to him when I was telling him why I was there and offered to show him the charts. He wasn't interested and didn't say anything about charting not working. I didn't waste the paper or the ink when I went in this past August - I just had my info stored in my trusty brain (and on a small piece of paper).

I wouldn't be too worried about your DH's sperm coming out. My DH's sperm comes out and sometimes it is more than others - maybe your DH just has LOTS of sperm. Remember, you only need one to get through.

As for the pillow and everything - if it makes you feel good and like you are helping the process of TTC to prop your butt up or something then I say do it!

[drewbears]

A big ditto!

[snsgirl336]

Christina completely. If I ever have to talk to my Dr about my cycles, I make sure to have the info in my head. He hasn't really mentioned anything about whether charting is good, bad or otherwise. To be honest, I'm not even sure if he knows I'm temping! LOL Anyhow, I agree that some Drs just don't get the logistics of temping and charting.

I also agree about the sperm coming out. Usually a small amount leaks out even with my butt propped. Sometimes it's more than others. Last night I was surprised when there wasn't anything that leaked out! It was nice! From what my Dr says, the stuff that leaks out is generally the "goo" (Yes my Dr said "goo") that the sperm live in and the sperm that wouldn't be viable to fertilize an egg. He said not to worry because the good swimmers get a really good head start to where they need to be going when DH ejaculates.

I know that some people say that the pillow under your butt is a waste of time. I still do it. I guess I feel like it's something I can do to help keep things moving in the right direction. Plus it's nice to have a few minutes to relax after BDing. Aside from BDing it's pretty much up to fate! If you want to do it, then do it!

Hopefully you'll get some good answers when you get your test results back!

[purduegrad2005]

Thanks! And to answer your question, YES, I only marked the dates I received a positive OPK. I did have everything in my head and told him and also had a post it of the cycle length dates. He still said he thought I wasn't ovulating even though I was getting positive OPK. Oh well, I'll just want for the blood tests and whatever else he decides to do besides just taking his "opinion".

Thanks!

[DoulaMama]

ya- most doctors are like that. If he was an RE- yhrn I'd expect him to know about charting- but a regular OB rarely does.

It's important that they not just hand you clomid as well- it has lots of side effects, and it's good to make sure you really need it before taking it. Who knows- your BW may show a completely different issue!

[Jessica C]

I agree with everyone else. I've read tho, that even if you get a positive OPK it doesn't mean that you actually O....same as if you never get a positive that doesn't mean that you don't O either. I was thinking that you need to get a different doctor. Just because everybody says he's good, doesn't mean that you two are "compatible" in what it takes to reach your goal. KUP on the BW when it comes back!!

[Alisa78]

Neither my regular OB/GYN and now my RE were interested in my charts!! I told them I had been temping and they both said it wasn't necessary and that I didn't need to worry with it! So I do it now just towards the end of my cycle to see when I'm going to start. And I've also asked the question about "stuff" coming out after we BD, and he said that the sperm usually stay up there, and the fluid that leaks out isn't good enough to work anyway. Good luck!!

[~~*Ashley*~~]

I agree with cheryl about the clomid thing. For some reason regular doctors or obgyn's want to hand over clomid for everything. My doctor immediately wanted to start me on clomid when I hit month 6 TTC, I held off on that. Clomid does have side effects and may not even benefit you. I'd continue charting though! Sometimes I feel like I know more about TTC than my obgyn does! lol I haven't been to a RE yet and hopefully I wont have too.

[~April04~]

I guess I'm the odd one.. lol.. both my OB-GYN and my RE were interested in my charts, my RE actually took the copies of my chart and notes and put it in my file.

Good Luck with the Blood Work!!

[avtvav1]

Some older male DR's do not seem up to date with getting pregnant in this century! I personally think they are afraid, because if you chart you know more about your body and how it works than they do! lol

Old Male DR's dont seem to cope with this as they are set in their ways. Generally speaking of course!