hey gals,

i'm making an appt to see the dr. soon as ttc is just not going according to plan. i was wondering how much it costs to have the tests done that a dr. normally starts with. am i right in thinking that the first test done should be a semen analysis of dh?. he is not wanting to do this but i have been dropping hints (rather obviously ones) about getting him tested. i live in eastern canada and i was wondering if anyone else in this area has had these tests done and if it's covered by medicare. i'm thinking that they probably are to a certain extend. just wondering if you know how far they will look into the issue before at the government’s expense?

could you also tell me what i might expect with my first dr. visit on this subject on ttc? i don't like my dr. and i find he talks down to me and i want to go in with a expectation of what i should get from him...that way if it doesn't go the way i like i can question him. (btw i can't switch dr.'s due to a shortage)

any input would be appreciated.

thank so much

Hi, Ladybug
I am a Canadian too, but now I live in California. My DH and I started our IF treatment journey in Canada. After ttc 1 year unsuccessfully, we went to see my OBG/YN Dr. and she first ordered a SA for my DH, after the result came back, and everything looks great that ruled out his factor, then she did a HSG for me. At last, she ref us to see a RE. So, I know that the cost of SA and RE's consultation fee, HSG, and Lap (RE did this for me) are all covered by the goverment. But only the fertility medicine are not covered. (But I know some company's health benefit cover this)

good luck.

Lynn

oh thank you so much for replying. i was pretty sure that was the case but i didn't want to ask around at home (since no one knows we are ttc). that helps me relax quite a bit!!!

so do you think that the SA will be the first thing the dr. will order?

what is the first thing you think they will do to me? i don't know what most of the tests are. is there someone who could give me a quick briefing on the them.

oh yes and i’m sorry but what is a RE???? i don’t even know if we have one here on little ole pei.

Hi, Ladybug
First thing you should do is go to see your OBG Dr. and tell him/her your history of ttc (trying to conceive), then the Dr. usually will order a SA for your DH. At the same time the Dr. will order some blood tests for you, also a HSG (x-ray to check uterus and fallopian tubs) maybe. In my case, since I always have very regular period, and the blood test results and HSG results are very normal, so my Dr. ref. me to see a RE (Reproductive Endocrinologist, specializes in infertility), the RE did the LAP (laparoscopic surgery)for me.
Have you seen your OBG Dr. yet? you should start there, and he will make the arrangement and give you a brief on this.
good luck, I hope you the best.

Lynn

ladybug...
If you are going through your OB/Gyn then pretty much everything is covered. However, usually your ob/gyn will only take you as far as clomid. If you need to go deeper than that like injectables, then usually they will refer you to a fertility clinic. If you need to go there, there's a fee for almost everything...like from the first visit, to cycle admin. fees. Ultrasounds, laps, SA, and all that other stuff is covered.
Hope this helps.

Rose http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif
I just wanted to let you know because my ob/gyn did not tell us when we went, and we totally caught off guard.