Fertility testing: when, where, how do we start?

Post date: 2018-09-13 04:08:44

After nine months of trying unsuccessfully to conceive, I'm beginning to consider our options for fertility testing, but I have no idea how to begin. Complication: rural area that's underserved healthcare wise.

I'm 32 and my husband is almost 39. We've been trying to conceive since January. No miscarriages or chemicals, just months of negatives.

I track my ovulation through BBT and OPKs so I am confident that I am ovulating regularly. I think that means we can at least rule out PCOS. I never did a pre-conception visit and haven't been to an ob gyn in a couple years.

I think I want to start looking into testing, but what's the first step? See a GP? See a gynecologist? Get a referral from one of the above? Who do I call? What do I say?

Because we live in a rural area with very rudimentary medical facilities, our regular doctor (who we see pretty frequently to re-up on antidepressants) is actually a nurse practitioner. There are 3 ob gyns in town. I think to see a specialist of any kind will be a 1-2 hour drive.

My husband doesn't really want to start getting testing yet because he thinks we should try for the full 12 months and no one will see us until it's been a full year. He is also worried about the cost. He might be right, but my feeling is that statistically it's not very likely to get pregnant naturally within 12 months if we haven't in 9, and the psychological impact of getting those negatives month after month is becoming a lot for me to handle.

This is both emotionally and logistically overwhelming for me. Please help me figure out when & how & where to get started.

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