ASK THE DOCTOR

To the extent possible, I will try to answer your questions.

Please be specific!

Always include your age, and country or U.S. state. This is important so I can give you the most complete answer to your question.

Here is an example of a question that's too general: Will I be able to get pregnant?
Answer: Probably

Here's a better question: I am 26 and my husband is 30. My periods are regular. After he did my check up and Pap smear my doctor said that everything is O.K. inside. My husband's sperm count is described as "very, very good."

The doctor suggested that I just keep on trying, but we've been trying for over a year. We have intercourse about three times a week.

I have never been pregnant, but I never tried before. What do you think? We live in California and have Kaiser (HMO) insurance.

Answer: I do not agree with your doctor. You should have, at least, the following blood tests: FSH, TSH and prolactin. It may be useful to take your basal body temperature and/or check a serum progesterone. If all these are normal, the next step would be either an HSG (hysterosalpingogram) or a laparoscopy. A post-coital test or an endometrial biopsy might also be considered, but I would not do these in your case.

Keep trying! The squeaky wheel gets the grease. Keep me posted.

Good luck and aloha, Dr. Rick

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