Clomid Challenge?

chucktgirl

I'm just starting with a new clinic, and haven't had my one day WU yet, but I've spoken at length with a nurse about what the plan will be. Tonight, I just read on their website that all women over 38 MUST do a clomid challenge before starting protocol. Are there any other "older" ladies out there who have gone through this clinic without doing the Clomid Challenge? I really don't see the need. I already know I have DOR. I don't need another test to prove it. It doesn't matter. It's not going to stop me from trying another IVF anyway, so why bother with it? (And I keep reading about terrible side effects of the Clomid, like frequent cysts!)

christia10

Okay so maybe this is not what you want to hear because I see the firm no DE or adoption thing on your siggy and I know it is not my business. However I cannot help but wonder why?

My DH was adopted and I thank God everyday for his parents who also went through IVF and infertility. It was such a miracle and he got such a good home for which I am so grateful. I guess you can try another round of IVF and hope for a miracle that way (why not). However what about after that? 

To me the most important thing is becoming a parent and having children to love. Yes we are going to try a round of IVF as we want a natural child and to experience this. However if it doesn't work and God has another plan for us than so be it. There are many children waiting for good homes. DH and I actually plan to adopt regardless.

I work as an elementary school teacher and have a student who came from an abusive home. The other day she was talking to me about it. We were talking about generosity and good deeds and she said, "my parents adopted me that's a good deed".  She went onto say "I got picked...I get to stay". 

I know (all too well) the devastation of infertility. However, I would really to urge you to consider what you really want...I hope it works out for you one way or another. 

As for the Clomid challenge if you want to try again and you have faith in this RE. Then you might as well give it a try or move on to another RE. 

J&D2007

I respectfully disagree with pp and I don't feel this is the place to try to persuade you to consider adoption. That is a deeply personal decision and you certainly have no reason to try to explain why or why not you would consider that option. Anywho, I was curious about the clomid challenge and relieved I didn't have to do it. Is it just to see how you respond? Wouldn't it be way more accurate to go by how you responded to stims on previous Ivfs? I actually assumed they would waive this requirement if youve had ivfs. Or is there another reason that I'm not aware of that they perform this?

chucktgirl

christia10 said:

Okay so maybe this is not what you want to hear because I see the firm no DE or adoption thing on your siggy and I know it is not my business. However I cannot help but wonder why?

My DH was adopted and I thank God everyday for his parents who also went through IVF and infertility. It was such a miracle and he got such a good home for which I am so grateful. I guess you can try another round of IVF and hope for a miracle that way (why not). However what about after that? 

To me the most important thing is becoming a parent and having children to love. Yes we are going to try a round of IVF as we want a natural child and to experience this. However if it doesn't work and God has another plan for us than so be it. There are many children waiting for good homes. DH and I actually plan to adopt regardless.

I work as an elementary school teacher and have a student who came from an abusive home. The other day she was talking to me about it. We were talking about generosity and good deeds and she said, "my parents adopted me that's a good deed".  She went onto say "I got picked...I get to stay". 

I know (all too well) the devastation of infertility. However, I would really to urge you to consider what you really want...I hope it works out for you one way or another. 

As for the Clomid challenge if you want to try again and you have faith in this RE. Then you might as well give it a try or move on to another RE. 

Wow. How do I put this without being an asshole? I can't. My body, my family = my decision. You offered unwanted advice on something we've already made a decision on, after four long, hard years of TTC. Our reasons are not up for debate. I'm glad you're happy with the decisions you've made. But I truly don't appreciate your soapbox response that wasn't even applicable to my question. You don't know me, not even as a member on this board! So unless you want me to start trying to convince you that God doesn't exist, please stop pushing your adoption agenda on me.
Thanks.

chucktgirl

J&D2007 said:

I respectfully disagree with pp and I don't feel this is the place to try to persuade you to consider adoption. That is a deeply personal decision and you certainly have no reason to try to explain why or why not you would consider that option. Anywho, I was curious about the clomid challenge and relieved I didn't have to do it. Is it just to see how you respond? Wouldn't it be way more accurate to go by how you responded to stims on previous Ivfs? I actually assumed they would waive this requirement if youve had ivfs. Or is there another reason that I'm not aware of that they perform this?

J&D, First, thanks for the support about the above poster.
Second, back to the question at hand.
Yes, I am curious, too, since no one has mentioned it yet in all of our conversations with CCRM. I just happened to see it on their website. Maybe it is older info? I stayed up late last night researching it, and newer research doesn't seem to support it as much anymore. From what I gather, it is basically used to determine that a woman has DOR. Well, that's already been determined, as you pointed out, by my previous four failed IVFs. It doesn't offer any solutions or even prove that you *don't* have DOR. It can only indicate that a woman does have DOR. To me, it seems like a waste of a month and another bunch of drugs to be ingested. I will wait to discuss this with Dr. Schoolcraft. I'll be sure to report back to you and the other ladies on it, though. Oh, and lucky you, you're too YOUNG to have the test!

pillowass

siggy warning

I hope you don't mind a response from a lurker/grad. I was not at CCRM, but failed a Clomid Challenge test spectacularly (results in siggy) and my RE used it to disqualify me from OE IVF at his (well known, well-respected) west coast clinic. I did a bunch of research and learned that it's a pretty controversial test, frequently used for insurance companies and RE's to deny IVF to older patients. I got a second opinion from a DOR-friendly RE and was successful within months of being told by the other clinic that I had a less than 2% chance of ever being pregnant with my OE. I would ask your RE if they have any type of cut-off in terms of your results where they might not treat you with conventional IVF, and if they do or if you suspect they do, consider fudging by not taking the Clomid. Probably not a popular opinion, but I have good reason to think that this test is BS and does not add anything to the knowledge they already have about you. Good luck to you - I hope that you find success at CCRM!

christia10

To all: my comments were not meant to trigger anything or be hurtful. I was just reading the OPs signature about failed IVF cycles and "not being sure what to think about going childless" as her RE suggested. I simply was displaying it as an OPTION. If you read I also did suggest moving forward with clomid challenge. I understand adoption isn't for everyone. Obviously I too want a biological child or I would not be here trying IVF and injecting my stomach 8x a day (like so many of us). My comments were not meant to be hurtful just an expression of an opinion and a point of view based on some of my life experiences. My heart breaks for couples with empty laps and I just can't help but testify to the wonderful things I have seen come out of adoption. Peace and prayers for all that your baby dreams come true quickly.

Neesey

christia10 said:

To all: my comments were not meant to trigger anything or be hurtful. I was just reading the OPs signature about failed IVF cycles and "not being sure what to think about going childless" as her RE suggested. I simply was displaying it as an OPTION. If you read I also did suggest moving forward with clomid challenge. I understand adoption isn't for everyone. Obviously I too want a biological child or I would not be here trying IVF and injecting my stomach 8x a day (like so many of us). My comments were not meant to be hurtful just an expression of an opinion and a point of view based on some of my life experiences. My heart breaks for couples with empty laps and I just can't help but testify to the wonderful things I have seen come out of adoption.
Peace and prayers for all that your baby dreams come true quickly.

I think the biggest issue with your response was that it was unsolicited. I am in the same boat as the OP. DH and I have come to the decision that adoption is not an option we feel comfortable with. Your comment, while as well intentioned as it may have been, came off as preachy. Just my two cents.
@chucktgirl I've not had to do a clomid challenge but hopefully you can skip it based on your history. Hopefully since they haven't brought it up that is just outdated protocol on their website. Fingers crossed you can get some answers soon.