Clomid monitoring

jenmcD11

I am currently in the TWW of my first IUI cycle with 100mg of clomid. I am under the guidance of a fertility clinic in Canada which has OBGYNs and REs collaborating together. I requested ultrasound monitoring and got it, but the clinic doesn't do CD 3 ultrasounds, only near ovulation ultrasounds. This makes me feel better about the risk of multiples, but that's about it. I'm concerned about taking a second round if this doesn't work.

Before you suggest it, there is absolutely no other RE that I can see. People come from all over the province to get into this clinic. So my choices are:

1. Continue with clomid with partial monitoring
2. Discontinue clomid and either move to IVF or TTC naturally.

Thoughts?

BunnyBerry

So sorry that you are in this situation. Our RE's office for some reason was pretty insistent that I don't need CD3 monitoring anymore - but they did it the first two cycles. So weird, but they of course are willing to do it.

Is it related to what is covered by the health system? Is there any way they would let you pay OOP for CD3 monitoring? I would definitely pursue all avenues, even seeing a different doctor or a private-pay practice for that ultrasound each cycle, for at least a couple more IUIs before movign straight to IVF.

Since you are unexplained, I definitely wouldn't take an ovulation drug out of the picture; they make such a difference in success rates.

Good luck with whatever you choose!

jenmcD11

Thanks @BunnyBerry. I had to push pretty hard to get any ultrasound monitoring at all. It's so frustrating having to fight for your health and balance the risks with the desire to have a child. I also kind of feel like a number and not a patient at the clinic.

The health system doesn't cover any of it. I had to pay OOP for the IUI and for the extra ultrasounds. I will keep pushing, but I am not optimistic.

Bat_Ish_Crazy

Forgive me if my question is off the mark. If you're paying out of pocket for the whole shebang, why should they care what monitoring you want?  You're paying for a service. What kind of business would decline to provide a paid service?

jenmcD11

It's not a bad question because that's what I thought too. But, they are more of a non-profit business that is affiliated with a local hospital. I'm also not totally sure if I am paying entirely OOP (because I have nothing to compare it to), so it could be that it is partially government subsidized (although it still seems really pricey). I paid $600 for IUI/clomid/ultrasounds/HCG shot. How does that compare to what is paid in the states?

BunnyBerry

@jennmcD11 $600 sounds very affordable for OOP. At our office (which I know is much cheaper than many), sperm wash is $150, ultrasounds are $225 each, IUI is $235. From readings threads on OOP med comparisons, it sounds like hCG shot can be maybe $80-200, not sure on Clomid. 

Rachaeleigh

My RE doesn't do cd3 u/s for subsequent letrozole cycles. Does that make sense? I'm still drinking coffee...

I did 3 injectable cycles and had probably atleast 6 u/s per cycle. I even had residual cysts after each cycle, since I always responded with multiple follies
But, despite all of that, my RE will still not be doing a baseline if this cycle(with letrozole) is a bust. I even asked specifically about me always having left over cysts. I guess it's just hits protocol for oral meds.
I'm sure if I adamantly insisted, he'd do one.
Just trying to compare our experiences

Eta: 600 sounds very affordable. OOP, I pay 291 for each u/s, 219 for IUI, 100 for ovidrel. That doesn't include b/w and other meds

BethKate2

I may be wrong, but I'm pretty sure the purpose of the CD 3 ultrasound is to make sure you don't have any large follicles/cysts left over from the previous cycle since Clomid can cause cysts. I'm not sure I'd skip that ultrasound and continue to take clomid.

jenmcD11

Thanks for the replies and support. Sounds like I am lucky for cost, but unlucky because it puts me more at the whims of the doctors than if I was paying the entire cost of the service.