Clomid Prescription

MrsNechi

I have been TTC for over a year (since I got married in January 2015) - before that I was an expert at not getting pregnant. Now that we feel we are ready we are having no luck. My doctor prescribed me Clomid - should I go for it or try to wait it out a bit longer? 

Neikoda

@MrsNechi That would depend greatly on why you are not conceiving. Until you have done all of the testing, and there is a lot, I would not blindly take Clomid. Why has your doctor chosen to prescribe it? Have you been diagnosed with anything in particular and taken other steps to fix the issue?

MrsNechi

@nwegman7878All my blood results came back fine. She found tiny cysts on my ovaries but she said they should not be what isn't allowing me to get pregnant and that they can be treated post baby since they don't show any immediate threat. She said it is possible I am not ovulating and it would be a more aggressive approach. My husband has since gone for his testing and we are waiting on the results. I plan to hold on this cycle and start in April. What is your experience with it?

atcwag

I think you need to do some research and know the ins and outs. Clomid can only be taken for a certain number of cycles total. It requires proper monitoring including USs and bloodwork. I would at least wait until your husband's SA comes back. Maybe Clomid would be a waste if it's a sperm issue. 
Have you tried temping/charting to determine whether you're ovulating?  I would recommend seeing an RE. They should better be able to determine if you're ovulating if you choose not to determine that yourself. It could very well be that you just don't know when you ovulate and are missing your FW. 

LadyMillil

MrsNechi said:

@nwegman7878All my blood results came back fine. She found tiny cysts on my ovaries but she said they should not be what isn't allowing me to get pregnant and that they can be treated post baby since they don't show any immediate threat. She said it is possible I am not ovulating and it would be a more aggressive approach. My husband has since gone for his testing and we are waiting on the results. I plan to hold on this cycle and start in April. What is your experience with it?

I am on my first clomid cycle right now. I had headaches every day I took clomid plus 2 days after. I had periods of dizziness, irritability and was hangry a lot while on clomid. I produced 1 good follicle and my uterine lining was fine. I had a monitoring appointment with my RE 5 days after my last dose of clomid.

Are you seeing an RE? Before taking clomid you should have an HSG to make sure your tubes are open and you will need to know if your H has normal counts and motility. If his counts/motility are low or your tubes are blocked then all the clomid in the world won't get you pregnant. Is your doctor going to monitor you while you are on clomid to make sure that you aren't at risk for high order multiples and selective reduction.

Mlight28

Comid plus cysts are sometimes not a good combo. The clomid can "feed" the cysts. 
There are a lot of good posts on clomid if you search for it using the search bar. 
Also, I agree with PP that more testing should be done first as clomid has a lifetime max and you wouldn't want to waste that if your tubes were blocked or the SA doesn't come out great. 

MrsNechi

@atcwag I am definitely going to wait for the SA to come back from the lab, I've gone through a countless amount of ovulation kits, basal body temp charting, app tracking etc and to no avail. I know for sure the stress doesn't help the situation. 

sldp123

Are your charts showing ovulation?

I am on my second round of Clomid. I didn't really have any side effects except for night sweats a few nights. My first round of 50mg I had two follicles but they didn't reach optimal size. This time I'm on 100mg and I responded much better. I would definitely second working with an RE so you can have the proper monitoring. Also an HSG to determine if your tubes are clear. 

LadyMillil

MrsNechi said:

@atcwag I am definitely going to wait for the SA to come back from the lab, I've gone through a countless amount of ovulation kits, basal body temp charting, app tracking etc and to no avail. I know for sure the stress doesn't help the situation. 

Unless you have chronic stress (a diagnosed medical condition) or have recently undergone a traumatic experience, stress does not prevent you from getting pregnant. Perpetuating this false information places the blame for infertility on the woman and suggests that if she'd "just relax" she would get pregnant. It can also make infertile women, like myself, feel like they are responsible for their infertility.

You really need to have an HSG before you take clomid. Even if your husband's  SA comes back normal, you still won't be able to get KU if your tubes are blocked.

atcwag

MrsNechi said:

@atcwag I am definitely going to wait for the SA to come back from the lab, I've gone through a countless amount of ovulation kits, basal body temp charting, app tracking etc and to no avail. I know for sure the stress doesn't help the situation. 

What does "to no avail" mean?  As in, you didn't get pregnant?  Did you confirm O with temping/charting and have well timed sex for at least a year?

Neikoda

MrsNechi said:

@nwegman7878All my blood results came back fine. She found tiny cysts on my ovaries but she said they should not be what isn't allowing me to get pregnant and that they can be treated post baby since they don't show any immediate threat. She said it is possible I am not ovulating and it would be a more aggressive approach. My husband has since gone for his testing and we are waiting on the results. I plan to hold on this cycle and start in April. What is your experience with it?

**TW: Loss briefly mentioned**

Along the lines of what PP are saying, is BBT charting confirming ovulation? If you are ovulating normally there are few reasons to take Clomid. I fall into that category but have had different issues. I'm on my first cycle of Clomid but I have a history of recurrent miscarriage, APS & LPD. I am also on baby aspirin and progesterone supplements. Clomid was suggested by my doctor due to potential egg quality issues and also to help with stabilizing my hormones as my medicated progesterone cycle still only came in at 10. The side effects for me include hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, headaches, and recently starting with pinching pains. Clomid is not a cure all medication and I appreciate that you are researching to make an informed decision in regards to taking it. If you are unsure if your BBT charting is showing ovulation, you can participate on our WTO(Waiting to Ovulate) or TWW(Two Week Wait) boards and ask under CS(Chart Stalk). Everyone here can give you feedback as most if not all of us chart daily.

chickyclg

Have you had an HSG or HSC?  Don't take Clomid without proper testing, bloodwork and US aren't going to tell you if your tubes are blocked.  If you are just seeing an OBGYN that blindly prescribed it because you've been TTC for a year I would find a new doctor (preferably a RE).  Also a Clomid cycle should be monitored through out with proper blood work and US.

Pookieson

I take Femara (similar) and had to have tons of work ups done before and I go in for at least one ultrasound every month. You should be monitored in this medication and if your OB is prescribing this "just because" I would definitely find a new OB and preferably an RE. 

EgnaroBean

My RE prescribed me a low dose of Clomid in response to anovulatory cycles and I'm going for it. (I was referred to RE after 100+ day cycle, even though TTC <1 year). He did bloodwork before RX and I had recently had a physical exam--but told me that US is not necessary in my case. He's just going to check my progesterone on CD 21 to confirm ovulation. I had done my HW and lurked old threads so I knew the risks but he was super dismissive of all that...so with a bit of trepidation I'm giving my trust to my doctor instead of to the internet. He said my lifetime max for Clomid is 12 cycles and if I'm not KU after 3 THEN he will suggest SA and other infertility assessments. --> Then again I'm in a different boat from you because I'm only 10 mo TTC.

(Sidebar, I know that seeing an RE before 1 year TTC is not a popular choice on this board so for what it's worth: I had no trouble getting an appointment with the RE in my OBGYN practice so I don't think that I displaced a woman who had a greater need. I had multiple anovulatory 60+ day cycles, and was referred to RE by OB at my annual exam)

b182rulez

Pookieson said:

I take Femara (similar) and had to have tons of work ups done before and I go in for at least one ultrasound every month. You should be monitored in this medication and if your OB is prescribing this "just because" I would definitely find a new OB and preferably an RE. 

I have also used Femara and Clomid. Femara is by far better. And yes, if you are taking any medication, you should be monitored. Good luck!

TheBorg7of9

EgnaroBean said:

My RE prescribed me a low dose of Clomid in response to anovulatory cycles and I'm going for it. (I was referred to RE after 100+ day cycle, even though TTC <1 year). He did bloodwork before RX and I had recently had a physical exam--but told me that US is not necessary in my case. He's just going to check my progesterone on CD 21 to confirm ovulation. I had done my HW and lurked old threads so I knew the risks but he was super dismissive of all that...so with a bit of trepidation I'm giving my trust to my doctor instead of to the internet. He said my lifetime max for Clomid is 12 cycles and if I'm not KU after 3 THEN he will suggest SA and other infertility assessments. --> Then again I'm in a different boat from you because I'm only 10 mo TTC.

(Sidebar, I know that seeing an RE before 1 year TTC is not a popular choice on this board so for what it's worth: I had no trouble getting an appointment with the RE in my OBGYN practice so I don't think that I displaced a woman who had a greater need. I had multiple anovulatory 60+ day cycles, and was referred to RE by OB at my annual exam)

What will you do if you end up pregnant with multiples?  I had four mature follicles during my first cycle on clomid.  I only found out because of the ultrasound.  I decided to cancel because I did not want to have a selective abortion (which are done between week 12-14 of pregnancy, fyi).

TheBorg7of9

I have been on clomid myself and have read many stories on this board for 6 years from women on clomid.

First of all before you take clomid, you need to make sure you don't have any other problems that would make the clomid moot. That is because clomid has a lifetime max of 6 cycles. After that some doctors won't give more clomid because of a potential concern about cancer. Although that link has not been proven. Also, if it doesn't work after 6 cycles, it's probably not going to work. The two most important tests are a semen analysis for your husband and an hsg to make sure your tubes are open.

For each cycle you are on clomid, you need Bloodwork and vaginal ultrasounds on cycle day 3 and then starting mid cycle about every other day until you ovulate.  Opks are not reliable when you are on clomid. The tests on cycle day 3 are to measure your hormones, check for pregnancy (clomid is not good if pregnant) and check for cysts (clomid causes cysts. Also, if you start a cycle with a cyst and take more clomid, the cyst may grow exponentially and cause you to lose an ovary. I have seen some women on this site end up in the ER because they weren't monitored.)

The ultrasounds also check if you are overresponding or underresponding. If you overrespond (like I did) you have to decide whether to cancel the cycle or risk high order multiples and a second trimester selective abortion. If you underrespond, you doc may change meds for next time.

The ultrasounds also check your uterine lining, because clomid might cause your uterine lining to be too thin and prevent pregnancy.

Another side effect is that clomid may dry up your cervical mucus, thereby decreasing your chances of pregnancy. That's why reproductive endocrinologists usually pair clomid with an intrauterine insemination.

Finally, I would very highly recommend you see a reproductive endocrinologist for infertility and not an OB. REs are the experts here, not OBs and they do the proper tests and monitoring as a matter of course.

sarahmsoda

I was also prescribed Clomid for my next cycle yet have wondered if maybe I should take a step back and wait a couple more cycles before starting it. My DH had really low SA results the first time but this second one was all in normal range. I also have PCOS but if my DH had low sperm for the last year then TTC would have been harder for us, so now that he is in normal range I think we may try a few cycles on our own first. I have had a few anovulatory cycles this year as well but if I temp regularly I can take advantage of the cycles where I do ovulate. 

I don't know if I would consider taking Clomid without my DH having had two SA's and myself having had a sono HSG to know that everything is working as it should.

If you are concerned about it I would definitely consider seeing a RE for a full work up before you start it just to know there aren't other factors affecting your fertility. 


@EgnaroBean - My doctor recommended seeing a RE after 6 months of TTC, but I didn't listen and waited a year and totally regretted it. I knew I had anovulatory cycles as well as irregular cycles and a short LP so I wish I would have listened to her and saw the RE earlier. I think often the women here recommend a year because of cost, but I live in Canada and there is no cost to seeing a RE so there is no reason not to see them once you have identified issues that may affect your fertility. 

MrsNechi

Thank you everyone! I will be researching an RE so I can go for more testing before I start Clomid. 

juliehollz13

@JohnnaToo this may be a helpful thread for you to read. Especially @TheBorg7of9 's comment. 

Everycol0r

EgnaroBean said:

My RE prescribed me a low dose of Clomid in response to anovulatory cycles and I'm going for it. (I was referred to RE after 100+ day cycle, even though TTC <1 year). He did bloodwork before RX and I had recently had a physical exam--but told me that US is not necessary in my case. He's just going to check my progesterone on CD 21 to confirm ovulation. I had done my HW and lurked old threads so I knew the risks but he was super dismissive of all that...so with a bit of trepidation I'm giving my trust to my doctor instead of to the internet. He said my lifetime max for Clomid is 12 cycles and if I'm not KU after 3 THEN he will suggest SA and other infertility assessments. --> Then again I'm in a different boat from you because I'm only 10 mo TTC.

(Sidebar, I know that seeing an RE before 1 year TTC is not a popular choice on this board so for what it's worth: I had no trouble getting an appointment with the RE in my OBGYN practice so I don't think that I displaced a woman who had a greater need. I had multiple anovulatory 60+ day cycles, and was referred to RE by OB at my annual exam)

What in the actual F? No SA? No HSG? 12 CYCLES OF CLOMID? I don't believe for ONE SECOND you are seeing an RE. 

ETA; Ah ha, I read closer. You're seeing an RE in your OBs practice which translate to me you are seeing an "OBGYN who specializes in fertility". Not the same thing a reproductive endocrinologist.

EgnaroBean

@Everycol0r Hm, maybe. It's a women's clinic in a large university health system. When I look up my charts or appointments from his office on my online portal, it says "OBGYN Reproductive Indocrinology" or "REI". His WebMD profile says that he's board certified in Fertility & Reproductive Endocrinology--looks like he did his residency in OB and his fellowship in RE.... What letters or certifications or other professional qualifications do you looks for in an RE?

HurricaneAmelia

I did two rounds of Clomid and experienced ovarian pain due to cyst growth/PCOS.  It also made my CM very dry and sticky which isn't good for natural conception.  We opted to skip it this cycle and just let nature take it's course.   If you have PCOS you should be getting ultrasounds to make sure they aren't growing too large, which they were in my case. 

gravcass

https://www.fertilityauthority.com/blogger/kimatfertilityauthority/2013/2/14/its-not-break-why-you-should-leave-your-ob-gyn-fertility

BecauseLove

My two cents...If your dr suggested Clomid they probably know more about your history and medical info than the info you have provided us (maybe I am wrong). If you have tested etc and your eager to start TTC then yeah I don't know why you wouldn't start Clomid after your dr's recommendation/prescription and give it a go...just keep in contact with your Dr and do as they recommend. Personally I only did Clomid a few cycles before it was clear it wasn't working on me and I am glad I started when I did being that I am on cycle 10 of  almost 18 months and now trying IUI's....but to each there own. My DH has a good sperm count but we didn't even test him until I was roughly 2 cycles in (again due to distance).

My only note is that my Dr (because we live far away from the Dr and because she was trying to keep the cost down for us) didn't do progesterone tests to confirm I was o'ing or not nor did they do ultrasounds with my early Clomid and Letrozole cycles...I would have liked to know now more of what those results were. 

Also in my case Letrozole wasn't working properly when I wasn't taking Meteformin (I took a cycle off from Met).

If your wanting to do something sooner and wanting to hold off from Clomid you could always look into Accupunture as a starting method that really doesn't have any bad side effects or issues.

Best of luck!  

missteacherlady16

*lurking*trigger warning*

@egnarobean - max lifetime for clomid is 6 cycles because it can cause irreparable thinning of the uterine lining making it impossible for a fertilized egg to implant. There's a laundry list of awful side effects of clomid - do your research. It's a powerful drug. You may be risking your future fertility. 

Most dr's agree to change treatment if something isn't proven successful after 3 cycles. 12 cycles is wayyyyy too many. 

Also, lurk moar. Because clomid is discussed frequently around these parts.