Introduction

kd0202

Hello!

I frequented the TTC message board for the first three months or so of TTC. Now my husband and I are on month 11 of trying and it's getting exhausting. Every cycle I have timed, used OPK, and I temped a few cycles as well. Our timing was always great but no luck. The only thing that seemed odd was that I don't typically O until day 21 of a 30/31 day cycle so I was concerned about a short luteal phase. Cycles were consistently 28-33 days until recently when I started getting 34 and even 38 day cycles. My gyno has run tests on myself and DH and everything checks out. This cycle she put me on clomid (50mg) to hopefully help me ovulate sooner, since that seems to be the only thing out of the ordinary. We are now in the TTW on our first clomid cycle so fingers crossed. Gyno says she will go through three cycles of clomid with us and if we dont get pregnant we are off to the fertility specialist to see if IUI is a better solution. 

I know I'm one month short of 12 but when I tried to get back into the normal TTC board it just stung too much to see everyone on their 3 and 4th cycle trying. So hopefully it's ok if I jump over here. I know lots of people have struggled longer than I have but Im starting to experience the envy and bitterness when I see others get pregnant (I hate that about myself!) and frustration at having done what seems like everything in my power to get pregs with no luck. Also our "sex duties" as my husband calls them have stopped being fun and more like a chore so that sucks. 

Anyways, I work for a treatment center and my husband is in law school. DH is 28 and I am 30. We have two cats we adore and a pretty great life (even with TTC frustrations). Looking forward to getting to know you all. 

MJDsquared

Hi @kd0202! I'm in a similar situation (although I'm not ovulating most cycles) but I have a PCOS diagnosis. When I asked a similar question about whether I should go see an RE or stick with my OB for these next two cycles, everyone said to just go see the RE.

I did four cycles of clomid and I'm now on my second of letrozole with my OB. After the third cycle of letrozole, my OB said I should see an RE.

After getting so many responses, I considered jumping ship to the RE right away. I messaged my OB and her response made me feel better.

If we had the money, we'd probably go to the RE now, but we need to save up, so we're going to spend these next two cycles saving money and hoping somehow we can get it done ourselves (though I highly doubt it).

kd0202

@MJDsquared Hi! I have a friend that says the same to me. That I should just go to an RE now instead of wait. I might consider doing just that if this cycle is unsuccessful. I think I feel torn between really wanting to be pregnant as soon as we can and my fear of more invasive interventions

funkykey

Welcome @kd0202 - I'm sorry to hear you are having trouble but hope you find support on these boards. 11 months of trying is a long time!

Re: fear of trying more invasive interventions, I hear you. When our RE recommended clomid + IUI both DH and I were shaken up. Part of me was like: "why not just clomid?" (It actually took us a couple of months to get started after the Rx).

His logic - our RE's - was that clomid is a strong drug, and he doesn't want me to have to take it more than 4 times. If we did the IUI at the same time, it optimizes our chances of success. For us, there's an additional incentive - we're unexplained, but I have noticed some inconsistencies with my CM and my cervix. (Ie. I don't always have EWCM when I have a positive OPK - sometimes my EWCM is 2-3 days before my + OPK) - if that is our issue an not just a fluke, an IUI would knock me up. (If it doesn't work, hey, we'll move on to IVF, and obviously my CM is not the issue).

Anyway, best of luck to you & with your decisions! 

kd0202

@funkykey Thanks for the encouragement! I also have scant CM almost every cycle, so I wonder if we have that in common. I think I'll definitely at least schedule a consultation and then go from there. No reason to let fear hold me back!

hoffmanr7

@kd0202 I am glad you joined us.  Like you and @funkykey I also have inconsistent CM....the closest I have ever gotten to that EWCCM was when I was on clomid...otherwise, the best I get is watery and it never seems like much.

funkykey

@kd0202 - yeah, the consultation will give you some idea of next steps. I was going to ask if you've been sent for an HSG yet? So much of being unexplained is just a process of elimination, and there's a good chance you might not find out what's going on at all!

But seriously, re: fear - I actually found it worse when we were just going it alone, without our RE/doctors and these boards. There's been something really nice about having the outside support/the professionals who say: "Hm, let's try this." or: "Let's run your bloodwork again and check the levels." It makes me feel like it's not all on my shoulders - I was very lonely before.

Anyway, FX for you that you don't need to do anything at all, and you get surprised KU-ed this month, before the consultation even.

Bababatty

@kd0202 Welcome! I'm sorry you're also having some struggles. Your LP may be borderline short, but clomid likely won't help that (if it is in fact the issue). (Maybe I'm misunderstanding what your OB said, since you mentioned she wants you to ovulate earlier.) Most people take progesterone to lengthen LPs, so you should ask about that. In theory, the trigger shot (if you're doing timed intercourse) will lengthen your LP, but it only did that for me once.

Anyway, I really encourage you to talk with an RE. Are you being monitored with u/s by your OB while you're on clomid? Since clomid has a lifetime use limit, I'd personally use it only after all my testing was complete and in conjunction with a treatment plan. But that's just my two cents. You should absolutely do what feels right to you. 

I hope you join in on our weekly check-ins. Good luck!

kd0202

@Bababatty My OB just said to take the clomid to try and bring on ovulation sooner. This month with Clomid I ovulated on day 17 instead of my usual day 21. Though I'm not sure if I'm just going to have a short cycle (same luteal length) or if it will be a normal 30 dayish cycle. She has me going in for blood work on day 21. That's sort of why I'm thinking ill go to the RE next month instead of doing three rounds with my OB like she suggested. I really want someone that will put me under more supervision so we can be as successful as possible. I also and having a VERY hard time with mood swings on Clomid so I don't want to do it longer than I have to. @funkykey so HSG is one of the only things my OB didnt do. Here is what she has done:
* Tested my estrogen, LH, and progesterone. She said they all looked normal and that I was definitely ovulating.
* She did blood work to confirm I have no thyroid problems and I am not anemic.
* She did blood work to confirm I have a healthy ovarian reserve and that my eggs are good quality. 
* She tested DH's sperm, said that it was on the low side of normal but still normal. She said she didn't think he was the problem.
* She did an ultrasound and said my lining, uterus, and ovaries looked normal. No cysts.  

I think the HSG is going to be the first thing I request from the RE next month to make sure that isn't the issue. I really appreciate the encouragement. 

hoffmanr7

@kd0202 Clomid side effects are the worst!  I've done 3 cycles of it so far and I always feel like I turn into a crazy person on it.  Usually, I follow this simple rule..........