Question re: Clomid, triggers, etc

Svenny1011

My doctor will be recommending Clomid for next cycle, as well as progesterone. I'm a little nervous - I don't like taking meds, but will do what I have to. The Met has made me O a few days later this cycle, but my LP is still 9 days, which concerns me. My understanding is that ovulation seems to be the issue, and he's hoping Clomid will cause stronger ovulation to help with all that. Would that make sense? I feel like every time I talk with them, I hear what they are saying, but when I hang up I'm like "Whaaaaa???". I get so confused!

I spoke on the phone with the nurse today, and she gave me a run down of what the Clomid process would entail. I was so happy to hear he is one of the reliable docs that insists on monitoring (!) which he does on CD 13. She mentioned that at that time they'd figure out if I'd need a trigger. Can someone explain to me what happens with the trigger shot - does it mature the follicles, or just make them pop out? And what makes them determine if I need a trigger or not?

Sorry if this is a dumb question! 

Shayliz

The trigger shot helps force the follicles to release so you can time ovulation/intercourse.  I'm not sure what determines using a trigger or not as I always use a trigger. When I didn't trigger, I had mature follicles on CD13 and didn't wind up ovulating until CD18.

Temp423319000008365

Not a dumb question at all! Clomid can help increase egg quality, which help you have a stronger ovulation. An improvement in your egg quality and ovulation might also help with your short LP too (have you had your progesterone tested?) Progesterone supplements should help lengthen your LP as well.

A trigger shot is done when your follicle(s) are mature (18mm+) and will essentially force any mature follicle to be released about 36 hours after the trigger. This helps a lot with accurate timing and can also help the egg get that last boost into being a higher quality egg. You certainly don't have to have a trigger shot with Clomid, but it can help.  

belle4304

The trigger makes you ovulate.  It helps with timing.  

Svenny1011

Thanks, I appreciate the responses! Everyone here is so darn knowledgeable. This is making more sense to me now.

I'm not on progesterone, which was actually the reason for my call to the nurse. She's asking the doctor if he wants to put me on it for this cycle, rather than waiting for my Clomid one. I just get nervous about it all since the m/c - I'm like a nervous nellie.

I did have my levels checked and they were low. They indicated ovulation occurred, but it was below what he likes to see for "normal".  

Shayliz

Svenny1011:

Thanks, I appreciate the responses! Everyone here is so darn knowledgeable. This is making more sense to me now.

I'm not on progesterone, which was actually the reason for my call to the nurse. She's asking the doctor if he wants to put me on it for this cycle, rather than waiting for my Clomid one. I just get nervous about it all since the m/c - I'm like a nervous nellie.

I did have my levels checked and they were low. They indicated ovulation occurred, but it was below what he likes to see for "normal".  

IMO, progesterone doesn't hurt to be on. I'm on it along with Clomid, and my progesterone levels generally still aren't where they want - so it's a positive that I'm already supplementing during the 2ww.  

Svenny1011

Shayliz:

 

IMO, progesterone doesn't hurt to be on. I'm on it along with Clomid, and my progesterone levels generally still aren't where they want - so it's a positive that I'm already supplementing during the 2ww.  

Yeah, that is what I called about - I basically asked if I could start supplementing now. We wanted to see if the Met would help on its own, and after 2 cycles it hasn't. I could wait out this third cycle and see if it improves, or just go on progesterone now - he wants me to be on it when I'm on Clomid no matter what, so it won't hurt to start now.  

Thanks again Shay - I appreciate your insight (and the rest of the ladies' insight too!). 

Lightdrwr

I would definitely push the progesterone. It can't hurt and will make you feel more confident. Both Clomid and later Femara/Menopur helped to move my LP up to 11 days but only the addition of Progesterone this last cycle made it longer. Good luck!!