TTC for 3 years - clomid failed, what next? Any tips appreciated!

Pankers

Hi All, Just joined the board, I feel in need of some moral support.  I know that I am not in the same situation as some of you but I am on the journey.

Short bio:  I am 37, hubby is 41.  We have been TTC for 3 years now and nothing.  I was on the contraceptive pill for 20 years before coming off it and it took a LONG time for my body to adjust, in fact I am still not that regular and my cycles are over 30 days long.  I just finished the last of my 4 clomid sessions.  (Long story short, I went to see someone in the UK and then moved to the USA, so had to start all over again really).  Anyway, the last 2 rounds resulted in ovulation according to the 21 day progesterone results but alas, first 200mg cycle was not successful and I feel that AF is now imminent on the 2nd 200mg cycle, spotting has arrived.  Silver lining from this ????? Maybe I have plenty of eggs left if I have not been ovulating for the past 3 years ?   Too much to hope for?  But for all I know right now, they could be useless.

I refuse to get my hopes up that it is implantation bleeding, as I did that in Jan, and it was just a really heavy AF.  Hubby is fine on SA, so it is me that is the issue here.

Looks like I will be referred to a reproductive endocrinologist in the next few days, I just wanted to know if you all had any advice on how I select one, what I should look out for and any tips on how to survive the whole "I am a failure as a woman" moment that I am going through?

Best of luck to all of you out there who are trying, whether you are in the same boat as me, or further along in your journey.  We will get there, right?

x

ksgsmu

So sorry you have had trouble....

1.  You need to see an RE ( which you said you were going to see) They will make sure you have the proper testing.  You didn't mention anything about your HSG test and Day 3 testing. An RE will try and give you a diagnosis so they can treat you properly.

2.  After so much Clomid, ( you get a lifetime max of 6 cycles) you will probably move to injections with IUI if you are "unexplained". Most RE's won't do a protocol that isn't working more than 3 times.  Your RE will work with you and give you the best protocol for you and explain the success rates etc...

3. Check your insurance and your fertility coverage.  We are 100% out of pocket on all fertility treatments, tests etc... 

You are not a failure... you just need some help.  Hang in there!

MarylandWed

Definitely not a failure! Sorry it's taking so long. The RE is a good thing hopefully they can give you some answers and get you pregnant. GL!

Jacque Sills

ksgsmu:

So sorry you have had trouble....

1.  You need to see an RE ( which you said you were going to see) They will make sure you have the proper testing.  You didn't mention anything about your HSG test and Day 3 testing. An RE will try and give you a diagnosis so they can treat you properly.

2.  After so much Clomid, ( you get a lifetime max of 6 cycles) you will probably move to injections with IUI if you are "unexplained". Most RE's won't do a protocol that isn't working more than 3 times.  Your RE will work with you and give you the best protocol for you and explain the success rates etc...

3. Check your insurance and your fertility coverage.  We are 100% out of pocket on all fertility treatments, tests etc... 

You are not a failure... you just need some help.  Hang in there!

This....best of luck and welcome to the group!

HeathernSteven

You are not a failure as a woman!!! Get that thought right out of your head!

I went to the RE my OB suggested (and was in my Health Ins plan) so I don't have any guidance on how to choose. Was there any monitoring while you were on clomid, od you know if you produced follicles and actually O?

I wish you luck as you go forward! But you are NOT a failure, you just need a boost

Pankers

Thanks for the support ladies.

I did 21 day progesterone blood tests on all 4 rounds of Clomid and the 2 rounds at 200mg the OB/GYN was pretty sure I ovulated.

The random spotting I had was confusing.  Not full AF.  I had really light bleeding (very red, sorry TMI) for about 3 hours and then it stopped.  That was on Monday and nothing since.  I tested this morning and BFN.  AF isnt't/wasn't due until Friday this week.

But good news, I have an appointment with the RE on 24th June, so at least I will have a path forward.

Thanks again for all the words of support ladies, it is really appreciated.

Pankers

I forgot to say, I was referred to the RE from the OB/GYN, so I didn't get a choice on the RE and I get 100% coverage for fertility service up to a certain amount too on my benefits, so I am really lucky.  And we have been saving up in case we need multiple rounds/treatments.

x