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TTC after 35
Clomid vs. Fermara question
So I've only tried clomid (50, 100, and 150mg). I did get pregnant one cycle on 100mg in April of 08 which ended in m/c. Since than, between med breaks, I have tried 100mg and 150mg. The 100mg for some reason did not help me ovulate. *shrug*
So this cycle I did 150mg w/HCG trigger which I was hopeful about because I actually had a 19mm sized follie on CD14 (usually I don't have anything that big until CD16 or 17). However, the day I got my 1st HCG trigger was the same day my mom decided to stop treatments and passed away 4 days later so we were only able to give this cycle one try.
Though she hasn't reared her ugly head, I have been feeling like AF is coming (my temp was down this AM and, for good measure, I took a pregnancy test which was BFN) so tomorrow I'm going to the Dr's to talk to her about our next step.
That explanation was a lot longer than it needed to be, but I digress:
Since clomid worked (out of 6 clomid cycles 1 failed) will I have the same success on femara? I guess I'm wondering if femara is has strong as clomid. The lack of s/e from femara is appealing as is the less chance of twins.
My big issue is that while I want to try femara because I've heard nothing but good things about it, I'm wondering if I should just keep going with clomid; the s/e for me are not that bad, I get hot flashes, minimal night sweats and I take estrogen to help with CM (though I don't know that it helps because nothing seems different to me when I'm not on a medicated cycle).
So would you take the 'if it's not broke don't fix it' route or try something new? I'll ask my Dr tomorrow, obviously, but I wanted to know what you thought?
TIA
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Clomid vs. Fermara question
First, I am so sorry about the loss of your mother. I can't imagine going through that while dealing with the emotions of TTC.
I tried clomid for one month. I was amazed at the hot flashes that I got. I also was moody and weepy. I have taken femara for two cycles. We got pregnant (m/c) with the first cycle of femara. Of the two medicines, I much prefer the femara. My RE said that its half-life is a lot shorter and it doesn't stay in your bloodstream as long. I have had no side effects that I've noticed, either. I ovulated with both clomid and femara. The RE has me on it for an "ovulatory dysfunction" whatever that means. He said we can up the ante if we want and go for the FSH trigger, but we're not up for that just yet. The downside to the femara is the cost. It is a lot more than the $9 clomid at Target! I am nervous about this next cycle with it, because it's the end of my free pills that I got. If we get a BFN this month, then we'll have to pay to fill the prescription and I know it'll be expensive. I hope that whatever you choose to do that you are happy with it. If you can get 3 months free, go for it! If not, be prepared to spend a bit more than you would with the clomid. Good luck!
I am sorry about your mom.
I wouldn't bother doing any more clomid. You have already done 6 cycles which puts you at a higher risk for ovarian cancer. Femara works in the same way, so I cannot see that giving you better results.
It may be time to move on to injectables. Most RE's will move a patient onto injectables after 3 unsucessful clomid/femarra tries. If you are getting the clomid from your OB/GYN then I would move on to an RE. I would not want to be any Dr's guinea pig and it sort of sounds like you are headed that way.
Have you already had your husband's sperm analysis done? your tubes checked for blockage? a post-coital test? You need to rule out other options first. Especially ones that no amount of clomid will fix . Good Luck.