When to see a RE?

skel0809 · May 2013

So I just found out that my second cycle of clomid (100mg) didn't work, although I did have an increase in progesterone levels since the first cycle of only 50mg. So for the third round I am going to be taking 150mg. If that round doesn't work, I'm wondering if I should see a RE instead of just my OB/GYN, or is it too soon? We have been TTC for a year now. Thank you.

Twinkie0612 · May 2013

What kind of testing have you done? What kind of monitoring are you doing with your OB/GYN?

I would recommend moving to a RE now, since most OB/GYNs don't give you the proper testing/monitoring.

skel0809 · May 2013

So far I have only been doing CD21 bloodwork.

scbedi · May 2013

skel0809:
So far I have only been doing CD21 bloodwork.

don't walk to an RE...RUN!!! I am so sorry about the BFN, you will feel so much more comfortable with an RE. They are in the business of getting you pregnant. OB/GYNs aren't. GL to you!!

Twinkie0612 · May 2013

skel0809:
So far I have only been doing CD21 bloodwork.

You should be monitored by ultrasound during a medicated cycle. You need to know if you have cysts, if the clomid is thinning your lining, and how well you are responding. CD 21 blood work is only acurate if you ovulate on CD 14, which many women don't. Your blood work should have been done 7 days after ovulation.

How much testing did your doc do before starting clomid? Did you have CD 3 blood work and a HSG? Did your husband have a SA?

skel0809 · May 2013

I have not had any ultrasounds done since starting clomid. Your point about the 6 cycles is why I was starting to think about going to see a RE, so that I don't waste time with something that is not going to work. Thanks for your input.

RunCC37 · May 2013

I personally didn't wait - as soon as we hit the 1 year mark, we got to the RE right away. My OB offered to do some testing before that, but I didn't want to waste any time. I strongly recommend that you go to an RE so you know you're being monitored properly.

skel0809 · May 2013

Before starting clomid I only had bloodwork done ( I don't remember what CD it was done on though) and that is what showed my low progesterone levels, and my husband did have a SA which came back good.

RunCC37 · May 2013

Did you have an HSG?

It sounds to me like you should go to an RE now. At the very least, you should have had CD3 blood work and ultrasound (to check for cysts), HSG for you and SA for your husband before starting clomid.

Twinkie0612 · May 2013

skel0809:
Before starting clomid I only had bloodwork done ( I don't remember what CD it was done on though) and that is what showed my low progesterone levels, and my husband did have a SA which came back good.

You really should have a HSG to check to make sure your tubes are open before taking clomid. What is the point of wasting time and money on clomid cycles if your tubes are blocked?

It makes me sad that many OB/GYNs can't even be bothered to do the proper testing before throwing meds at someone.

skel0809 · May 2013

I initially started talking to my OB/GYN about issues trying to get pregnant after we were TTC for 6 months, and I feel like she felt it was too early to be concerned but she wanted to satisfy me and did the bloodwork. I had only the bloodwork done that showed my low progesterone levels. My husband had a SA done which came back good and then that is when she started me on the clomid and has only monitored it by CD21 bloodwork. Another thing that kind of bothers me is that I never get to actually talk to my doctor, it is always one of the assistants calling with my results and telling me what to do next.

I have been hesitant to see a RE because my insurance doesn't cover infertility treatments but I'm starting to think that the benefits will outweigh the cost.

ttuprincess · May 2013

Like the others have said....I would head straight to an RE. Unmonitored Clomid can be dangerous. You also haven't had all the tests needed to really know what is going on. The Clomid won't do you any good if you don't that other things are causing problems. Good luck to you.

scbedi · May 2013

skel0809:
I initially started talking to my OB/GYN about issues trying to get pregnant after we were TTC for 6 months, and I feel like she felt it was too early to be concerned but she wanted to satisfy me and did the bloodwork. I had only the bloodwork done that showed my low progesterone levels. My husband had a SA done which came back good and then that is when she started me on the clomid and has only monitored it by CD21 bloodwork. Another thing that kind of bothers me is that I never get to actually talk to my doctor, it is always one of the assistants calling with my results and telling me what to do next.
I have been hesitant to see a RE because my insurance doesn't cover infertility treatments but I'm starting to think that the benefits will outweigh the cost.

many here are completely OOP as well, I am. My RE is very sensitive to the cost side of it and makes treatment "packages" that cut down costs. I wish you the best of luck!

Twinkie0612 · May 2013

Say1009:
skel0809:

I initially started talking to my OB/GYN about issues trying to get pregnant after we were TTC for 6 months, and I feel like she felt it was too early to be concerned but she wanted to satisfy me and did the bloodwork. I had only the bloodwork done that showed my low progesterone levels. My husband had a SA done which came back good and then that is when she started me on the clomid and has only monitored it by CD21 bloodwork. Another thing that kind of bothers me is that I never get to actually talk to my doctor, it is always one of the assistants calling with my results and telling me what to do next.

I have been hesitant to see a RE because my insurance doesn't cover infertility treatments but I'm starting to think that the benefits will outweigh the cost.

many here are completely OOP as well, I am. My RE is very sensitive to the cost side of it and makes treatment "packages" that cut down costs. I wish you the best of luck!

I am OOP as well and this is another reason why I didn't want to waste my time and money working with my OB/GYN (I did one treatment cycle with him and had to request monitoring). My RE does have a different OOP pricing for u/s (first one of the cycle is $335 and all additional are $265) and they didn't charge me for my post coital tests.

It's expensive to do properly monitored treatment cycles, but gambling on my health and fertility is not a risk I would be willing to take.

skel0809 · May 2013

I agree that risking my health isn't worth the money saved, so I am going to ask for a referral to a RE so that I can start doing everything the safe way. Thanks everyone for your advice!

brandykid · May 2013

ttuprincess:
Like the others have said....I would head straight to an RE. Unmonitored Clomid can be dangerous. You also haven't had all the tests needed to really know what is going on. The Clomid won't do you any good if you don't that other things are causing problems. Good luck to you.

This. I agree with these ladies, you should head to an RE.

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