17 DPO negative tests - Clomid

stace56475 · February 2014

Hello! This is my first post on here and I would love some insight. I can't talk about this with friends or family because I don't want them to know I'm trying to get pregnant.

When I got off of birth control July 2013, my cycle didn't return for 49 days and that was with the help of a progesterone prescription from my doctor. After some tests it confirmed I didn't ovulate on my own. They prescribed me 50mg of Clomid and they tested that I did ovulate from that.

Since October 2013, my cycles have been 34 days on the dot. Usually prior to the 34 days, I get brown spotting and other symptoms of PMS.

This time around, I didn't get PMS symptoms. I am now on day 37 and period is nowhere in sight. This is my third round of Clomid. I took a test this morning (First Response) and got a definite negative. Last week I was getting so much creamy white discharge that felt like a flow (no odor or itching). There was also a lot of major cramping on Tuesday of last week.

I talked to my doctor and he said to take one more test and if that doesn't show up positive to take the progesterone from my last prescription to induce a cycle.

What if I take the progesterone and my AF still doesn't return. With my period being late does it mean I didn't ovulate this month? Is there still a chance I could be pregnant? I feel other pregnancy symptoms but now I'm thinking that I am dreaming all of them up. We have been trying for 6 months and I'm constantly thinking worse case scenarios and that something serious is wrong with me. Would love some advice from people who have been in a similar boat. Thanks

Pintobean39 · February 2014

Find a good Dr and back away from the clomid

mmb248 · February 2014

Wow. You should only take Clomid after proper testing and you should be monitored throughout your cycle. You need to run away from your dr because you shouldn't have these questions.

I also can't believe a Dr prescribed Clomid within 3 months of coming off bcp.

sister13 · February 2014

wickedsugar said:

Oy... So many things wrong with this, I will let someone else handle this one.

My exact thoughts.

But, I'll start at least. Most importantly, negative test means not pregnant at this time. If you weren't monitored, you are probably not 17 DPO.

I can't imagine what possibly determined you are not ovulating if you have a regular 34 day cycle. If you need help conceiving (a big IF), you should be seeing a reproductive endocrinologist, not an OB.

edit: OP, I agree with PPs - you should not be seeing ANY doctor at all. You just came off birth control. You should not be taking fertility meds. Did you do any research on this at all before taking this medication from this "doctor"?

stace56475 said:

Hello! This is my first post on here and I would love some insight. I can't talk about this with friends or family because I don't want them to know I'm trying to get pregnant.

When I got off of birth control July 2013, my cycle didn't return for 49 days and that was with the help of a progesterone prescription from my doctor. After some tests it confirmed I didn't ovulate on my own. They prescribed me 50mg of Clomid and they tested that I did ovulate from that.

Since October 2013, my cycles have been 34 days on the dot. Usually prior to the 34 days, I get brown spotting and other symptoms of PMS.

This time around, I didn't get PMS symptoms. I am now on day 37 and period is nowhere in sight. This is my third round of Clomid. I took a test this morning (First Response) and got a definite negative. Last week I was getting so much creamy white discharge that felt like a flow (no odor or itching). There was also a lot of major cramping on Tuesday of last week.

I talked to my doctor and he said to take one more test and if that doesn't show up positive to take the progesterone from my last prescription to induce a cycle.

What if I take the progesterone and my AF still doesn't return. With my period being late does it mean I didn't ovulate this month? Is there still a chance I could be pregnant? I feel other pregnancy symptoms but now I'm thinking that I am dreaming all of them up. We have been trying for 6 months and I'm constantly thinking worse case scenarios and that something serious is wrong with me. Would love some advice from people who have been in a similar boat. Thanks

QFP.

SCSmith2011 · February 2014

If you are on Clomid they should be monitoring you to confirm ovulation. But I'm concerned that your doc just put you on Clomid almost right off the bat from coming of BCP.

stace56475 · February 2014

mmb248 - What proper testing do you mean? They tested to see if I ovulated on my own which I did not. That is why they started with Clomid. I know you typically should be trying for more than a year before going on any fertility treatment, but why wait when they found a problem early on?

This is our first time TTC so I put trust that the doctors would know what they were doing more than I do. I obviously am no expert. Everyone seems to be getting pregnant around me and it is so discouraging. I came on these boards looking for some support and advice

missnacholover · February 2014

stace56475 said:

mmb248 - What proper testing do you mean? They tested to see if I ovulated on my own which I did not. That is why they started with Clomid. I know you typically should be trying for more than a year before going on any fertility treatment, but why wait when they found a problem early on?

This is our first time TTC so I put trust that the doctors would know what they were doing more than I do. I obviously am no expert. Everyone seems to be getting pregnant around me and it is so discouraging. I came on these boards looking for some support and advice

I'm not an expert and I know very little about clomid, but in my limited knowledge, I feel like since you have only been trying since July 2013 (not a full year yet), you may not have problems. It takes a while for cycles to regulate coming off BCP for some people so my concern is why your doc didn't recognize this instead of jumping the gun and putting you on clomid? Maybe your body was just adjusting?

sister13 · February 2014

stace56475 said:

mmb248 - What proper testing do you mean? They tested to see if I ovulated on my own which I did not. That is why they started with Clomid. I know you typically should be trying for more than a year before going on any fertility treatment, but why wait when they found a problem early on?

This is our first time TTC so I put trust that the doctors would know what they were doing more than I do. I obviously am no expert. Everyone seems to be getting pregnant around me and it is so discouraging. I came on these boards looking for some support and advice

What exactly, did they test?

MARISAV77 · February 2014

I think I would want to get a blood test to confirm pregnancy or not and not a urine test before taking that prescription of progesterone. I made the mistake of taking 2 rounds of clomid prescribed by my OBGYN who didn't monitor me with US or even did any blood work on me.

I am happy that I made the decision to go to an RE who did a full fertility work-up before prescribing me Clomid and monitors me every month with US. When I went in for my annual pap smear with my OBGYN in October, his exact words to me were, "so when are you going to get pregnant?" I think my mouth dropped when he said that, because he obviously didn't go over my chart from the year before and seen I had some fertility issues because he prescribed me Clomid or he just didn't have any damn sense to not say such a comment to someone having fertility issues. It's sad too, because I actually liked my OBGYN up until then especially since I have been seeing him for the last 15 years! Needless to say I am looking for a new OBGYN and don't plan on going back to him!

themrsJRD · February 2014

stace56475 said:

Hello! This is my first post on here and I would love some insight. I can't talk about this with friends or family because I don't want them to know I'm trying to get pregnant.

When I got off of birth control July 2013, my cycle didn't return for 49 days and that was with the help of a progesterone prescription from my doctor. After some tests it confirmed I didn't ovulate on my own. They prescribed me 50mg of Clomid and they tested that I did ovulate from that.

Since October 2013, my cycles have been 34 days on the dot. Usually prior to the 34 days, I get brown spotting and other symptoms of PMS.

This time around, I didn't get PMS symptoms. I am now on day 37 and period is nowhere in sight. This is my third round of Clomid. I took a test this morning (First Response) and got a definite negative. Last week I was getting so much creamy white discharge that felt like a flow (no odor or itching). There was also a lot of major cramping on Tuesday of last week.

I talked to my doctor and he said to take one more test and if that doesn't show up positive to take the progesterone from my last prescription to induce a cycle.

What if I take the progesterone and my AF still doesn't return. With my period being late does it mean I didn't ovulate this month? Is there still a chance I could be pregnant? I feel other pregnancy symptoms but now I'm thinking that I am dreaming all of them up. We have been trying for 6 months and I'm constantly thinking worse case scenarios and that something serious is wrong with me. Would love some advice from people who have been in a similar boat. Thanks

I will let others touch on the things that are seriously wrong here and just comment on what you're asking.

A negative test means you are not pregnant at this time. If you are not being properly monitored via ultrasound while on Clomid, you need to 1. NOT take Clomid again without proper monitoring and 2. stop assuming you ovulated. You don't know if you aren't temping (since this is a medicated cycle you shouldn't be temping anyway) or getting ultrasounds.

It sounds like you are not seeing an RE for the Clomid- but you probably shouldn't be seeing an RE anyway. The general rule is that if you are healthy with no known issues and under 35, it can take a year to get pregnant and until that time has passed, you don't need to start medicating.

Yes, you are probably dreaming up the symptoms. Until you get a BFP, symptoms mean nothing. If you got a negative test, no I don't think you could still be pregnant at this time. The symptoms you got last week could have been ovulation related, meaning you ovulated late, or just random things you noticed since you're TTC.

BACK AWAY FROM THE CLOMID. That stuff is seriously not something to take lightly. Be your own advocate.

SCSmith2011 · February 2014

stace56475 said:

mmb248 - What proper testing do you mean? They tested to see if I ovulated on my own which I did not. That is why they started with Clomid. I know you typically should be trying for more than a year before going on any fertility treatment, but why wait when they found a problem early on?

This is our first time TTC so I put trust that the doctors would know what they were doing more than I do. I obviously am no expert. Everyone seems to be getting pregnant around me and it is so discouraging. I came on these boards looking for some support and advice

OBGYNs are not reproductive specialists and many seem to want to hand out fertility drugs like candy without proper monitoring. My OBGYN also offered me clomid when I hit the six month mark (I'm over 35) but I knew enough to refuse and go see an RE.

mmb248 · February 2014

Many women have screwy cycles right after bcp. What test did they do to determine you weren't ovulating? Your dr has WAY jumped the gun on this.

Proper testing before prescribing Clomid includes CD3 blood work, a sperm analysis for your partner, and a hsg for you. All the Clomid in the world isn't going to get you pregnant if your tubes are blocked or your partner had a sperm issue.

Clomid can cause irreversible damage to your reproductive system if you're not monitored. Women have lost ovaries, tubes, and damaged their uterine lining because of unmonitored Clomid.

Someone jump in and correct me if I'm wrong but I think you can only take Clomid 6 times in your life. Your dr has let you waste 3 chances.

ETA: I forgot about the multiples warning.

themrsJRD · February 2014

stace56475 said:

mmb248 - What proper testing do you mean? They tested to see if I ovulated on my own which I did not. That is why they started with Clomid. I know you typically should be trying for more than a year before going on any fertility treatment, but why wait when they found a problem early on?

This is our first time TTC so I put trust that the doctors would know what they were doing more than I do. I obviously am no expert. Everyone seems to be getting pregnant around me and it is so discouraging. I came on these boards looking for some support and advice

Oh boy. Impatience =/= fertility issues. That mindset won't make you any friends around here. You had JUST come off birth control. Seriously, you may not have had any issues whatsoever- but you could have created entirely new issues by taking a fertility drug without being monitored! I think you need to see a different doctor who knows what the hell they are doing.

stace56475 · February 2014

They asked if I wanted to go through all the tests rigorous tests first or try clomid to see if that worked to get me to ovulate. The second seemed like a simpler solution and he left it up to me. Again, I didn't know the best treatment and I try not to read up too much beforehand as I feel doctors should know best. Maybe that was my mistake but I tend to look into things too much when I do a bunch of research.

Joy2611 - I should have been more precise with my numbers. I stopped birth control sometime the end of June or early July. I should have been keeping better track of when I came off it. I had my first natural period on July 31st but it didn't return until October 2nd and it had help of progesterone. 21 days after that period started, I had a blood test done to see if I ovulated and I did not.

I made another appointment on the 7th of November to talk about my options to get me to ovulate. I had begun my period naturally on this date as well so I didn't take the progesterone prescribed. My other cycle dates that follow were December 11th and January 14th.

stace56475 · February 2014

Once they prescribed Clomid I did read up on the side effects and hazards to make sure it was safe. I didn't find anything that gave me red flags.

SCSmith2011 · February 2014

stace56475 said:

They asked if I wanted to go through all the tests rigorous tests first or try clomid to see if that worked to get me to ovulate. The second seemed like a simpler solution and he left it up to me. Again, I didn't know the best treatment and I try not to read up too much beforehand as I feel doctors should know best. Maybe that was my mistake but I tend to look into things too much when I do a bunch of research.

Joy2611 - I should have been more precise with my numbers. I stopped birth control sometime the end of June or early July. I should have been keeping better track of when I came off it. I had my first natural period on July 31st but it didn't return until October 2nd and it had help of progesterone. 21 days after that period started, I had a blood test done to see if I ovulated and I did not.

I made another appointment on the 7th of November to talk about my options to get me to ovulate. I had begun my period naturally on this date as well so I didn't take the progesterone prescribed. My other cycle dates that follow were December 11th and January 14th.

All the CD21 bloodwork confirmed was that as of that cycle day you hadn't ovulated. But you got a natural period on November 7th so it seems to me that there's a good chance that you are ovulating on your own, you just have "longer" cycles. But not ovulating is not what my problem is so I'll let the ladies who know more about it have a go.

themrsJRD · February 2014

stace56475 said:

They asked if I wanted to go through all the tests rigorous tests first or try clomid to see if that worked to get me to ovulate. The second seemed like a simpler solution and he left it up to me. Again, I didn't know the best treatment and I try not to read up too much beforehand as I feel doctors should know best. Maybe that was my mistake but I tend to look into things too much when I do a bunch of research.

Joy2611 - I should have been more precise with my numbers. I stopped birth control sometime the end of June or early July. I should have been keeping better track of when I came off it. I had my first natural period on July 31st but it didn't return until October 2nd and it had help of progesterone. 21 days after that period started, I had a blood test done to see if I ovulated and I did not.

I made another appointment on the 7th of November to talk about my options to get me to ovulate. I had begun my period naturally on this date as well so I didn't take the progesterone prescribed. My other cycle dates that follow were December 11th and January 14th.

Jesus. So you had natural unmedicated cycles on October 2 and November 7?? PLEASE tell me what the problem is here?? Just because your cycle wasn't 28 days doesn't mean you had an issue. You are obviously like many other women out there who don't ovulate on CD14, which is why your bloodwork that was done on CD21 showed you hadn't ovulated. But you very likely DID ovulate, so you are potentially messing with your reproductive organs for no damn reason.

Stop assuming doctors know best. They don't always know best. Your doctor is out of his area of expertise and I would NEVER go back to him knowing that now.

SCSmith2011 · February 2014

cramcakes said:

stace56475 said:

They asked if I wanted to go through all the tests rigorous tests first or try clomid to see if that worked to get me to ovulate. The second seemed like a simpler solution and he left it up to me. Again, I didn't know the best treatment and I try not to read up too much beforehand as I feel doctors should know best. Maybe that was my mistake but I tend to look into things too much when I do a bunch of research.

What the fuck? So because it was easier that's the way to go? This who paragraph just tells me you're a moron. Not all doctors are smart just because they are doctors. Who the hell takes a medication and doesn't read up about it first?!

For realz. All that degree and license means is that they've met the minimum standards to practice.

stace56475 · February 2014

cramcakes - He was very convincing in that I shouldn't go through a bunch of testing that might be unnecessary. I didn't take the medication until I read up on it. I didn't do a bunch of research before I went to the doctor because then I think I have a million things wrong with me that I most likely don't. If I was a doctor, I think I would get a bit peeved if someone came into my office thinking they knew more than I did. I tried to trust they went to years and years of schooling and training, and know better than what I find on a google search.

I am not a moron and I didn't expect any name calling on here. I thought we were adults. I don't appreciate it and I was hoping for useful advice. Name calling doesn't help anybody.

It seems as though I should stop taking all these medications and get a proper round of testing done before jumping to any conclusions.

janda426 · February 2014

Look, idk why you're still fighting this. if you were being properly monitored, you wouldn't be questioning anything right now. I can't believe anyone would rather claim themselves as infertile and risk their future reproduction chances by taking medicine that doctors hand out like candy without warning their patients of possible consequences.

Answer me this: if there are doctors out there that WILL monitor you and make sure you aren't growing cysts or anything, why wouldn't you rather see THOSE type of doctors instead of the one you're with who doesn't seem to give a shit and keep throwing meds at you?

I was an ER nurse. I worked with lots and lots of doctors. They don't always know what they're talking about. Their word isn't always holy. YOU are your own advocate. Get yourself a new doctor that will monitor you and not waste your time.

janda426 · February 2014

stace56475 said:
cramcakes - He was very convincing in that I shouldn't go through a bunch of testing that might be unnecessary. I didn't take the medication until I read up on it. I didn't do a bunch of research before I went to the doctor because then I think I have a million things wrong with me that I most likely don't. If I was a doctor, I think I would get a bit peeved if someone came into my office thinking they knew more than I did. I tried to trust they went to years and years of schooling and training, and know better than what I find on a google search.

I am not a moron and I didn't expect any name calling on here. I thought we were adults. I don't appreciate it and I was hoping for useful advice. Name calling doesn't help anybody.

It seems as though I should stop taking all these medications and get a proper round of testing done before jumping to any conclusions.

Who the HELL called you any names..?

SCSmith2011 · February 2014

OP please understand that we aren't trying to make you feel dumb. But based on what you've told us it seems like you may not actually have infertility issues and you are taking a drug that can cause serious problems. See the post that Wolfette linked for an example.

mmb248 · February 2014

Look I know that right now it feels like you're getting fussed at by a bunch of internet strangers but our outrage is really aimed at your Dr. If you're used to having regular cycles then calling your Dr during a long cycle is understandable. What your Dr should have told you is: it can take awhile to regulate after bcp. Call me if you get to 60 days with no period or positive hpt.

Then if you had multiple cycles where you needed provera it would have been time to see if there was an issue. You may have regulated on your own. You may have discovered that a 50 day cycle is normal for you and you just ovulate later than the average.

You should be able to trust your Dr to give you all the facts about a drug before it's prescribed but you should also never take anything without reading and asking about the side effects.

The very best advice I can give you is to put down the Clomid, pick up a copy of taking charge of your fertility, start temping and charting your cycles on fertility friend (it's free) and find a new doctor.

sister13 · February 2014

stace56475 said:

They asked if I wanted to go through all the tests rigorous tests first or try clomid to see if that worked to get me to ovulate. The second seemed like a simpler solution and he left it up to me. Again, I didn't know the best treatment and I try not to read up too much beforehand as I feel doctors should know best. Maybe that was my mistake but I tend to look into things too much when I do a bunch of research.

Joy2611 - I should have been more precise with my numbers. I stopped birth control sometime the end of June or early July. I should have been keeping better track of when I came off it. I had my first natural period on July 31st but it didn't return until October 2nd and it had help of progesterone. 21 days after that period started, I had a blood test done to see if I ovulated and I did not.

I made another appointment on the 7th of November to talk about my options to get me to ovulate. I had begun my period naturally on this date as well so I didn't take the progesterone prescribed. My other cycle dates that follow were December 11th and January 14th.

This is really terrible. I'm sure others will chime in. Just because you had an off cycle after stopping BC is no reason to think you are "not ovulating". Honestly, more people will jump in here, but this doctor is not well educated and it could seriously hurt you. We are not jumping all over you to make you feel bad, but to help you realize how dangerous this is - from experiences we've seen on this board - some have commented in this thread already.

That being said, you DO need to do your own research - it is your body and your health. In this day and age, there is no excuse for not doing your own research online and asking questions of your doctor. I hope you will consider this because you are taking a huge risk and nothing you have mentioned so far indicates you are not ovulating on your own.

My recommendation is that you step away from that doctor and all the medication - and chalk it up to ignorance that you didn't know, but there is something you can do. Go to fertilityfriend.com and take the tutorials, buy a basal thermometer, and start charting. Charting will tell you if you are ovulating or not - no tests needed. If you don't ovulate for 3-4 months, THEN, maybe you could consider seeking help (from a different doctor).

stace56475 · February 2014

mmb248 said:

Look I know that right now it feels like you're getting fussed at by a bunch of internet strangers but our outrage is really aimed at your Dr. If you're used to having regular cycles then calling your Dr during a long cycle is understandable. What your Dr should have told you is: it can take awhile to regulate after bcp. Call me if you get to 60 days with no period or positive hpt.

Thanks Mmb248 for this. I was starting to feel like I was being attacked and all I really wanted was some helpful advice from people who have been there. Maybe I will know better than to post on these from now on and stalk other threads. I'm feeling pretty low now. I thought I was doing the right thing all along.

mmb248 · February 2014

stace56475 said:

mmb248 said:

Look I know that right now it feels like you're getting fussed at by a bunch of internet strangers but our outrage is really aimed at your Dr. If you're used to having regular cycles then calling your Dr during a long cycle is understandable. What your Dr should have told you is: it can take awhile to regulate after bcp. Call me if you get to 60 days with no period or positive hpt.

Thanks Mmb248 for this. I was starting to feel like I was being attacked and all I really wanted was some helpful advice from people who have been there. Maybe I will know better than to post on these from now on and stalk other threads. I'm feeling pretty low now. I thought I was doing the right thing all along.

QUOTES!

Don't back away from the boards because there's a huge amount of knowledge and support here. You have received a ton of helpful advice here. I hope you can see that even though it wasn't what you expected to hear.

As for feeling low - don't. You didn't know any better and now you do. If you walk away from this armed with the information to learn about your body and advocate for yourself then I and many others here will be thrilled that you listened to us and our advice wasn't wasted.

Eta - quotes and grammar are hard.

GoaliesWife123 · February 2014

stace56475 said:

cramcakes - He was very convincing in that I shouldn't go through a bunch of testing that might be unnecessary. I didn't take the medication until I read up on it. I didn't do a bunch of research before I went to the doctor because then I think I have a million things wrong with me that I most likely don't. If I was a doctor, I think I would get a bit peeved if someone came into my office thinking they knew more than I did. I tried to trust they went to years and years of schooling and training, and know better than what I find on a google search.

I am not a moron and I didn't expect any name calling on here. I thought we were adults. I don't appreciate it and I was hoping for useful advice. Name calling doesn't help anybody.

It seems as though I should stop taking all these medications and get a proper round of testing done before jumping to any conclusions.

Your doctor is a complete, fucking idiot.

You've been trying for 6 months. You shouldn't be on clomid at all, let alone unmonitored.

You are a moron if you go in and trust your doctor blindly. Absolutely. Especially with your reproductive organs at risk. Correct me if I'm wrong, regulars, but isn't the maximum amount of cycles you are supposed to ever be on, like 10? OP you are wasting your time.

Get EDUCATED FFS. Stop following your moronic doctor just because he has a license. He is not a reproductive endo!!!!!

The lack of brains in some of these new posts is killing me. Seriously.

If you have a kid and you know this kid has something wrong, but your doctor says he/she is fine, are you going to just follow their orders? Or will you actually put some work into being a parent and take care of your kid?

Read the newbie blog. Read taking charge of your fertility. Get an account on fertility friend. Lurk here. These women are more knowledgeable than most OB/GYNs.

End of story.

stace56475 · February 2014

MeatandBandP - I read it only increases the chance of twins by 5% and I was on the lowest dosage. I also read that it has been an effective and extremely popular treatment in fertility issues and has been around since 1967. I have found you can also acquire it without a prescription so I didn't think it could be so dangerous. I should have dug deeper.

jnnfrrose6 · February 2014

**coming out of lurkdom**

I need to chime in on the "trust in your doctors" comment. As others have said, just because someone has a degree doesn't mean they know all the answers. And, as others have pointed out, you are speaking to an OB/GYN, not an RE who specializes in infertility. Yes, he's a doctor, but no, he won't have all the most up to date information on what you think your problems are (though I also agree that you jumped the gun on this. You need to let your body figure out it's cycle now that you're off BCP).

A recent study found that 50% of physicians consult Wikipedia for information on health conditions. Wikipedia! It's edited by everyday people, not medical professionals, and 50% of doctors are using it as a resource. Here's a story on it. So please, don't just trust your doctor. You may not have known better when you started, but these women are giving you great advice. Step away from the clomid. Let your body figure out it's thing. Let yourself learn what your cycles are so you can give yourself the best opportunity to hit your fertile window, and if you still aren't successful after a year, then it's time to see someone about what is going on.

**stepping back into the shadows**

stace56475 · February 2014

I used to go on webmd and would obsess over every little symptom whenever I came down with some sort of illness. I always thought worst case scenario on everything to the point my husband said I should block webmd from my computer. That is why when it came to this, I thought it would be better if I but faith in medical professionals so I didn't drive myself crazy with problems I might not even have. It was hard for me, but I did it. Now I realize it was wrong.

Should I even take the progesterone to start my cycle or just wait for it to come on its own? I will stop taking the Clomid and try to find a new doctor or talk to an actual specialist. I told my doctor about my horrible cramps last week without a period but he didn't seem concerned.

wishiwaspreggo · February 2014

One may do 6 cycles with Clomid in their lifetime (just FYI) before you start to risk ovarian cancer, I believe.

In any case, OP, I was in your shoes before, too. I went to an OBGYN and he had no idea what he was talking about. His specialty is in what happens AFTER you conceive, not HOW to conceive. But you really shouldn't be seeking out the help of a specialist just yet (specifically, an RE) because you just got off birth control. It can take a while for your hormones to regulate themselves. You shouldn't be taking Clomid at this time - and if for some reason you find out you DO need it, you should be using it in conjunction with ultrasounds to make sure you're 1) not developing any cysts 2) your lining is doing well 3) you're not producing tons of follicles and risking multiple birth and 4) just generally tracking how well you respond to the medicine.

If I were you, I'd cut the meds and read Take Charge of Your Fertility. Get yourself a basal thermometer. Monitor your temperatures in the morning. That's helped me immensely. I know when I'm ovulating and when I'm going to start my period thanks to my thermometer. It's helped me feel more in control.

peggels24 · February 2014

Most posters have informed OP that she should quit Clomid and then wait and not see anyone right now (or at least that was how I interpreted it). Shouldn't she possibly try to contact a RE and see if they will see her to make sure that the unmonitored use didn't have any negative effects? Or is this something that can't / won't happen?

gscoville · February 2014

stace56475 said:

I used to go on webmd and would obsess over every little symptom whenever I came down with some sort of illness. I always thought worst case scenario on everything to the point my husband said I should block webmd from my computer. That is why when it came to this, I thought it would be better if I but faith in medical professionals so I didn't drive myself crazy with problems I might not even have. It was hard for me, but I did it. Now I realize it was wrong.

Should I even take the progesterone to start my cycle or just wait for it to come on its own? I will stop taking the Clomid and try to find a new doctor or talk to an actual specialist. I told my doctor about my horrible cramps last week without a period but he didn't seem concerned.

If you tend to obsess when you hit the internet, a great way to channel that would be to get an account with Fertility Friend, as PPs have mentioned. It has a free 'course' on charting that is fantastic and will teach you a ton about how your body/cycles work. Pick up a BBT thermometer and start temping/charting using FF. You will start to pick up on patterns in your cycles that will help you to know when/if you're ovulating, way more accurately than a blood test done on the wrong day for YOUR cycle. Unfortunately you've done a number on your body by jumping in so quickly after coming off BCP with hormone-messing meds like provera, clomid, etc., it's no wonder your cycles are messed up. Lay off of all meds for a good handful of months and let your body have the chance to sort itself out before running to the doctor for help. As you chart, you'll get a much clearer picture of where you're at. Likely you'll find you are actually ovulating, just later than the 'average' 14 days into the cycle that the textbooks say.

You do not need to see a specialist yet, you really do just need to let your body do its thing and try to sort itself out for a while. And you should definitely look for another regular doctor/OB, the ones that hand out clomid like candy should be avoided at all costs.

stace56475 · February 2014

gscoville said:

stace56475 said:

I used to go on webmd and would obsess over every little symptom whenever I came down with some sort of illness. I always thought worst case scenario on everything to the point my husband said I should block webmd from my computer. That is why when it came to this, I thought it would be better if I but faith in medical professionals so I didn't drive myself crazy with problems I might not even have. It was hard for me, but I did it. Now I realize it was wrong.

Should I even take the progesterone to start my cycle or just wait for it to come on its own? I will stop taking the Clomid and try to find a new doctor or talk to an actual specialist. I told my doctor about my horrible cramps last week without a period but he didn't seem concerned.

If you tend to obsess when you hit the internet, a great way to channel that would be to get an account with Fertility Friend, as PPs have mentioned. It has a free 'course' on charting that is fantastic and will teach you a ton about how your body/cycles work. Pick up a BBT thermometer and start temping/charting using FF. You will start to pick up on patterns in your cycles that will help you to know when/if you're ovulating, way more accurately than a blood test done on the wrong day for YOUR cycle. Unfortunately you've done a number on your body by jumping in so quickly after coming off BCP with hormone-messing meds like provera, clomid, etc., it's no wonder your cycles are messed up. Lay off of all meds for a good handful of months and let your body have the chance to sort itself out before running to the doctor for help. As you chart, you'll get a much clearer picture of where you're at. Likely you'll find you are actually ovulating, just later than the 'average' 14 days into the cycle that the textbooks say.

You do not need to see a specialist yet, you really do just need to let your body do its thing and try to sort itself out for a while. And you should definitely look for another regular doctor/OB, the ones that hand out clomid like candy should be avoided at all costs.

I also looked up reviews and ratings of the doctor online before I went to him. He got a 4.3/5 on healthgrades.com and had great credentials. I thought I could trust him 100%. I really appreciate all of the advice and will definitely go to Fertility Friend and start charting. I hope I didn't do any permanent damage already. My cycles were never regular before Clomid and Birth Control. Sometimes I would go 2 months without a period. That is why when it took 49 days I thought I should get it checked out and taken care of. If I am off meds altogether, I will most likely have to deal with cycles that are all over the place again.

catahoulatte · February 2014

stace56475 said:

I also looked up reviews and ratings of the doctor online before I went to him. He got a 4.3/5 on healthgrades.com and had great credentials. I thought I could trust him 100%. I really appreciate all of the advice and will definitely go to Fertility Friend and start charting. I hope I didn't do any permanent damage already. My cycles were never regular before Clomid and Birth Control. Sometimes I would go 2 months without a period. That is why when it took 49 days I thought I should get it checked out and taken care of. If I am off meds altogether, I will most likely have to deal with cycles that are all over the place again.

You got great advice from people who know far more than I do about Clomid. I'm not touching that except to say back far, faaar away from that doctor.

My cycles are and were extremely irregular off BCPs. Thankfully my doc was ok with that. I used fertility friend, charted, and got pregnant with DS on day 70-something of my cycle. A long cycle does not necessarily mean you aren't ovulating. You need to let your body and your cycle work itself out for a little while before you get a bunch of testing done that hopefully you won't need.

jaytee16 · February 2014

OP, I have to give it to you for not totally flying off the handle like so many posters do. I don't have much new to add, everyone has already given you really great advice and it sounds like you're open to hearing it and taking this opportunity to learn more about your body and how to be an advocate for yourself. The ladies here are genuinely trying to help and I really hope you will heed their advice, for your own health and well being.

mmb248 · February 2014

stace56475 said:

::snip::
I also looked up reviews and ratings of the doctor online before I went to him. He got a 4.3/5 on healthgrades.com and had great credentials. I thought I could trust him 100%. I really appreciate all of the advice and will definitely go to Fertility Friend and start charting. I hope I didn't do any permanent damage already. My cycles were never regular before Clomid and Birth Control. Sometimes I would go 2 months without a period. That is why when it took 49 days I thought I should get it checked out and taken care of. If I am off meds altogether, I will most likely have to deal with cycles that are all over the place again.

First off, I'm really glad that you stuck around and listened to the advice given. The ladies have given you really great advice that I can't add much to.

I just want to address the bolded - I know several other posters mentioned this, but when you start temping, you'll probably notice that your cycles aren't as all over the place as your originally expected. Good luck!!!

MrsN6912 · February 2014

I'd just like to add how refreshing it is to see an OP stick around and take the advice to heart instead of flying off the handle with the usual "You're just a bunch of bitter bitches and you don't know my lyffe!"
Sometimes things are presented bluntly but I'd rather have blunt truth than sugar coated crap.

stace56475 · February 2014

I like to be open to people's opinions. I fully admit that I am not always right especially in areas I don't have a lot of experience with. I have gotten so much more useful advice than I imagined I would. I thought my post would disappear in internet land with no comments. :P

How do I tell my doctor I'm not going to follow his advice and find someone new? Also, how should I convince my husband I'm going to stop the treatment? He probably won't be convinced that I was advised by women on a message board. He already thinks I look too much stuff up online, I think he would be more apt to trust the doctor than listen to all of the advice I received today....

mmb248 · February 2014

If it was me - I would just stop seeing the dr who prescribed the Clomid. He doesn't need an explanation, but if you feel the need to give him one, tell him that you're not comfortable with him since he risked your reproductive health by prescribing dangerous fertility meds without proper testing.

You shouldn't have to "convince" your husband. It's your body, you tell him what your decision is. I'd just tell him the truth. You're not getting good answers and support from your dr, the side effects of the drug are just too risky, and you want to give your body a chance to adjust and get pregnant on your own before trying any other drugs.

SCSmith2011 · February 2014

mmb248 said:

If it was me - I would just stop seeing the dr who prescribed the Clomid. He doesn't need an explanation, but if you feel the need to give him one, tell him that you're not comfortable with him since he risked your reproductive health by prescribing dangerous fertility meds without proper testing.

You shouldn't have to "convince" your husband. It's your body, you tell him what your decision is. I'd just tell him the truth. You're not getting good answers and support from your dr, the side effects of the drug are just too risky, and you want to give your body a chance to adjust and get pregnant on your own before trying any other drugs.

This. You can't be on Clomid indefinitely anyway so at some point you would need to stop it.

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