My husband and I have been TTC for nearly 2 years and found out about 1 year ago that I have PCOS. Fast forward to now and my doctor gave me script for Provera to force a withdrawal bleed and then she will give me a script for Clomid on CD1. I'm anxious as we want a baby so bad. I've taken day 1 of Provera and the nausea is super strong. Any tips or success stories for encouragement?
Re: Provera and Clomid: Round 1
First of all before you take clomid, you need to make sure you don't have any other problems that would make the clomid moot. That is because clomid has a lifetime max of 6 cycles. After that some doctors won't give more clomid because of a potential concern about cancer. Although that link has not been proven. Also, if it doesn't work after 6 cycles, it's probably not going to work. The two most important tests are a semen analysis for your husband and an hsg to make sure your tubes are open.
For each cycle you are on clomid, you need Bloodwork and vaginal ultrasounds on cycle day 3 and then starting mid cycle about every other day until you ovulate. Opks are not reliable when you are on clomid. The tests on cycle day 3 are to measure your hormones, check for pregnancy (clomid is not good if pregnabt) and check for cysts (clomid causes cysts. Also, if you start a cycle with a cyst and take more clomid, the cyst may grow exponentially and cause you to lose an ovary. I have seen some women on this site end up in the ER because they weren't monitored.)
The ultrasounds also check if you are overresponding or underresponding. If you overrespond (like I did) you have to decide whether to cancel the cycle or risk high order multiples and a second trimester selective abortion. If you underrespond, you doc may change meds for next time.
The ultrasounds also check your uterine lining, because clomid might cause your uterine lining to be too thin and prevent pregnancy.
Another side effect is that clomid may dry up your cervical mucus, thereby decreasing your chances of pregnancy. That's why reproductive endocrinologists usually pair clomid with an intrauterine insemination.
Finally, I would very highly recommend you see a reproductive endocrinologist for infertility and not an OB. REs are the experts here, not OBs and they do the proper tests and monitoring as a matter of course.
2010: Infertility
October 2015: missed miscarriage #2 at 11 weeks (trisomy 22)
2010: Infertility
October 2015: missed miscarriage #2 at 11 weeks (trisomy 22)
DS Born: 6/02/2012
Tied the Knot: 11/14/2015
Trying for Number Two since 9/1/15
BFP!!! Baby 2 Due: 12/6/21
The women here have good advice. Your OB is legally able to prescribe you Clomid, but that does not mean she is the proper person to do so.
Please reconsider asking your OB for a referral to an RE.
2010: Infertility
October 2015: missed miscarriage #2 at 11 weeks (trisomy 22)
LFAF April Siggy Challenge - TV/Movie BFFS - Romy & Michele
Formerly: FtrMrsO
Me: 34 DH: 35
Married: Oct. 2007
TTC #1: June 2015
BFP#1 3/19/16 MC 3/28/16
BFP #2 5/26/16 EDD 1/31/17
The bolded is extremely important here, and one of the best reasons to see an RE. It doesn't matter how much Clomid you take, if you have blocked tubes or your husband has low sperm count, you will not get pregnant. Why waste your 6 cycle lifetime max of Clomid if there is zero chance of success? Please see an RE. There could be a relatively simple reason for your infertility. If you have blocked tubes, they can be unblocked and you may be able to get pregnant without any drugs whatsoever.
I feel like a lot of people are like "weeeee if I take Clomid I might have twins!!" but the reason for that is that if you over respond, you could release A LOT of eggs, not just two. Twins are fine and dandy...but unless you want to be the next Octomom, I suggest you reconsider the "every 3 months" ultrasound and go see an RE that will monitor you properly. Additionally, if your lining thins too much from using the Clomid, it may never recover - meaning that you may never be able to get pregnant, ever. Are you willing to risk that just to avoid going to a couple of extra doctor appointments? If so, I'm going to assume you are a troll, because that doesn't make any logical sense.
LFAF Summer 2016 Awards:
2010: Infertility
October 2015: missed miscarriage #2 at 11 weeks (trisomy 22)
Married: July 2015
BFP: 5/20/16 | EDD: 1/28/17 | Twin boys born 1/16/17
2010: Infertility
October 2015: missed miscarriage #2 at 11 weeks (trisomy 22)
Married: July 2015
BFP: 5/20/16 | EDD: 1/28/17 | Twin boys born 1/16/17
Absolutely. Before I was on this board, I had no idea about the risks of Clomid. I actually read up on it and when a friend told me her OB had offered it to her, I was able to warn her about why that was a bad idea. OBs mean well...they want you to get pregnant...but they just don't have the correct continuing education requirements to be functioning as an RE (unless you have one of the few OBs that are board certified REs as well). REs exist to help you get pregnant. OBs exist to get the baby you are already pregnant with out of you.
I liken it to this...say you have a heart condition and see a cardiologist. The cardiologist thinks that your condition is due to general anxiety disorder and your stress level as a result of it. The cardiologist is legally allowed to prescribe you anti-anxiety medication, and might do that. However, it is a much better idea to see a psychiatrist to confirm the diagnosis and determine the proper treatment of it, because they are the experts on mental health. Just because a cardiologist CAN prescribe you anti-anxiety meds doesn't mean they SHOULD. Same with OBs prescribing Clomid.
I will tell you that my diagnosis is not the same as yours so take this with a grain of salt. My problem is not getting pregnant it's staying pregnant after 5 to 6 weeks. An RE could be exactly what you need but I hope you don't deal with one like I did.
Lulu story time! When I was diagnosed with my kidney disorder I went to the swankyist hospital in town, you know, the private one with the extra fancy equipment. I learned they didn't have a nephrologist on staff, but cycled traveling docs through. The one I was saddled with was the worst. Insinuated every horrible thing he could. Caused me serious pain putting in stints that were too big, refused to brief me after surgery (nor did he brief anyone who was with me). Just bad. I have since found lovely doctors, who are wonderful.
I wouldn't judge an entire specialty based off one doc with bad bed side manners.
1. Have you had an hsg to see if your tubes are clear?
2. Have you charted and do you use a BBT?
3. Are they considering metformin as an option?
It's things like this that will actually help. Then she could ask questions related to each area if she doesn't know about it (or use the questions to help her see if her OB is truly the right treatment option). It was literally like her being publicly flogged for seeing her OB and being prescribed clomid. She didn't write the prescription.
I fully understand that not every RE will be a money hungry clown. But not every OB is a moron who does not have the experience to help or monitor while on clomid. I simply thought we are here to support each other and not ridicule someone for seeking our help.
2. No I have not charted but I did buy a BBT tonight.
3.I have been on metformin since February of 2015.
I appreciate everyone's input it was just overwhelming at the time. As I was feeling pretty excited and ready to try this but then with all the comments I began to doubt it, but my gut still tells me my OB is a specialist and will take care of me.
Third cycle Clomid 6/29/16 O'd CD 16 BFP @11dpo!
EDD April 3 and praying things work out!
The white knighting seems odd here.
https://gbcb3tif.wordpress.com/a-warning-about-clomid/
Please correct me if I'm misinterpreting. Your OB prescribed you Clomid because of recurrent early miscarriages?
Someone please please let me know if I'm wrong, because I'm in no way an expert here. But from my understanding, that is NOT what Clomid is for. Clomid is to trigger ovulation. If you've been getting pregnant (without fertility meds), then you're already ovulating. And if you're already ovulating and your OB prescribed you Clomid, then your OB is doing exactly what PPs are cautioning about - treating Clomid like some miracle drug rather than the powerful (and potentially risky) fertility medicine that it is.