Still confused...

I posted a question a couple of weeks ago re: how my gyn would know if I ovulated just by looking at my prog levels on cd 21, and I got a very simple but clear (and non-confusing!!) answer for once, so thank you, but I had one more question I was hoping someone could help me with...I am on clomid cd 2-6 with no other monitoring (no u/s, trigger shots, etc,) just a blood test on cd 21. Why do other women on clomid need trigger shots and ultrasounds? My gyn just told me to take the clomid on cd 2-6 and hope for the best, but I just feel like other women get trigger shots and pretty much know that they will be ovulating in a day or so, so they would have a better idea to time bd. I feel like im in a guessing / waiting game. I just did a HSG today (most painful thing I have ever done in my life!!) and although I still havent received the official report the dr said he could see spillage out of the end of both fallopian tubes and that they are both unblocked, so I guess thats good news, but I never in my life would have thought that trying to have a baby would be this hard and emotional!!!!

[kahlian]

I can try to answer about the progesterone level.  I was on clomid for 3 months although according to my ovulation kit i was ovulating on my own.  My obgyn said any level over 10 indicates ovulation.  My levels were 11.2 and 4.4.  When I went to see the RE he said progesterone levels can effect implantation..he felt after 3 rounds of clomid we should move on to injectables with a trigger shot so they can monitor and help increase our chances.  I am 33 with unexplained infertility..this will be our first month ..hope this helps and good luck!

[sarge1]

the first few cycles I was on Clomid alone.  After that didn't work, I have moved on to taking Clomid, a trigger shot, and IUI.  The trigger shot is so that they can time the release of the eggs, in order to do the insemenation at the right time.  It's a process-they start you off with the least amount of intervention (Clomid only) , and then if that doesn't work they move on to more complicated measures.  Hope that helps.

[SDteacher]

Hi BizBiz,
Sorry you had to go through the HSG this morning!  It was the worst experience for me too!  I spotted/ blked for 3 days after so be prepared to use your mini pads!  I hope you don't have the cramping I did as well.  ugh!    As far as the trigger shot goes, typically woman do this before an IUI or IVF.  Although, I have also seen postings that woman try naturally using the trigger shot too.  I suppose it is something  you can talk to your RE about.  I have given it to myself for IUI and it isn't too bad.  The u/s are to look to see how many follicles you produce and the size of them.  My RE looked for 2 or 3 follicles 16 or larger.  (for IUI)

I share your view as far as how hard this process is.  I never expected that I would have to go through this!  I don't know anyone else going through this in my "real" life.  All of my friends have gotten prg. right away!  It is very frustrating!

[kindergal]

I am usually very tolerant of pain...but the HSG about sent me over the edge....of the table!!!  The Dr. doing it just kept saying "If it is painful, that's a good thing.  It means your tubes are open."  Well, I assume they are WIDE open!!!  HA!  I had Laproscopy a couple of weeks ago to check for endometriosis...I do not have it.  My Gyn. said he did another HSG while he was in there.  Thank goodness I was not awake for that time.
I just started Clomid this week.  My gyn. does not feel comfortable going beyond this...He feels a specialist is more educated in this area and can determine my needs better.  So, he has referred me to a Fert. Specialist. who will do the other tests and things.   Maybe your gyn. is the same way.  He may not feel like he is able to do more and you may need to be referred to a specialist.
This is a hard long process.  I have been ttc for 1.5 yrs. with relatively normal numbers, no physical problems...etc...  
Oh well, makes my life exciting....and frustrating!!!!