Ultrasound to Monitor Ovulation?

[candie429]

Since there are no RE's in my area, I am currently under my OBGYN's care for infertility.  I tried Clomid for 4 cycles with basically no monitoring.  One month, I called and had to request an ultrasound on my own to give myself piece of mind that it was working.

Now, last cycle she started me on Femara.  Basically, gave me the prescription and told me if it didn't work the first time, I should schedule an IUI the 2nd time.  Honestly, I don't feel comfortable with this idea yet. We are 28, TTC almost 2 yrs and are still hoping we can go about this the "natural" way.  Anway, I was thinking about calling and requesting to have an ultrasound this month.  I got a positive OPK last cycle on day 11, but I would still feel better actually seeing follicles on an ultrasound.  Does this seem reasonable?  For those of you out there on fertility meds, is an ultrasound a pretty standard way to monitor your progress?

Thanks in advance for your help/advice.  I am still relatively new to this forum, but the help and support I have gotten so far from all of you wonderful ladies has been priceless.  Best of luck to you all!

[aktifistri]

I've been on Ovulation monitoring this cycle. The doctor (im in china, a city called Daqing) keep using ultrasound to monitor the follicles since the Day 10th of my cycle. Today is my 14th day of cycle, the follicle is getting mature (2cm), the shape of it is perfectly rounded. I am under HCG (10000 IU), got the shot yesterday. Still need a couple more hours until the HCG begins to work---to help the egg comes out of the ovary. Here in China, I pay only 60 yuan (about 10 USD) for each ultrasound monitoring. I don't know how much is it in both my country (Indonesia) or my husband's country (Canada).

I am happy this cycle the follicle is on the right (fallopian tube) since the HSG result shows blockage on my left fallopian tube, which means can't be expected to get the egg from.

We've been TTC for about 2 years. This cycle is our first time with thorough monitoring for pregnancy. Since my husband's sperms test was good, my ovulation seems good this cycle, we're really crossing ur fingers now. It's very tiring process overall.. anyway, good luck with your TTC, Candi! Best wishes!..

[G_S]

Out of my 6 cycles on clomid, the first 3 were by OBGYN and ofcourse no monitoring. I did not know either that something called US exists. All she had me do was BBT charting and regular BD between CD 14-CD17. And beleive me at that time from what she explained, I understoop you have to BD when u see a rise in temp.....gosh I wasted those cycles. Then when to a RE and was closely monitored, that's when I learnt some of the rules of the game. RE are specialist in this and montior you closely to see what's working and what's not. I recommend a specialist...many a times it is considered a taboo and a big deal amongst society, but I care less and so should you....coz ultimately its you who is suffering and would like to have a baby. Even if it take a long drive, do it.

[candie429]

Thanks StillTrying and Tina for your advice.  I know what you mean about a positive OPK not really confirming ovulation, so I try to take my temps around that time too and last time my temp went up 2 days after my positive OPK, so that seems to indicate that I did ovulate, right?  I think I'm going to request an ultrasound this month though just to be sure things are working.  As for the progesterone test, I had asked about this at my last appointment and she acted like I was nuts.  I thought it would help see if I ovulated, but she seemed to think it wasn't necessary.  Maybe I should bring this up again too.

[tina1111]

It is usually a good idea to monitor with u/s. I did 4 rounds of Clomid and I got cysts from it. If there hadn't been the u/s, I may not have known to discontinue. Dr has since switched me to Femara which is said to be better at not causing cysts.

Also, a pos opk doesn't necessarily mean that you did o. Either an u/s or day21 progesterone test is best for determining if o did occur.

[StillTrying101]

I'm on my first round of clomid this moth with my OBGYN (I have an appointmnet with an RE in March, but didn't want to waste another month). Yes, when my OB told me he would call in the Clomid, he also booked me for an US to monitor follicles and called in the HGH injectable for me ot bring in with me in ase I need it at the US.
It seemed standard protocol wth my OB

[candie429]

Congratulations on your pregnancy!  That is wonderful news.  Since you are 17 weeks, I guess you'll be having your first ultrasound soon and maybe finding out what you are having?  I wish you all the best.

Thanks for your input.  My doctor never mentioned ultrasound monitoring either and I found out about it online.  It's terrible that insurance doesn't cover these fertility procedures, but at this point, I'm willing to spend a little just to get that peace of mind.  Along with your ultrasound, did they give you any kind of trigger shot?  Also, if you don't mind me asking, what day of your cycle did they schedule your ultrasound and what day did you O on Femara?  

[wantingbabies]

I tried infertility meds with my OB/GYN for over a year, and he did not monitor me with ultrasound.  At the time, I had no idea they were supposed to.  And there are no RE's in my area either.  We had no luck, so finally I opted to go to an RE even though it was an hour and a half drive one way.  He monitored me very closely with ultrasound each cycle.  We tried clomid for several cycles, then switched to femara.  On the 2nd cycle of femara, it worked!  I am 17 weeks pregnant.  So I really think the monitoring was important in my case.  Good luck!