Do i need clomid?

Hi Doctor,

I may proceed with IUI in the next few months if we do not conceive. I ovulate regularly on day 16 to 18. My blood test FSH, progesterone, prolactin, estrogen shows normal result. I have grave disease which is under control.

My RE wanted to put me on clomid during the IUI procedure. My question is why do i need clomid if i ovulate regularly? I do not have any luteal phase defect too, mine is always 14 days post ovulation. I am concern of the side effect of clomid - dry up cervucal mucus, ovary cancer, heavy bleeding... etc. The conclusion is clomid may throw my cycle out of balance.

What is the reason that doctor always insist in clomid when going for fertility treatment?????

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
I'm sure that your RE would let you try a natural cycle if you really wished to.
I suspect that he/she is concerned about how late you ovulate.  Most women ovulate on cycle day 12-14, and clomid will regulate ovulation to that pattern.

One thing to consider is Femara, it has fewer side effects on the cervical mucous and uterine lining.  It also produces fewer multiples.

If you were my patient, I might try a "natural" cycle first, and then if that didn't work, go ahead with Femara.

By the way, if IUI hasn't worked within the first 3-4 months, it probably is not worth continuing.  Better results are acheived with IVF at that point.


Hope this helps!
Dr Brown