Semi Monitored Clomid Cycle - Questions/Open Forum

[molldoll26]

I am being semi-monitored on clomid by my RE, but I am only going back once AF shows for an U/S to make sure there are no cysts and more clomid or if a BFP then I go back at 6 weeks to see how many babies I am carrying (how scary!). However, I talked to a friend of mine last night who is only seeing an OB/GYN and she took clomid with an U/S on CD 10 to measure the follies (she has 3 almost mature follies) and she goes back on Friday to have ANOTHER U/S to measure the follies and have an HCG shot to make her ovulate. She is in the same situation as me - ovulated on our own before clomid. Why would one Dr (esp. an RE) do next to nothing on clomid and another (just an OB/GYN) do more when our situations are so similar??
Thanks,
Mollie

[stephd]

I was put on Clomid by my regular OB dr.  I never had any u/s or anything.  The only time I would go back was when I got AF (To check for cysts and prescribe more Clomid).  My dr. said it was working if I got AF.  Which I did so I was Oing on it!  Not all dr.s do things the same.  Dont be upset if you dont get as many tests as she does.  Your dr. can tell by feeling your ovary if you are going to O or did.  How I dont know but mine could.  Good luck!!

[molldoll26]

Steph - Did you end up with a BFP and if so, how long did it take??

[stephd]

Yes I did...I am 21W 3D now.  It took me 3 cycles of Clomid to get my BFP!

[stephd]

Yes I did, I am 21W 3D now.  It took me 3 cycles to get a BFP!!  GOOD LUCK!!

[stephd]

Yes I did, I am 21W 3D now.  It took me 3 cycles to get a BFP!!  GOOD LUCK!!

[mChen]

So far I used clomid for two cycle.  Both time I had ultrasound done  at day 10 or day 12.  They measure the # of follicles and sizes since the follicles are not ready to release at the time they have me went back about a week later to check the size again and then they give me the HCG shot to trigger the ovulation(seems like I don't ovulate by myself no LH surge detected with OPK).  The dr. said my follicles development are slower so next time I don't need the ultrasound at day 12 I can schedule it maybe a week later.

Once I had the HCG shot they had me go back to check my Beta HCG level in two weeks.  If positive, they will have you do another Beta HCG. If it is postive and doubling ok then they will have me schedule an ultrasound two weeks later to see if they can see the sac.  

I think since you are ovulating by your self.  They probably don't think you need the ultrasound.  But I think they should probably did it at least once to see how you response to the clomid (like how many mature follicles are developed) that way they can determin whether the dosage you had right now is right for you or not.  You probably should ask them for one next time.

Good luck to you!

[summer06]

I am taking clomid for the 1st time and I had to set up an appt for an U/S to check folicals on day 14 and on day 21 I get blood work taken to check my levels. This is all done by my obgyn.

[travelnurse74]

Hi there,

I have done it both ways and have gotten pregnant both ways.

Started 50mg Clomid with OB - no monitoring except Prog level CD21.  I did not ovulate at all. OB said I could do 100mg or go to an RE.  I chose RE since were TTC past a year at that point.

RE prescribed me Metformin (I have PCOS) and told me I needed to take it for 3 months which I did. My periods regulated but I wasn't Oing very well still since my Prog levels were always low.  I started on 50mg Clomid again. I went in CD3 for monitoring of baseline blood work and US.  Took Clomid CD3-7 and went in CD12, 15 and 17 for follicle check - nothing nada, no eggs, no ovulation.  Took Progesterone to start AF and then baseline US again CD3, increased Clomid to 100mg CD3-7.  Went in CD12 for follie check and 1 very good follie and 2 semi.  Took Ovidrel shot that night, had planned sex, had a post-coital the next day (didn't show any sperm) so an IUI was recommended.  Had the IUI the very next day.  2wks later - HPT+.  Went in for multiple bloodwork which was all good. US on wk5 didn't show heartbeat, US on wk 6.5 did show it.  US with OB at 9wks for first appointment showed no heartbeat and baby stopped growing at 7wks.  I had to have a D&C.

So, I decided that I wasn't going to be so technical this go around.  I was told to wait 2 full cycles before TTC again but I only waited one.  I had a regular full period 30days past my D&C and felt my body was ready.  I had Clomid leftover from a 4 month prescription and took 100mg CD3-7 and took OPK's CD10-17.  I received a +OPK CD17 and had sex CD17 AM, CD18 PM and CD19 PM. This was also the first month, I did not temp. I just wanted to relax. Anyway, AF wasn't coming so I took a HPT and it was positive.  I couldn't believe I got pregnant again so quick. DH swears it is because I was more relaxed and I am starting to agree with him.

My point is, you don't have to be monitored like a hawk if you know what your body is doing.  Just because you have regular AF's does NOT mean you are ovulating.  You need to get a Progesterone level done 7 days after ovulation (approx CD21 if you are regular) to see that you are indeed ovulating. If it is low you are either not Oing or you have inadequate Prog levels which would not allow an egg to attach to the uterus. If you are Oing for sure and are just taking the Clomid to increase the follicle production, then I wouldn't worry too much about constant US, bloodwork and Ovidrel.  Take the Clomid, start taking OPK's 3 days after you finish the last Clomid pill and once you get a +OPK, you will ovulate in 12-50hrs later so start BDing!!  If you take Clomid 2 months in a row with no BFP, then request a CD3 US just to make sure you don't have cysts.
Personally, I found the more laid back TTC version so much nicer.  I also think if you can ovulate on your own, you shouldn't need to worry about Ovidrel.  I know if kicks in the ovulation but a part of me thinks why force your body to do it when it might not be 100% ready to do so.  Let it happen on its own.  

Anyway hope this LONG post helps some (sorry!)

[molldoll26]

Thanks so much for your responses.  I guess I just didn't know if my doctor was really being proactive enough.  Sometimes I think he just looks at me like "well you already ovulate so to make you happy I will give you clomid" -  even though clomid hasn't helped yet either.  It's so hard especially when you are dealing with unexplained infertility.

[stephd]

I know what you mean.  I had conceived 3 times on my own (with one DS) without Clomid and then all of a sudden it was a problem.  Doesnt make sense.