Pain after fertility meds and IUI

[Redhead1214]

Hello
I am 34 yrs old and approx 3 mo ago underwent my 1st IUI procedure following a regimine of Clomid 100 mg & a trigger shot of Novarel.Prior to this attempt I have never been pregnant.  All diag lab work came back in normal range.  Following the IUI, I had cramping and back pain for approximately 10 days prior to AF.  The next cycle I did not take any meds or attempt IUI and had a similar experience with cramping and back pain only more severe but lasted until a few days after flow stopped. Upon exam no issues were found.  This cycle I had the same symptoms again starting at 7 days prior to AF cycle with no meds or IUI and lasting several days after flow stopped.  The pelvic pain is located in the very low central pelvic region and at times is either right or left sided. I also have the sensation of pressure in the area.  Prior to this I've never had painful cycles other than cramping on day 1 of AF. My questions are as follows:
1. Is it normal to have these type of issues with the meds?
2. Do these meds continue to cause side effects even 2 cycles after taking the last dose?
3. Are there any possible underlying issues that may cause this type of pattern following introduction of these types of meds that may have been previously asymptomatic?

I realize that since starting this process I have had an enhanced awareness of every twinge in my body. I've never had any significant PMS issues in the past. I'm fearful that I am simply driving myself crazy.

[Anaedeny]

A related discussion, IUI was started.

[rhondal1]

I am 28 and I am going through my second IUI. The very first attempt I had only one mature egg. They only pain I had was when he opened my cervix to preform the IUI. The Pain after that was horrible I could not sit still for the 10 minutes required, I found that if I lifted my pelvis in the air that the pain would ease. Neadless to say after that procedure I was sick ot my stomach for about three hours and then nothing. Two weeks later I begain to bleed. I had none of the pains you have talked about until now!

I didi my treatments and on Wed. I went for my secound attempt at the IUI. I did not feel the pain of my cervix being opened no pain at all no sick to my stomach or anything like the first time! I am concerned if the doctor actually preformed the procedure the correct away this time, I was advised against the IUI due to having 5 folicles this time that may or may not be mature but my husband and I decided we should go though with it becausde he has a low sperm count and motility. It it the 6th day after the IUI and I find myself running bak and forth to the bathroom, I hve the low back ache and I have the presure you have spoke about. My questions are:

Is this due to all the possible eggs my ovaries produced?
Did my doctor preform the procedure the correct way because both time were so different?
How long does the HCG stay in your system before you can take a pregnancy test?
Is it possible that I may be pregnant or is it simply the meds in my system?
Should I be concerned of possible infections or any enlarged ovary issues?

Thank you

[Forum-M.D.-SP]

You are asking excellent questions. I don't think your symptoms are side effects of the medications. Have you had an ultrasound since the onset of these symptoms to make sure you do not have an ovarian cyst? Clomid can occasionally lead to ovarian cysts which usually resolve rapidly. If there is no cyst seen, another possibility is that you have endometriosis, which can be associated with both infertility and painful periods. The only way to find this out, however, is to do a surgical procedure called a laparoscopy. I would only recommend doing a laparoscopy if the pain is severe enough
to affect your activities of daily living. Treating endometriosis surgically usually improves pain, at least temporarily, but I would only recommend this if the pain is really debilitating since our focus is to get pregnant. Treating endometriosis surgically to improve chances at getting pregnant is occasionally helpful, but most often the benefit is not large enough to warrant the invasiveness of surgery since even if endometriosis is found the treatment, fertility drugs and insemination, is the same. Why have you stopped treatments. Recommendations:
1) have an ultrasound if one has not been done since these symptoms started
2) have a hysterosalpingogram (an X-ray to see if your fallopian tubes are open) if that has not been done ever
3) if above have been done and are OK, continue with infertility treatment, reserving laparoscopy only if your symptoms are severe