Advice needed before doctors appointment regarding Clomid

[MemmaJ]

Have been TTC for 8 months (and NTNP for one month before that). Found out at the beginning of December that I have PCOS and don't ovulate properly/regularly.
This was all diagnosed by ultrasound scan and basic hormonal blood results, after I went to the GP about my concerns regarding our lack of success and also some intermittent spotting throughout some cycles.

I was told at the time of diagnosis that this is obviously the problem (although OH has not had any tests), but that I'm not entitled to Clomid (or any fertility assistance) because I already have children (from 10 years ago), and those are the rules within my healthcare trust. I have never had a day 21 progesterone test or anything, as that classes as a 'fertility investigation'.

The doctor that told me all this was not my own GP, who I have always got on very well with. This morning I went back to my own GP out of frustration having not ovulated again this month, and asked her for Clomid.
I told her I'm happy to not be monitored with multiple scans etc, (as those are the things that I'm not entitled to). She knows I'm a healthcare professional myself, so I I reiterated that I know how to take it, I know the side effects and the signs of hyperstimulation etc, and basically that I am desperate as we can't afford private treatment.

She was very understanding but said that her gynae experience/knowledge is not wide enough to give me the go-ahead when I'm lot technically entitled to it, and asked me to make an appointment with another GP at the surgery who is a gynae specialist.

So I'm now seeing that other doctor next week, and I just wondered if anyone can offer any advice about what to do/say that might help my case on the day. I have considered buying it online if no-one will give me a prescription, but not sure whether to mention that or not.

Thank you in advance

 

[Miskas mommy]

Have you tried Vitex? They say it is natural clomid...

 

[KatO79]

I would actually advise you to not buy Clomid online. There are too many stories of women finding out that the drug they took wasn't Clomid at all or was impure and caused health issues:

https://www.netmums.com/pregnancy/trying-for-a-baby/warning-buying-clomid-online

There are many dangers associated with buying drugs over the Internet and nothing guarantees they are what they say they are. At best what you buy could actually just be talcum powder - which won't do any harm but certainly won't help you get pregnant - or at worst we have heard of a case where the purchased drug contained bleach which led to the woman who bought the 'drug' being hospitalised.

Furthermore the medication may be impure and therefore have a higher dosage, leading to increased risk of side effects and overdose.

Even if the drug you buy hasn't been interfered with, Clomid should never be used without a doctor's advice and prescription. Drugs purchased online, even if they are genuine, are often supplied without instructions or information on dosage. Wrong dosage or use can overstimulate the ovaries or lead to formation of cysts which can interfere with conception and hinder a healthy pregnancy. There are also potential side effects. In fact, it's estimated that some 2 million people in the UK currently buy drugs over the Internet and the NHS is having to treat those people for side effects.

Even if you're in the healthcare area, unless you're a doctor with knowledge about this drug and even then it's very risky, you shouldn't be trying to treat yourself. Is there any way you could pay for fertility treatments yourself? Maybe save money up for it? In Denmark, the state only helps you pay for trying to get baby #1 if you've been trying for 1 years or more and have a referral (they pay for everything except the hormones) and if you already have a child (or children) but want more children, are free to pay for it yourself.

I would think if you're not entitled to it that it'll be very difficult to get them to give you Clomid I'm sorry, this probably isn't what you want to hear. Whatever you do, please don't buy drugs online! Don't risk your health, especially when you have children already.

 

[MemmaJ]

I have tried Vitex. I have some Soy Isoflavones ready to try next cycle as Vitex doesn't appear to have helped, but I just feel so impatient and worried about wasting more time on something that also may not work.

I would not buy Clomid online from just anywhere/India etc. I have found a UK based online pharmacy, where you pay £65 first to have a telephone consultation with one of their doctors who assesses if it's suitable for you, and THEN they let you have it afterwards, with instructions on how to take it etc (the tablets themselves then only cost £7.50).
If the doctor doesn't feel you are suitable or doesn't feel it's appropriate to give them to you, you get the £65 consultation fee back.

Although that is more expensive than just buying a box of them from any old indian website for example, I felt it was slightly safer (although obviously not as safe as the conventional route!)