This is all so confusing! Am I doing the right thing?

[Manda1292]

My husband and I have been TTC since August - I have had a number of medical complications in the past; therefore, I had a feeling this would not be easy.

Started missing periods in March with negative HPTs. Cycles were averaging 56 days so I went to the OBGYN.

He started testing:
Ultrasound - good!
Blood test for pregnancy - negative
Provera 5 days - period on day 2 after provera finished (light)
Blood work on thyroid / hormone levels - waiting results
Xray of tubes scheduled for Wednesday - a little nervous. Was told to take motrin in advance - is this painful?

Clomid prescribed. Here is where I am most confused. I picked up the clomid and there is no indication as to when I am supposed to start taking it. I looked online under the drug facts and it says that you normally start it on day 5 of your cycle (for me that will be Tuesday). Is that right? I will call the DR. to confirm tomorrow but I am so anxious to get this right, I would love any advice.

And then it gets more confusing . . . so you start the clomid, but how the heck do you know when to have sex? Some sites say every other day starting on day 11.

I know this is no guarantee but I want to at least follow the "best practices" . . .

Help?

 

[OnErth&InHvn]

Ive never had the xray of tubes so another person will need to comment.

Yes you can take Clomid at the beginning of your cycle for 5 days. 1-5, 2-6, 3-7, 4-8, 5-10. As for when youll know when to have sex- i use OPK and start using them CD10 until I get +. I also take my temp and do BBT/charting. You could look for your cervical mucus to be like eggwhites, signaling O or check cervical position to be High, Soft, open.

Taking Charge Of Your Fertility is a great book.

 

[2ducks]

Hello! I am on my second cycle of Clomid. First off, I am very concerned that your doc gave you a prescription with no directions. Clomid has some risks with taking it that are good to talk about with your doc. For example, there is a chance Clomid can make cysts grow on your ovaries, especially if you have a history of cysts. Many women prefer to be monitored with u/s while on Clomid and some doctors require it. There are different protocols for taking Clomid based on your issues. I am taking it days 5-9 because I don't ovulate at all on my own. I temp using a BBT and chart with FF to confirm ovulation date. I also track CM and use OPKs starting on CD11 to check for LH surges. My advice would be to have sex EOD if possible throughout the cycle. When you get a positive OPK try to have sex three days in a row to hit your fertile window. I o'd CD 19 my first cycle of Clomid and I did a 7dpo progesterone blood draw to confirm. I recommend you temp and chart this cycle to help confirm O date and ask your doc for a 7dpo blood draw to check progesterone levels.

One thing I did notice is that my period on Clomid was very light and short. This is indicative of a thin uterine lining which is a side effect of Clomid. I am currently working with an acupuncturist/herbalist to try and correct this issue. If I don't get a BFP this cycle and have the same issue I am going to talk to my doc about it.

Good luck and feel free to send me a PM any time!

 

[Manda1292]

Wow thank you both for this advice!

I was a bit concerned about the script not having full instructions; however, I messaged my DR. through the patient portal yesterday evening and he responded this morning! I have an XRay on Wednesday so I will talk to him more then but I start my 1st round of Clomid tomorrow (days 5-9).

I really appreciate hearing what has worked for others or what others have tried.

This has been such an emotional roller coaster; I am just happy the DR is taking steps forward.