uk ladies... is unmonitored clomid the norm?

[kitcatbaby]

Thanks for all your replies ladies. I'm thinking I'm going to try the 3months unmonitored and if no luck ask for the other 3 to be monitored with scans etc. I'm just such an unlucky person that I'm bound to overstim or get OHSS I always worry about medical interventions but surely something has to work?! Best of luck to all of us ttc for the long haul x

Hey hun im in the UK and moving on to my 4th cycle of Clomid. On my second cycle I overstimulated on 50mg and had my dose reduced to 25mg. Please be careful and if you feel intense pain go straight to A&E. I am being monitored with weekly urine samples that I freeze and hand in the four samples over the cycle. They seem to be able to tell a lot from that. 100mg seems a lot to be starting you on!! Best of luck!! xx

Thanks for sharing! This is what I'm afraid of. What kind of pain should I look out for? Xx

Who prescribed the clomid? was it a FS? Are you in Scotland? Did they state why they are starting you off on such a high dose? I think you should consider going back and asking for some form of monitoring whilst taking it. xx

I'm in Wales and it was prescribed by an FS. She said she always starts patients with a normal bmi on 100mg and has never had a patient get OHSS. I have one blocked tube so have reduced fertility of about 80% but I'm not sure that makes a difference when it comes to clomid...

 

[Floralaura]

KitcatBaby can I ask where in N.wales you are? I am also in N.Wales and can even get clomid..x

 

[StephieB]

Hello!

I was exactly the same, I was previously seeing a fertility specialist in essex who gave me 4months of Clomid and a pat on the back with "see you in 4 months" with no monitoring (I ovulate on my own).

However, during the first cycle we moved back home to Sheffield, and I immediately went to see my GP (who just happens to specialise in fertility problems) to organise another referral to a FS up north (never move while TTC, biggest pain in the arse EVER!) anyway, she was horrified that I had been given Clomid without any monitoring, she double checked with the Locum consultant there and he agreed that I shouldn't be taking it with no indication that there are any problems with my ovulation

I'm not trying to make anyone feel bad or make Clomid and FS seem like the devil, but her exact words were "These bloody specialists palm Clomid off on woman who don't need it just to be 'doing something' and it can often do more harm than good" need less to say I was advised to stop taking it and wait to see another specialist in Sheffield, as they have a very renown infertility department apparently!

Mind you, I still have 3 months worth sitting in the drawer which I will have to make OH hide from me before I go a bit TTC crazy!

That's the thing isn't it... I know they want to seem proactive but is prescribing ovulation stimulating drugs to somebody who ovulates already really worthwhile? The way she sold it to me was that its better to try the clomid than do nothing at all and it will strengthen my Ov and make my eggs stronger. I just don't know what to do for the best...

Oh god I agree with you 110%! Thats the way my original FS sold it to me, and it must have done something because ovulation was the most painful I have ever had it, but still no BFP I keep getting told "the chances aren't increased..." "...you shouldn't be on it" but after so long of just waiting, it like, at least we're trying something new!

 

[kitcatbaby]

Hello!

I was exactly the same, I was previously seeing a fertility specialist in essex who gave me 4months of Clomid and a pat on the back with "see you in 4 months" with no monitoring (I ovulate on my own).

However, during the first cycle we moved back home to Sheffield, and I immediately went to see my GP (who just happens to specialise in fertility problems) to organise another referral to a FS up north (never move while TTC, biggest pain in the arse EVER!) anyway, she was horrified that I had been given Clomid without any monitoring, she double checked with the Locum consultant there and he agreed that I shouldn't be taking it with no indication that there are any problems with my ovulation

I'm not trying to make anyone feel bad or make Clomid and FS seem like the devil, but her exact words were "These bloody specialists palm Clomid off on woman who don't need it just to be 'doing something' and it can often do more harm than good" need less to say I was advised to stop taking it and wait to see another specialist in Sheffield, as they have a very renown infertility department apparently!

Mind you, I still have 3 months worth sitting in the drawer which I will have to make OH hide from me before I go a bit TTC crazy!

That's the thing isn't it... I know they want to seem proactive but is prescribing ovulation stimulating drugs to somebody who ovulates already really worthwhile? The way she sold it to me was that its better to try the clomid than do nothing at all and it will strengthen my Ov and make my eggs stronger. I just don't know what to do for the best...

Oh god I agree with you 110%! Thats the way my original FS sold it to me, and it must have done something because ovulation was the most painful I have ever had it, but still no BFP I keep getting told "the chances aren't increased..." "...you shouldn't be on it" but after so long of just waiting, it like, at least we're trying something new!

Totally! Waiting around doing nothing is so frustrating but at the same time taking a drug with some nasty side effects just because they don't know what else to do is ridiculous! I suppose if it doesn't work they would recommend IVF?

 

[kitcatbaby]

KitcatBaby can I ask where in N.wales you are? I am also in N.Wales and can even get clomid..x

My FS is at wrexham hospital. Where are you? Did they give you a reason why you couldn't have clomid?

 

[StephieB]

Totally! Waiting around doing nothing is so frustrating but at the same time taking a drug with some nasty side effects just because they don't know what else to do is ridiculous! I suppose if it doesn't work they would recommend IVF?

I've got a serious sort of 'angel' and 'devil' situation going on, so this morning I actually made my husband take the Clomid pills to work with him and hide them so I can't take them even if I wanted to! I am so weak! When I was speaking to my doctor about it, I was really thinking about it being good to have a break and recharge etc...before seeing our new FS, but then AF arrived yesterday and Im starting to change my mind

I don't know how true this is, or if it is the same for all PCT, but my GP said that in Sheffield, you will only be prescribed/allowed 6 cycles of clomid from the NHS while TTC, so her other point was "don't waste one until you're definitely told you need it", but I hadn't heard that before so that could be a load of rubbish!

Urgh I really don't know what the next step is as we are unexplained (which I can't decide it worse of better) I think logically it would be IUI and then onto IVF, but I haven't thought about it as I never imagined it wold get to this stage

 

[kitcatbaby]

Totally! Waiting around doing nothing is so frustrating but at the same time taking a drug with some nasty side effects just because they don't know what else to do is ridiculous! I suppose if it doesn't work they would recommend IVF?

I've got a serious sort of 'angel' and 'devil' situation going on, so this morning I actually made my husband take the Clomid pills to work with him and hide them so I can't take them even if I wanted to! I am so weak! When I was speaking to my doctor about it, I was really thinking about it being good to have a break and recharge etc...before seeing our new FS, but then AF arrived yesterday and Im starting to change my mind

I don't know how true this is, or if it is the same for all PCT, but my GP said that in Sheffield, you will only be prescribed/allowed 6 cycles of clomid from the NHS while TTC, so her other point was "don't waste one until you're definitely told you need it", but I hadn't heard that before so that could be a load of rubbish!

Urgh I really don't know what the next step is as we are unexplained (which I can't decide it worse of better) I think logically it would be IUI and then onto IVF, but I haven't thought about it as I never imagined it wold get to this stage

Same. When we started ttc I honestly thought it would happen right away. Now we are ltttc with a diagnosis I think it might be time for me to think about what comes next. I'm not sure if my OH would want IVF so I really don't know what would be our next step. I hope the clomid works. Whether prescribed for the right reasons or not I just want it to work

 

[StephieB]

Totally! Waiting around doing nothing is so frustrating but at the same time taking a drug with some nasty side effects just because they don't know what else to do is ridiculous! I suppose if it doesn't work they would recommend IVF?

I've got a serious sort of 'angel' and 'devil' situation going on, so this morning I actually made my husband take the Clomid pills to work with him and hide them so I can't take them even if I wanted to! I am so weak! When I was speaking to my doctor about it, I was really thinking about it being good to have a break and recharge etc...before seeing our new FS, but then AF arrived yesterday and Im starting to change my mind

I don't know how true this is, or if it is the same for all PCT, but my GP said that in Sheffield, you will only be prescribed/allowed 6 cycles of clomid from the NHS while TTC, so her other point was "don't waste one until you're definitely told you need it", but I hadn't heard that before so that could be a load of rubbish!

Urgh I really don't know what the next step is as we are unexplained (which I can't decide it worse of better) I think logically it would be IUI and then onto IVF, but I haven't thought about it as I never imagined it wold get to this stage

Same. When we started ttc I honestly thought it would happen right away. Now we are ltttc with a diagnosis I think it might be time for me to think about what comes next. I'm not sure if my OH would want IVF so I really don't know what would be our next step.I hope the clomid works. Whether prescribed for the right reasons or not I just want it to work

I share this sentiment with you completely. This is the current argument I'm having with OH, as he is against me taking it, and I use this argument everytime. If it works and it gives us a child, I don't care how I got it.

I wish you all the luck in the entire world with the Clomid, I was told it takes on average around 2-3 cycles to get a bfp on Clomid and can even help for a few cycles adterwards, so keep smiling and i'll look forward to seeing how you get on! Are you taking 100mg or 50mg?

X

 

[kitcatbaby]

Totally! Waiting around doing nothing is so frustrating but at the same time taking a drug with some nasty side effects just because they don't know what else to do is ridiculous! I suppose if it doesn't work they would recommend IVF?

I've got a serious sort of 'angel' and 'devil' situation going on, so this morning I actually made my husband take the Clomid pills to work with him and hide them so I can't take them even if I wanted to! I am so weak! When I was speaking to my doctor about it, I was really thinking about it being good to have a break and recharge etc...before seeing our new FS, but then AF arrived yesterday and Im starting to change my mind

I don't know how true this is, or if it is the same for all PCT, but my GP said that in Sheffield, you will only be prescribed/allowed 6 cycles of clomid from the NHS while TTC, so her other point was "don't waste one until you're definitely told you need it", but I hadn't heard that before so that could be a load of rubbish!

Urgh I really don't know what the next step is as we are unexplained (which I can't decide it worse of better) I think logically it would be IUI and then onto IVF, but I haven't thought about it as I never imagined it wold get to this stage

Same. When we started ttc I honestly thought it would happen right away. Now we are ltttc with a diagnosis I think it might be time for me to think about what comes next. I'm not sure if my OH would want IVF so I really don't know what would be our next step.I hope the clomid works. Whether prescribed for the right reasons or not I just want it to work

I share this sentiment with you completely. This is the current argument I'm having with OH, as he is against me taking it, and I use this argument everytime. If it works and it gives us a child, I don't care how I got it.

I wish you all the luck in the entire world with the Clomid, I was told it takes on average around 2-3 cycles to get a bfp on Clomid and can even help for a few cycles adterwards, so keep smiling and i'll look forward to seeing how you get on! Are you taking 100mg or 50mg?

X

My OH is also against clomid. He is very much for the natural 'what will be will be' approach. I can't do that anymore I need to do something... anything! I'm going to be taking 100mg.
Thanks a million for the well wishes. Im sending the same wishes and lots of babydust your way best of luck!

 

[ineedaseed]

i am taking clomid 50mg 2-6. I have just taken my 7th cycle, i am in middlesex near london and my pct will prescribe 9 cycles of clomid. I have had no monitoring except for a cd21 test on the first cycle.
good luck everyone

 

[xxshellsxx]

This made really interesting reading, i'm back at the DR tomorrow, all my results have come back great... but my LP is short, was only 9 days this month. I appear to be ovulating well now (wasn't 10 yrs ago). It seems Clomid is the first step that is usually taken even if your ovulating.

Has this made you girls ovulate sooner? i'm hoping if this is what my next step is, that ovulation will occur sooner, hopefully lengthening my LP which is obviously the problem with me TTC.

xx

 

[kitcatbaby]

This made really interesting reading, i'm back at the DR tomorrow, all my results have come back great... but my LP is short, was only 9 days this month. I appear to be ovulating well now (wasn't 10 yrs ago). It seems Clomid is the first step that is usually taken even if your ovulating.

Has this made you girls ovulate sooner? i'm hoping if this is what my next step is, that ovulation will occur sooner, hopefully lengthening my LP which is obviously the problem with me TTC.

xx

I'm also hoping clomid may extend my lp which is a slightly short 11days. I will keep you posted as to when I Ov and if it works for lengthening my lp

 

[xxshellsxx]

This made really interesting reading, i'm back at the DR tomorrow, all my results have come back great... but my LP is short, was only 9 days this month. I appear to be ovulating well now (wasn't 10 yrs ago). It seems Clomid is the first step that is usually taken even if your ovulating.

Has this made you girls ovulate sooner? i'm hoping if this is what my next step is, that ovulation will occur sooner, hopefully lengthening my LP which is obviously the problem with me TTC.

xx

I'm also hoping clomid may extend my lp which is a slightly short 11days. I will keep you posted as to when I Ov and if it works for lengthening my lp

That would be great if you could keep me posted! thank you!

I'm making assumptions about what will happen tomorrow, but i think that's what i will be asking for if it's not offered.

Good luck and 'll be watching this thread with interest

xx

 

[StephieB]

With Clomid I think I ovulated a day or so earlier than I usually do, but having said that I already ovulated like clock work so I don't know how much use it really was.

I've read that Clomid can mess up some ladies cycles and they can be extended or shortened. I think pretty much every one of us would be different, which is damn annoying, but I know for me, my cycle was just like every other cycle, no side effects, headaches or hot flushes etcs...I had much stronger ovulation pains and had to take pain killers, and I had mild cramps from 2DPO-14DPO but AF arrived normal time and seems to be a normal AF, not heavier, not lighter and not any more painful as usual...(50mg CD2-6)

I know I'm being no help what so ever but that was my experience. I'm currently having a month off from Clomid, so I'll be interested to see if it affects this cycle in anyway!

Best of luck ladies

 

[BearsMummy]

I'm one of those ones where it has messed my cycle up, I have not had one cycle to same in the 6 cycles of taking it!!

 

[Dani Rose]

I am starting my first cycle unmonitored this week, my DS is a clomid baby. First month on it after a year TTC, FX it works again like last time!

 

[StephieB]

Well my good idea of taking 3 months break from all things LTTTC has back fired, I plan to start taking Clomid again next cycle. DH doesn't want me to at all without monitoring, but my day 21 bloods from my first cycle came back with great progesterone levels so I think I should be Ok! :thumb up:

Good Luck Dani Rose, I love hearing clomid success stories too! xx

 

[StellaBella24]

Really useful to read through this thread! I am on first cycle of clomid, 50mg, unmonitored. Cd 15, no ovulation yet.

 

[Dani Rose]

^^^ I'm cd14 no O. Lots of cramps/pain etc. Temps are SO flat!

 

[StellaBella24]

Me too. Lots of sharp pains in ov area but nothing. I have pcos so this happens a lot anyway but thinking that if its still happening on clomid, i am still unsuccessfully trying to ovulate