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An email regarding taking Clomid.
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Hello Dr. Lee
I came across your name when I was googling information on Clomid and lack of ovulating and was hoping for a second opinion.
I just turned 30 yesterday and have been TTC naturally for 1 year now. I have had regular 28 day menstrual cycles since going off of birth control (1 year ago) and all 3 follicular studies that I’ve had on a natural menstrual cycle (no drugs) have shown that I have a mature follicle on day 13 (anywhere between 18-21cm). My progesterone levels on day 20 have also proven that ovulation took place.
Well, since a year has passed with no success, my husband and I were ready (though reluctant) to take the next step: Clomid. Which seems to be the first fertility drug for everyone I talk to dealing with infertility (even unexplained infertility like in my case and NOT just women with irregular cycles/PCOS).
I started with the normal 50mg and my body resisted it completely as I produced NO mature follicles this month. As I said, I was very careful and reluctant NOT to start clomid before trying to conceive for at least 1 year, reason being that I already ovulated on my own plus all bloodwork to date has come back within normal range (including glucose, insulin, thyroxine, TSH, DHEA-sulfate, prolactin and progesterone).
So now I am on day 16 with no mature follicle in site and my doctor has said I will probably not ovulate at all this month and I just need to wait for my period (if it even decides to come). I am very discouraged with this news, as I feel as if I shouldn’t have taken the clomid at all. At least I had a better chance going natural as I always produced a mature follicle on my own. Is clomid REALLY the only FIRST fertility option for people like me who are ALREADY ovulating on their own?? Is it supposed to produce BETTER quality eggs (my doc says no, just the hope of 1-3 eggs per cycle).
So the next step my doc is taking is for me to try 100mg next month… again, I am very reluctant. What would you recommend for someone like me?
Thank you for taking the time to read my concerns.
Sincerely,
(Jennifer) (from the Midwest)
Are people seeking fertility treatment highly motivated? Do they research like this? Why am I not feeling motivated? My age does not allow me to wait any longer. However, I cannot compare and I don’t know if having babies is the best decision for the future.
When I decided to seek the treatment, I was not motivated to learn the medical side of it, however, I had a clear vision of what I want to accomplish. It is important to work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan and assess necessary changes from time to time.
Staying rational during the process is crucial. I did ok the entire time because busy routines and several on-going side projects distracted me from feeling bad for failed cycles. The only exception was the day that I was aware of my pregnancy loss happened to be the day I had to smile and brought baby crib sets for a friend’s baby shower. That was a little rough.
Life is all about making choices. To start or stop is not an easy decision. A good result is just a beginning and it leads to a different stage of your life. What choices would you make to adopt the changes? When the bad outcome is one after another, how long can you take it financially, physically, and emotionally? What choices would you make by then? The answer varies depending on each individual’s situation.
Getting over a problem, I finally choose to face it and deal with it. I am recording the journey as I go. For me, the process is more important than the end result. How much time does it take and how many resources do you need to overcome psychological and emotional distress? There are no definite answers to the questions such as these.
I have been asked several questions recently: A. Do you have a family? B. Really? You don’t have kids? How lucky you are! C. Why don’t you have children? D. Having babies is the best thing. What are you waiting for?
I thought I am done with standard Q&A to all concerned parties long time ago. Maybe I should label myself “baby in progress” or maybe it’s time to believe I am really lucky.
Another round… I do not feel comfortable for some reason.