Clomid users–how many tests did you have done before your doc put you on clomid?
Posted on | January 16, 2010 |
My doctor wants to put me on clomid, but I’m not sure I’m ready for that yet. Everything I’ve read online says to make sure you’ve had every test under the sun before going on it. Here’s my background and tests I’ve received:
–ttc 1 year
–short cycles with luteal phase varying from 9 days to 13 days; many days of spotting before period
–vaginal ultrasound: showed thickened lining of uterus and fluid that may or may not be endometrial
–prolactin level: normal
–7dpo progesterone test: normal
–hsg: normal
–husband’s semen analysis: normal for count and motility, they didn’t give me other numbers
–thyroid check: normal
That’s all I’ve had so far. Shouldn’t my RE be doing more tests before going straight to clomid? We haven’t had any kind of post-coital cm test, or anti-sperm antibody tests, nor have I had all of my hormones checked. He didn’t want to do LH because I’m "not old enough yet"–I’m 31. He didn’t even suggest testing my estrogen, despite the fact that I have a thick uterine lining and possible endometrial fluid. He hasn’t even mentioned my messed up cycles either. I guess I’m just looking for some guidance: new RE or trust him. Thanks, and sorry for the lengthy question. Good luck to everyone!!!
Yes, sorry, I ovulate on my own, confirmed with bbt charting. And I already had the hsg to check for blocked tubes:normal.
linpo, definitely do some research on clomid before you take it without having had your tubes checked or your husband’s semen checked. It can be quite a harsh drug, and it wouldn’t be worth taking it if there are other problems that are quite easy to check.
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5 Responses to “Clomid users–how many tests did you have done before your doc put you on clomid?”
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January 16th, 2010 @ 12:12 am
My first issue was to get the hsg done and the semen analysis before any medication. So many obgyn’s out there just hand out Clomid with out even doing these 2 tests. What’s the point of being on Clomid if you have blocked tubes? It only makes sense to me.
My obgyn prescribed Clomid to me, I am not seeing an RE as of yet. I will be referred to one after a few failed rounds of Clomid, hopefully Clomid will work, but our first cycle just failed, so onto cycle 2.
It sounds to me like you’ve had the basics done, but if you are not comfortable, by all means speak to your dr and question these tests. I too, had asked for a post-coital test, and my ob said that the test isn’t common anymore and he sees no reason to do it. Now, that sort of made me go "huh?" but I do trust my dr so I decided to flow with it. As for the E2 and FSH test, done on cd 3, I would ask again for those. I’ve found that it really depends on the dr if he sees concern for it. Some dr’s don’t recognize estrogen dominance and therefore see no need to test it and aren’t concerned with it. As for not mentioning your irregular cycles, he is probably hoping Clomid will help, and also give you a little boost in the luteal phase, making it a tad longer. Clomid is very popular, and is commonly handed out as the first fertility treatment, of course it is not for everyone. If he feels confident for you to start it, then maybe he is right, but in all honesty, if you are not comfortable or do not trust him, then find a new dr and switch. Dr’s sometimes are like trail and error, you have to go through a few before finding the right one, the most proactive one. In the meantime, ask him all the questions you need to, as many that it will take to make you feel comfortable with him, or with starting Clomid.
I was excited to start Clomid, but thought we were jumping the gun a bit and I wasn’t sure if all the tests that needed to be done, were done. We have been ttc #1 for over 2 years and have had 2 m/c’s, and my husband has a low sperm count. The reason I thought me starting Clomid was weird, is because I ovulate on my own and have a perfectly regular cycle. I’ve done so much research and a lot of it has said that it is likely Clomid will not work if you ovulate on your own. In the end, I decided to give it a try anyway, and I am glad I did. I will probably not follow my dr’s order and take it for 6 months before going to an RE, I am leaning towards 4 months and saving 2 cycles for IUI if need be. You always have a say when it comes to your body and you have the right to ask as many questions about any tests or anything else you want. Some dr’s think that because they’re a dr, we will follow their advice with out asking any question or showing any concern.
Good luck and sending you tons of baby dust
EDIT: I would like to second that and say that Clomid is a seriously harsh drug. Every woman reacts differently to it, of course, but I’ve (and many others) had the absolute worst side effects. I am glad to know that I didn’t waste time on it with out having an HSG, or semen analysis at least, because it has been very hard for both me and my husband. A lot of women say it’s nothing they can’t handle, and they didn’t have many side effects, but if you are one of the few that go "clomicidal" like myself, it’s a whole other story. I have had so many side effects, down to one of the rarest which is hair loss. I’ve gotten depressed, and if I am not depressed, I am in an angry crazy rage, and if not either of those, I am crying for no flipping reason. The pain with ovulation is awful, to the point it even made sex painful. The dizziness is severe, and the fatigue is ridiculous. Now is it the worst thing in the world? Of course not, but it is bad enough for me, along with many others that I’ve spoken to that have taken Clomid. I can’t imagine putting myself AND my husband through any of this with out being fully assured that it is worth taking and everything, including all tests, have been ruled out.Gees, the things us lovely ladies go through to make our dreams come through! It will be worth it in the end if Clomid works
January 16th, 2010 @ 12:12 am
WOW. I would definitely request that LH and estorgen levels be checked- especially because of the thickening lining! You should be on Clomid if you aren’t ovulating, and only if you aren’t ovulating normally. Not just because it’s convenient to throw at people!
Do you ovulate? have you charted? FIRST we need to know that. Then, if the answer is yes, you can explore for blocked tubes or endometriosis. If the answer is NO, then perhaps Clomid is right for you.
January 16th, 2010 @ 12:12 am
I think you should ask a few more questions. I am in the same boat as you, except my prolactin was a little high. But other than that i would trust your RE. They know what they are doing, its their job. IF you like you could try out some nautral ways. right now i am taking Vitex, which is supposed to help with ovulation and shorten the luteal phase. Also i am taking Evening primrose oil, which helps you produce more of the eggy white CM to help carry the sperm to the egg. I havent been taking it long enough to see any substantial results but it cant hurt. Anyways good luck to you and happy BDing.
January 16th, 2010 @ 12:12 am
what happened with me was that I charted when I was supposedly ovulating every month, when we had sex, and when I got pos/neg OPKS. I was also trying for over a year… I was diagnosed with PCOS by another doctor in her practice that deals with my mother… so with in all that she prescribed me provera to get my period started and clomid on cd 3-7. She could see that I was frusterated. So she without testing told me to try clomid 100mg… for 6 cycles… I think im going to do like 4 and if nothing.. call and see if we can get a semen analysis.. or check my tubes/eggs.
January 16th, 2010 @ 12:12 am
I think you’re have enough testing done for them to try clomid. It can only increase your chances of having a baby. And it would be the first less dramatic step in trying. (before trying the shots or IVF). If you know your tubes aren’t blocked and the sperm count is fine… I would say go for it and good luck!