Clomid.........

[wantsababy2]

......SUCKS!!

Ok, not always. It has its uses, but I found a very good article, I think it was entitled "The Use and Abuse of Clomid," which floored me. Most notably, ob/gyns like to prescribe it without any monitoring whatsoever, and I think that is appalling!

As many thousands of women all across North America who are having trouble ttc naturally, my OB/GYN put me on Clomid after some initial testing showed nothing wrong with our reproductive capability. He said something about more follicles, ability for precise timing, etc. So I did it 3 times, all failed.

I started to research the crap out of Clomid (i LOVE the internet!) and found some alarming information:

(1) Clomid can actually PREVENT pregnancy in women who have regular, ovulatory cycles (see (2) and (3) below).

(2) Clomid dries up cm, which is critical to sperm survival in the woman's body.

(3) Clomid thins the endometrium, which is critical for implantation.

(4) Clomid can remain in the body for up to 50+ days, so the negative effects accumulate from cycle to cycle.

(5) For some as of yet scientifically inexplicable reason, Clomid often has little or no benefit in older women (I'm guessing >35). I say scientifically inexplicable because no study shows that it doesn't work, yet many RE's, through experience, have seen so many failed Clomid cycles in their older patients. As a matter of fact, I've seen online that a lot of RE's don't even consider putting their older patients on Clomid protocols at all.

So how mad am I that I wasted 3 cycles on that crap?!! VERY. When I finally switched protocols, I realized just how bad my Clomid cycles were.

Now, every chance I get, I recommend older women to get off the Clomid and go see an RE. There are far better protocols to boost your chances of success each cycle.


I wish someone had told me that!

[jvc1976]

I believe it! My first RE had me "diagnosed" with PCOS (which I don't have) & on Clomid for 5 months before we ditched her! I didn't know about the 50 days part, though! Turns out this lady habitually starts all her patients on Clomid, kind of a "shot in the dark" kind of thing. 2 other RE's that I spoke with, my GP & OB/GYN, both knew of her & helped me get my records & everything transferred without her charging me a transfer fee. Oooh... The thought of it makes me mad!

[mmi]

It does work for many people though as an inexpensive, quick way to parenthood. I agree many drs overuse it, but for many people, it has worked perfectly. good luck to you.

[Ferret Mommy]

Just for some positive info, my OB gave me all the run downs on Clomid before she gave it to me.... I already knew them, but it was nice to know she was not in the dark!

[trying for 2]

I have taken two cycles on Clomid. I am an early ovu. failure girl at 38. What else can I take?

ES

[kmeizy]

So, which one of the "other" protocols are you using now? I have used 2 cycles w/ Clomid and IUI- both BFN. Funny thing is, we are seeing an RE at a fertility clinic that recommended the Clomid. I am 39 going on 40. So, I am really interested in hearing about as many "other" protocol experiences as possible. Thanks!

[trying for 2]

Well I've had some positive progress. I am seeing my previous doc's partner who is more aggresive and in the know. She has me on a .78 estrodil patch to lower my FSH. So far it has cut my number in half from 53. This is a protocol I ran across while online. It turns out to be what my new Doc was going to do. She says Clomid will not work with an elevated FSH. Also make sure if you are taking CLomid that they do a scan before each cycle to make sure you don't have any underdev. fols or cysts as the CLomid may cause them to grow and become a problem. I am learning how to advocate for myself but the anxiety and worries are always knocking on my door. My faith is really being stretched.
We had a rollercoaster high this week when a scan showed a 2.2 cm folicle. I was ready to have an IUI on Friday. But my blood test showed my E2 level to low for it to be an ovulation. So I am continuing to use the patch and get scans every week. If the doc sees any posible follicles she will order more blood tests. So for now we are encouraged by the FSH number dropping but we will have to see what happens. I found a few articles regarding this protocol. You can google one and link out to the others.

Three pregnancies despite elevated serum FSH and advanced age. by J.H. Check, M.L. Check and D. Katsoff

[trying for 2]

Can you tell me what the other protocols are?
My FSH is in the high 20's now because of an E2 patch. I am 37 with one child (6) natural.

[WaitingMommy]

I also took clomid for 6 months with out the Dr monitering me Since I was so new to TTC i had no Idea what I was doing. I finially started seeing a new RE just recently and I was put on Letrozole ( Femera) They did have some studies THank FOr the internet now that I read constantly LOL and It was disproved the bad side effects and comes out of your body so fast. I was also diagnosed with PCOS and my new RE thinks that clomid and PCOS just dont go. I had to sign waivers to take it but its worth it if it works im on cycle 2 so we will see what happens. Hoping for a BFP this month.
Robyn

[wantsababy2]

Femara is a better alternative to Clomid IMO.

However, for more "mature" women, say 36-37+, I think injectables is the way to go. they have a higher success rate than clomid for anyone, but especially for older women - I have read that Clomid just doesn't work very well in older women.