Clomid--convince me?

[no5no5]

So I am probably just being a big baby, but my OB just prescribed Clomid and I'm not sure I want to take it.

The thing is, my cycles are totally normal except that I have a short luteal phase. I don't see how Clomid can help with that. I mean, I seem to have normal progesterone levels and everything. I went into the OB and he wasn't willing to even think about what was causing my short luteal phase unless I took Clomid for 3 cycles and didn't get pregnant. He didn't do an ultrasound or a pelvic exam or _anything_. He didn't even take my medical history.

So basically, I am pissed that I could have a real problem (endometriosis, fibroids, etc.) that is being totally ignored until I spend 3 cycles taking a totally unnecessary and possibly harmful drug.

I know a lot of OBs do Clomid as the first step, but it just seems so stupid.

So anyway, I have one child already, and I feel like giving up and just letting her be an only child. But then I think that would be even more stupid than taking the Clomid because I will regret it my whole life. But then I think that I just really don't want to take drugs that are unnecessary and possibly harmful. ARGH. I know you guys have been through all this before. Please help me decide what to do.

Be brutally honest. If I am being obnoxious and whiny and should just shut and take the Clomid already, please tell me so.

Thanks for any advice.

[blueyezz4]

I would say go to a RE and get a second opinion or another OB. I was just given a script for clomid and I'm somewhat scared of it too, but I have had a full work up done and it was done by a RE!!! From what I have learned it is best to be monitored while on clomid if you can. You shouldn't be forced to take 3 cycles of drugs before they even try to figure out what is going on with you. Good luck.

[biomama]

Originally Posted by no5no5

The thing is, my cycles are totally normal except that I have a short luteal phase. I don't see how Clomid can help with that.

My understanding is that clomid can help with LP problems, because it causes you to have stronger and perhaps more follicles. The follicles are the things that become the corpus luteum and produce progesterone. So it might help.

Clomid has been used for a long time, it is relatively safe. Of course, if you feel really uncomfortable about it, to the point that you think you might not want to take it even if it got you pregnant, then I'd say don't take it! You sound really apprehensive about it. That's a totally valid point of view and you should listen to yourself.

some REs prescribe clomid as a first step in part to save you some $$. It's expensive (if ins. doesn't cover it) to have a big diagnostic workup, and if you can get pg with clomid and avoid all that, that's a good thing, right?

It might be worth getting a second doctor's opinion, if you can afford it....
GL!!!

[Voltige]

I had an initial RE workup last week that included a ton of bloodwork, a detailed history (took me more than an hour to fill out) and a transvaginal ultrasound. They discovered at least 2 large cysts on one ovary and the RE suspects endometriosis. Based on my history, I also have some of the symptoms of PCOS. We spent 2 hours there and the discussion of drugs never came up. Next week he wants fasting bloodwork and a saline ultrasound to look at my uterus. He also talked about laparoscopy. He seems to be doing everything possible to find a cause for our secondary infertility before deciding on a course of action. I also have a short luteal phase based on my observations from charting, but it's quite possible I have other problems that are preventing another pregnancy. I would be uncomfortable starting Clomid without more diagnostics.

[blueRhino]

Originally Posted by no5no5

I went into the OB and he wasn't willing to even think about what was causing my short luteal phase unless I took Clomid for 3 cycles and didn't get pregnant. He didn't do an ultrasound or a pelvic exam or _anything_. He didn't even take my medical history.

This seems weird to me. I wouldn't want to take the drug under those circumstances either. I am dragging my feet myself about taking the RE step. I want to get pregnant but I don't want to be treated unnecessarily aggressively. I would get a second opinion at the very least. (But I haven't taken it myself.)

[no5no5]

Thank you so much. Everyone gave great advice. I thought it seemed fishy, but then I thought maybe I was making too big of a deal out of it (as is a bad habit of mine, lol).

My insurance does pay for diagnosis, just not for IVF or for any meds, so I think I will definitely see a RE before taking anything.

I recognize that I am very lucky to have my first child already. My heart truly goes out to those of you who are trying to conceive your first, and I wish the best of luck to each of you.