Soy, or doctors for Clomid?

[Tw1nkle]

Just got AF - gutted!
Been TTC for 3 years!
We have a beautiful daughter (4) so we are very lucky. We know that.
We had a MC last year too, so we know we CAN get pregnant!
It's just not happening.
I'm tempted to try Soy this cycle, but was thinking maybe I should go to the doc's instead. I'm worried that they'll say I just have to keep trying (it's been over 12 months since MC)
Do you think they would let me try Clomid?
Thanks.

Hi, sorry to read how long it's taking you to conceive again, an about your pregnancy loss.

There's a long way to go before vein prescribed Clomid. You first need to see our GP to get a referral to a fertility clinic. Then, a fertility history from both you and your DH/DP is needed, and then fertility tests begin.

For him: a sperm sample to check quantity, quality, mobility, motility an morphology.

For you: a smear test, a trans-vaginal ultrasound to check your ovaries, a HSG X-Ray to check the uterus ad fallopian tubes are clear.

And only then Clomid if they think it's right for you.

On the NHS, if you're seen straight away, this investigative process takes about 3 months (waiting for appointments/results).

But, you've gotten pregnant twice! So you can do it! Although, I am inclined to say to go and see your GP. Age affects fertility; to try for more than 1 year under 35 (for the woman) and you'd get a referral. But it is a slog. I think that you would be best advised to mentally prepare for that, if the GP/ referral is what you decide to go for x

I am facing the same dilemma but different circumstances - ttc my first, been trying for one year, PCOS, 31. I've just been given my prescription for clomid and am debating whether to try agnus castus or soy first. I don't know much about trying soy though - who/what does it work for?

molotov is right, they don't just hand out clomid (and shouldn't). I can see why it's so difficult for you to decide as obviously it's possible for you to get pregnant naturally and you do ovulate at least sometimes (keep wondering if I do or could ovulate naturally). Good luck whatever you decide

Hi Charlotte321
Sorry you're having difficulties too!
soy isoflavones are taken the same as clomid - days 3-7 or 5-9, they are meant to be the natural alternative.
I'm nearly 36, and I do ovulate each month - butmy cycles are random and i have a short luteal phase. soy isoflavones can make you have stronger eggs i think!

I can understand the drs process taking a while, i'm not even sure they would do anything for me anyway, given my 2 pregnancies.

It's such a difficult and confusing time!

If it was a straight choice between soy and the GP I would plump for the GP visit as Molotov suggests.

Both of you should be tested further to see where the problem exactly lies, subfertility is not the sole preserve of the woman.

Charlotte

Given the choice I would choose clomid over AC; AC used by some women with PCOS can cause a lot more problems and self medicating with it is not adviseable. Also if you did decide to use AC you should seek out the advice of a properly qualified medical herbalist beforehand re dosage.

Re the clomid too you should be monitored closely whilst on it as it is quite powerful stuff. No monitoring at all is unacceptable as you have no way of knowing whether its doing what it is supposed to. Clomid's main job is to make the ovaries work harder. It should also be used with a degree of caution in PCOS patients as clomid resistance can happen.

thanks attila I don't suppose you know whether it's a bad idea to drink when on clomid? I'm debating when to start taking it on my next cycle as with xmas, new year, my bday and a two week holiday in the next two months, I'm aware it would make sense to wait until after all that to start it as you only get a few 'shots' at it? I don't want to miss out on celebrations and enjoying drinks when I need to enjoy myself more than ever to stop feeling down about ttc. At the same time, I am desperate to get pregnant and am not sure I can wait!

I would check the clomid leaflet. If that does not give information on clomid and drinking alcohol I would ask a pharmacist or the person who actually prescribed it. (Have no direct experience of taking clomid because although I have PCOS I would not suitable to actually take it).

What is important here is are you being monitored when you actually start taking this drug treatment?. I ask that as no monitoring whatsoever is completely unacceptable.

Usually clomid is tried for six months before other treatments. Over time they may decide to increase the dosage if you are on the lowest dose to begin with.

Tw1nkle, I'd just say that nothing you take can improve the quality of your eggs. You are born with all of your eggs already in situ, so you can't really influence them in the same way a man can improve sperm quality as this is constantly being manufactured..