So how do you get started on Clomid etc?

[NeedingInfoPlease]

Hi, I've been TTC for about 6 months now, following finishing BFing my last child. We have conceived very easily up till now, which is why I am a bit concerned. I do appreciate that 6 months is not all that long in the grand scheme of things, and I think we will keep trying without intervention for a while, but I wanted to get some info on Clomid etc just in case.

So - how do you get it? do you just go to the GP and ask, or do you have to be referred to a specialist? and is it just tablets, or injections, etc?

Thanks in advance

Clomid is given in tablet form and is usually taken from days two to six of a cycle. It is usually taken for a maximum of six months, after which time other treatments should be looked at.

It should only be given where it is proven through blood tests that ovulation is problematic. It is sometimes given to women who present with a condition called polycystic ovaries or polycystic ovarian syndrome. Even in these women, it should be used with a degree of caution. It certainly should not be used where ovulation is shown to be happening regularly. Clomid is certainly not a one size fits all proposition.

GPs can prescribe this but ideally it should be prescribed by a gynae. You should be monitored whilst on it (GPs also haven't got the time to do this) as it can markedly affect hormone levels. It encourages the ovaries to work harder.

I would advise anyone to seek a diagnosis of the underlying problem before commencing treatment of any sort.

HTH

You need to be refered by your GP to a fertility unit for them to prescribe CLomid - it's given for women who don't ovulate, so they'll want to check that this is your 'problem' (and not anything else) before prescribing. I was ttc no1 for 15 ish months before getting blood tests done at GPs which showed I wasn't ov'ing. Then refered to hospital gynae (ttc 18months by now) and am now on my fifth round of Clomid. If it doesn't work in 6 months they're going to try something else.
I'd speak to your GP first, but 6 months isn't that long and if you've already got one DC then they'll probably want you to try for longer before tests/referrals etc. How long did you ttc for no1? Did you need any help then?
(BTW to answer your other question - it's tablets)

Attila - I thought you'd find this, I was just putting in my tuppence worth til you came along
NeedingInfo - Attila knows all about Clomid, she's very clever.
that I gave the same advice as Attila

My message doen's make sense in terms of dates. For those of you who care..
15 months ttc - saw GP
18 months ttc - Start Clomid
24 months ttc - still trying Clomid

Nomoremagnolia

This is not good.

What are they suggesting now?.

They're happy not to monitor me Going back in Feb if not pg by then, currently on 5th cycle of clomid out of 6 they prescribed. Am pretty sure now that they've given me clomid as a fob off as still no diagnosis of underlying problem.

did you know zita west is on live chat now?

They're happy not to monitor me Going back in Feb if not pg by then, currently on 5th cycle of clomid out of 6 they prescribed. Am pretty sure now that they've given me clomid as a fob off as still no diagnosis of underlying problem.

Hi nomoremagnolia,

Can your GP refer you to another subfertility unit?. It is fair to say that some of them are far better than others.

No monitoring whilst on clomid is a no-no.

It is poor practice also for them to have prescribed a treatment without any diagnosis of the underlying problem.

Sorry that posted twice - am on my mobile and
can't get onto zita west chat on mobile
I think I will ask gp about trying somewhere else in Feb.
Thanks Attila