Clomid clarification

[QuiteRural]

So, the blessed clomid hasn't worked after three cycles so I've been referred for a 'drilling'. During our last clinic appointment the nurse happened on two throw-away comments that I wasn't in a strong enough place to follow up. One was that you only get a certain number of goes at clomid. The second was that I may be too young (at 31) for IVF.

Has anyone else been told this? I think she may have meant that the clomid would be better served after the op, but how many goes do I get? And what is considered an appropraite age for IVF?

Thankfully I've had no horrific side effects (except being occassionally unreasonable).

I've been prescribed two more cycles worth to "use if I want" but I don't want to throw away my chances pre-op if they only offer me one cycle after it. It was all a bit emotional at my last appointment, I didn't get to ask the questions I wanted to.

It's all new to me, I've not known any of my friends or family have this op, though now I see it's quite common. I think I will call the clinic to discuss, that's good advice, thank you. I was a bit scared to but to know that someone else thinks it too is reassuring.

No hsg, but I have pcos. This has all come the same week that 3 of my friends told me they were pg.

All the things I've read were getting a bit contradictary. The last follicle tracking I had was on my first cycle of clomid which is why I felt a bit adrift. I'm charting etc, but that makes me overthink it all which isn't making me very relaxed whilst ttc.

Thank you for your lovely advice and support. I'll look into the duo fertility and I'm waiting for a return call from the clinic.

Thanks for the hug, I needed it.

I am not sure re clomid but two people I know that have had ivf one was 27 and one was 30

Oh maples that's not fair :(

Hi QuiteRural,

I have PCOS and have had the surgery you mention. Its proper name is laparoscopic ovarian diathermy. Basically the surgeon punctures the cystic follicles associated with PCOS with an electrical laser or needle. This gives the ovaries a better chance of ovulating spontaneously as the follicles have been dealt with.

I became pg two months post op as a direct result of this surgery but I also know of where it has not worked. You need to have a in depth conversation with the cons who intends to carry out this surgery. I would ask him outright how much experience he has had in this type of surgery because it is a steep learning curve. Also ask about success rates.

Diathermy is NOT a cure for PCOS as the cystic follicles associated with this condition do return eventually. It can be successful for some PCOSers so if this surgery has been offered to you I would not decline it.

IVF is usually only offered to PCOS patients only after all other treatment options have been tried. PCOS patients need to be very, very careful indeed and closely monitored if undergoing IVF because of the higher risk of ovarian hyperstimulation (the multiple cystic follicles associated with PCOS are to blame here).

Was never given clomid due to unsuitability to take it. Cons said it would not have helped me.

Normally clomid is used for a max of six months after which other treatments options are tried. I have read elsewhere that if clomid is not successful after three months then it is worth trying other things. Clomid should be used with a degree of caution in PCOS patients anyway as clomid can increase hormone levels markedly (particularly that of LH which many PCOSers have an excess of to begin with) so it is not always suitable for all PCOSers to take. Its main and only job is to make the ovaries work harder.

Would refrain from temp charting as this is really of no benefit at all if PCOS is present. Women often end up with a chart looking like the Rocky Mountains as a result which muddies the waters even more and causes more stress. Also if you had been properly monitored whilst on clomid this would have made the temp charting also unnecessary.

You may find Verity's website helpful www.verity-pcos.org.uk

Any other questions just ask.

With best wishes

A

Also clomid resistance is not unknown so this is perhaps why they have put the brakes on clomid now.

I do hope so maples

Toria I'm in the Thames valley and I'd heard it's 35

Thanks Attila that's actually reaffirmed alot of the things I'd read/been told and had believed. I had briefy been temp charting and once I missed a few days I felt like a ruddy failure. Though the prospect of drilling is a bit scary I know if it will really help it's what's needed. I've read a few threads on MN about the recovery etc and I'm reassurred that not only is it ok, but really worth it. First hand advice is worth its weight in gold so I do appreciate your support.

I know I've been very lucky to be seen by my Cons so quickly (11 days from GP to clinic). Now its been pinpointed we can move forward.

Hi QuiteRural

I'm in the Thames Valley too, in Berkshire, and have been told to get IVF on the NHS they need to refer me before I'm 35 as that is the cut off (I'm 34). I think you have to be over 30. They asked if either of us had any other children and whether we were smokers. You also need to have been trying for 3 years if it's unexplained infertility - or have a nice consultant who will say you have.

We'll be referred if clomid hasn't worked after 3 months. I'm on it as my latest bloods showed I wasn't ovulating. The first cycle on 50mg didn't make me ovulate so have to double the dose for my next cycle and then have bloods again.

Hey Caipririnhas, that sounds all too familiar! It's probably the same Cons. That's reassuring though as I thought you had to be over 35, not under. I hope the double dose works for you before you get to that point.