Over the counter Clomid

[Ohwhatbliss]

We have been TTC baby 1 for 16 months, no pregnancy and no previous pregnancies. Both had all tests done bloods, ultrasound, HSG and sperm analysis and all normal.

In the pharmacy yesterday I discovered that Clomid is available as an over the counter medication in the country I live in. I'm seriously considering taking it this cycle and I am looking for some advice please. I could visit my doctor and ask for a prescription (which I would likely be given) but when I can buy it in the pharmacy I'm considering proceeding on my own.

From reading it would seem that I should take 50mg on cycle days 3 to 7 so a total of 5 days. I would use pre seed to counter any dryness etc.

From research it doesn't seem as though monitoring during days 3 to 7 whilst taking the clomid is standard so I wouldn't have any input from my doctor even if I got a prescription?

Is this a ridiculous/dangerous idea? Should I do this when I know I am ovulating 'normally'? I would be vigilant for any serious side effects such as OHSS. I would only use for one cycle before seeing my doctor if we aren't successful. Any help/advice/screams of don't do it? With the arrival of the red tide of doom AGAIN today I'm at the end of my tether. Thanks for reading.

When I was in the same situation I probably would have bought clomid if available over the counter, I'm not sure if it's a terribly sensible idea but it is certainly an idea I'd have entertained.

Best of luck

Thanks for the reply Stripy, and the flowers, I could do with them today! I am normally a terribly sensible person but TTC is driving me more than a little batshit. I think I'm going to buy the tablets today, cycle day 1, and then consider whether to take them.......

It would be better to go to the Drs, although I can't pretend I wouldn't have been tempted to buy it over the counter! I used Clomid to conceive both my children, but it's effects can be a little unpredictable... The first cycle I took it when trying to conceive DC2 I only had 5 antral follicles at the start of the month - when I was scanned on CD13 FOUR had matured and were ready to pop! My Dr told me to err, step away from my husband for that cycle, because the risk of 'high order' multiple pregnancy was too great. We lowered the dose the following month and I still conceived twins, although sadly lost one at 12 weeks. So, I really would advise using it under medical supervision and push for monitoring, even if it isn't standard. (We were seeing a fertility specialist privately in the UK, think costs for DS2 totalled about £280, obviously worth every penny).

Having said all that, I know how horribly frustrating and demoralising it all is, and I absolutely remember the feeling of not being able to face another month of inaction. Is your Dr sympathetic? Any chance you could pop in tomorrow and have a chat with her/him?

Thanks for your input TT. Really helpful and I'm delighted that you now have your two children. It's those potential issues with lack of supervision I'm concerned about. That said in this country you receive your prescription and away you go, no scanning to see how your body reacts to the Clomid, just see if you get pregnant. It's that reason that makes me think I may as well just proceed on my own.

I was never particularly happy with the doctor I have been seeing and he has now resigned. Chances of being able to get an appointment with any of the decent fertility doctors today or tomorrow are nil. The low standard of care here is frustrating, its definitely lower than one would receive in the UK. My last doctor spent most of my first consultation trying to very delicately check whether I knew that I had to have sex to get pregnant!

I'm totally torn on this. December cycle will be out as I will be in a different country to DH and we are looking at another international move in February. The country we are going to has very strict protocols re infertility so I feel as though I should throw everything I have at it now.

I have bought the tablets (equivalent of £5.55 for 10 as an aside) I just don't know what to do.........

I probably would have myself...

But be warned there are more side effects than risk of multiples... I actually ended up in a psychiatric ward after taking it having a very scary reaction to it. Probably very rare... Nevertheless

Would seeing a naturopath and perhaps doing agnus castus/natural progesterone that type of thing not be an option first?

Faye, that is terrifying and so sorry to read that.

My understanding of agnus castus is that it helps to regulate cycle length and lengthen luteal phase? I have a 28 day cycle with 14 day luteal phase so I'm not sure how AC would benefit me? I have also had my progesterone levels checked several times and they are totally 'normal'. I'm not dismissing your suggestions at all just don't know whether either would be worthwhile (believe me, I'm open to trying anything!)

Yes, I'm not sure if they would be right for you just meant to imply that seeing a naturopath there might be something you could explore before Clomid iyswim...

Iv heard maca root is helpful to some too...

Obv a naturopath could give you more of an idea of what would help you

Clomid is quite powerful stuff and should really not be taken without any medical supervision. You will not know whether its working or not and there are side effects associated with this pill. It can both affect hormone levels markedly and can also make any underlying hormonal imbalance worse. People who take this are ideally monitored with both blood tests and ultrasounds, no monitoring is not acceptable at all.

You need a diagnosis first and foremost. At the very least both of you need up to date test results; anything done over six months ago should be discounted.

What tests have both of you had done to date?. For instance one semen analysis is by no means conclusive of there not being male factor issues. My guess FWIW is that you as a couple have not been investigated thoroughly enough so nothing has been found. The low standard of care re such things in your current country of origin is appalling.

You need a diagnosis and appropriate treatment. For example if you have blocked tubes clomid isn't going to do anything for you

I think you would be very foolish to do this

Clomid is a powerful drug that shouldn't be taken lightly

Happily, I now have my two dc due to Clomid, but at one point I had abdominal distension, pain and potential overstimulation which can be further fertility (and even life) threatening in some severe cases. There is also the increased risk of multiple birth (mainly twins) but again, not a good idea to do this unsupervised.

Yes, in your country they may not do regular scans etc to check efficacy of Clomid but at least if the doctor hands it out then he/she has a good idea of your medical history and potential risk factors

Thanks for all the responses. Just to
clarify, my country of origin is the UK, I'm living overseas at the moment. All investigations, including HSG, were done in the last 3 months. I have been advised that there is no further testing offered here at all in addition to what has been done so I have no option to pursue further repeat investigations.

Anyway, this whole post is now moot as my infinitely more rational than me husband has banned me from taking the clomid I have bought until I have at least seen a doctor to confirm I can go ahead safely!

I don't know what country you are in but I can't believe there aren't fertility specialists you can see. I do understand the impatience you are feeling but self medicating is definitely not the answer. And definitely not clomid - you say you are ovulating so clomid won't help.

Your h is sensible, listen to him

Although I do understand the impatience and frustration of sub fertility

Good luck

Your H is definitely right.

Aside from all the sensible comments here, you can only take a limited number of Clomid cycles so taking them without scanning or bloods is wasting them.

I didn't ovulate at all on my first two cycles of 50mg Clomid. I wouldn't have known (as I didn't have periods so had to introduce a bleed artificially anyway). It was only through scanning and bloods that I was moved onto a higher dose which ultimately resulted in DS1. If I hadn't known what was going on, I would have continued taking 50mg with no hope of conceiving and using up the cycles.

I would explore if there are doctors who do scan/bloods with Clomid and at least explore that first. Even though it's frustrating and awful. Better safe and successful than quick. Sorry, I know that's so hard to hear when you're struggling to conceive - I've been there too.

Same here, Ruby