Multiple cycles clomid / drugs - success?

[cluelessnewmum]

Hello there

For those of you who've had success with clomid or another fertility drug, have any of you had success after 3-plus cycles?

I'm currently doing ovulation induction using Gonal F 50iui. I've done 2 cycles and I think this second cycle is not going to be successful as I'm getting premenstrual symptoms.

I'm just wondering how many people got pregnant after 3 or more cycles of fertility drugs, as I'm just wondering whether to throw in the towel and progress to ivf.

Both cycles I've been told my eggs and lining look good, one time I had a hcg shot the other time I just ovulated naturally.

So I don't know whether I just need to wait for the right egg or whether I'm flogging a dead horse?

For those of you where it worked after multiple cycles was there something about that cycle that was different that made it work? Issue I have is my doc won't increase dosage or do anything different so I don't know whether it's Einstein insanity thing of doing the same thing and expecting different results....!

Thanks for your advice x

Hi,
Do you know what the issue is or is it unexplained infertility?
I had and have issues with ovulating on my own but got pregnant on my second round of menopur, tried 3 rounds of clomid prior to that. My pregnancy was ectopic so going for round 3 in June. My dr says if no other issues then they will usually try 3 cycles as the probability of getting pregnant is the same as naturally Xx

ps I had my son the same way too so I know it can work!!

Thanks @willbeslimagain for sharing your experience, congratulations on your son, I'm glad to hear it can work after a few rounds. I'm sorry to hear you had an ectopic pregnancy, I hope the next round works for you.

No I have the mystery of unexplained fertility, all tests are fine, I already also have one dc conceived with no issue.

Interesting about the 3 rounds, my dc was conceived 3rd try so maybe it's worth one more go.

Thank you, that's helped me a lot!

No worries, definitely worth giving it one more try and have my fingers crossed for you! XX

Secondary subfertility can be very hard. However "unexplained" is actually no diagnosis at all; it means that they have failed to find out what is wrong. Sometimes it is a diagnosis given to couple when inadequate or not through enough testing on both parties has been done.

Has your man had a series of investigative tests done; for example one semen analysis is not in itself conclusive. Has male factor been properly looked at?. Such tests as well should be done in tandem.

Thanks @attilathemeerkat yes I hate the 'unexplained infertility' thing, but I don't know what other tests I'd have? What other tests would dh have? He's had semen analysis and it was all very good.

Thanks for your advice x

If he has only had one semen analysis its clearly not enough to rule out any potential male factor issues.

The most common tests that tend to be omitted are:-

Adequate x-rays of the uterus which may show abnormalities not otherwise seen at laparoscopy.

Hysteroscopy - telescope inspection of the inside of the uterus which may occasionally show abnormalities not seen otherwise

Repeated sperm counts over several weeks and months to make sure there is no subtle abnormality

Testing the sperm in special media such as swim up tests/velocity testing. However, when they are done, they often uncover a hidden cause for the supposed unexplained problem

Thorough hormone tests to detect abnormalities of male hormone or early falls in progesterone

Thanks Attila, that is very useful. I will definitely ask my doctor about all those tests when I next go. Appreciate your advice, had no idea one spermicide test was not enough x