Clomid for secondary unexplained infertility

[Fairy0708]

Hi all

Could anyone shed any experience or thoughts on taking clomid for unexplained infertility? My first child was concieved naturally in the first cycle at 31 (I don't want to cause any upset here, I'll add that he was born with congenital heart disease so it hasn't been plain sailing).

Fast forward to now, been TTC for 18 months (started age 34). My husbands sperm analysis is good, my hormone levels (FSH, LH, progesterone etc) and thyroid etc all normal. Two internal scans and a hycosy. Nothing has been detected as abnormal. Neither of us smoke, drink regularly, overweight etc. Hubby is taking proceeds plus and I am taking folic and vit D.

I was prescribed clomid but won't be monitored and I'm pretty nervous to take it. I've held off for a year now in the hope of a miracle but well, I will try anything at this point.

If anyone has had a similar experience please shed thoughts. X

Hello, hopefully I can join if anyone is still about.
In a similar situation, referred to NHS infertility, didn't think I'd be accepted so have a private appointment booked for end of March (since received nhs appointment for end of April) @Fairy0708 when you started with the nhs what was the process?
I've already had scan that shows normal, normal amh, but haven't ovulated that last 2 cycles and have irregular cycles since before conceiving my son after trying for over a year.
How did your first medicated cycles go @secondtimelucky87 @Fairy0708

Hi there! I think I'm around 9dpo now. Honestly I don't feel much different to how I normally would so I'm not feeling massively hopeful but it's just a waiting game now! Period is due around this weekend. So far I've only had mild cramps at 3dpo, more painful ones yesterday and at 6dpo I had a sharp electric shock type feeling in my right ovary. I've been very emotional and moody but that's standard PMS for me! I've just had my progesterone back and it was 27.9 nmol which feels slightly borderline even though it's close to 30.

@secondtimelucky87 not long now then til you will know, and the sharp pains sound positive at 6dpo, I've had this both times I got pregnant ( 1 DS and 1MMC). I have my fingers crossed for you. My progesterone the last two months was <1 so I think if take anything at this point. Did you go private or nhs?

Thank you. The cramps are normal for me but not the sharp shock pain. Honestly I'd be absolutely stunned if it has worked but trying my best to stay positive. I know most people try a few rounds. My nurse has said we can definitely try progesterone supplementation next round too which can't hurt. I went private as it's secondary infertility and I was getting nowhere fast with my GP. I'm also nearing 38 with low AMH so just wanted to get the ball rolling x

Hey!

I think I'm also around 9/10dpo (I got my peak on cd14 and pretty sure I ovulated that day.). I have no idea if I ovulated and as @secondtimelucky87 says, my symptoms post ovulation are like clockwork! Around 8dpo I start getting fairly sharp cramps, bloating etc. all the same this month. I think AF is due Sunday.

Oh and just to add, the month I concieved DS1, I had really sharp cramps at 9dpoish, so I don't think symptoms change this early on whether pregnant or not x

@Fairy0708 @secondtimelucky87
Secondary for me as well, GP was originally not helpful but after a few scans and blood tests I got the referral. Now unsure whether to wait for the NHS in April or stick with my private appointment. I'm worried at the NHS appointment they will just fob me off or add me to another list. I'm 35 and have really irregular cycles. Are your cycles normal and regular?

I may have missed it but when is your private appointment? If you can afford it, it may be worth having just to see what they can offer or suggest! How long have you been TTC?

My cycles are about 28 days and regular. Though I will say that for about 6 months during a period of high stress I had shorter cycles so I think stress has played a part during some of my TTC journey!

How long have you been TTC?

@Fairy0708 private appointment in 2 weeks, NHS phonecall appointment end of April. I'm worried if I do anything private then I'll lose NHS funding, but not sure if that's the same with clomiphene or just iui/ivf.
Did it take a while for the nhs to get moving for you after you spoke to infertility?

@WildePanda I don't think the NHS will be aware if you have a private appointment so it's worth pursuing IMO!

So I first contacted the GP in October who sent me for a general blood test and my husband a sperm analysis, and referred me to the fertility clinic and I got my first appointment with the gynae in January, so it was quite quick! The gynae then booked me to have: hycosy/transvaginal scan, AMH test, progesterone test. He prescribed me clomid and said to come back in 6m. I was too apprehensive to take it and then I had to postpone my follow up appt so ended up going back a year later. I explained my concerns with clomid and he has now prescribed me letrozole and cyclogest. He also eluded to the fact it was strange I fell pregnant so quickly with my first and said that as I've had a c section it's worth checking for scaring and has referred me for a laproscopy to rule anything out like scaring.

Did you have any intervention/issues conceiving your first?

@WildePanda when I say October, I meant October 2023!

@WildePanda I do have normal and regular cycles yes. I would hope that with irregular cycles the NHS would hopefully take things seriously and not keep you waiting around. April isn't too much longer now so it sounds like it could be worth waiting for? Could save a lot of money! My monitored Letrozole cycle with only one scan is costing me £400 (I just wanted to get on with it which is why I went private).

@Fairy0708 wow October 2023 seems like such a long time ago. What were you concerns with clomiphene? And why did you choose Letrozole, if you don't mind me asking.
@secondtimelucky87 I will see what they suggest in the private consultation as budget will definitely be a big decider for us

If its not too personal, are you both getting positive opks/temp rises to confirm ovulation

Not too personal at all don't worry. 😊 Yeah I get a very rapid rise, temp confirming ovulation etc. It's been weird this cycle not being able to temp as I feel completely in the dark! It's just not reliable after trigger shot

@secondtimelucky87 I'm starting to think we just got really lucky with our son as I only got one positive ovulation test in that whole year. Also had lots of bleeding in the first trimester and he had restricted growth and was premature.
I got my hopes up, as we got pregnant first time trying for the second, unfortunately had a MMC. Then nothing since.

What made you choose Letrozole over clomiphene?

There main reason was just reading negative things about clomid. I'm not entirely sure how many cycles I will take letrozole for as I'm not convinced it will make any difference.

I don't always use opks but I have used them for maybe 9 cycles and always get a peak.

Have you had your progesterone checked?

@Fairy0708 just this month, it was <1 so indication I've not ovulated. Same for last month, but the two months before that I did ovulate.

You said Letrozole and cyclogest, what's the second one for?

Same as @Fairy0708 . I heard the side effects were horrendous on Clomid.

That's really interesting about the laparoscopy. I also had a c section and a HyCoSy which found no blockages or adhesions but I haven't had a laparoscopy. Did you say GP referred you for that?

Please may I jump on ✨

My story in short: I have x1 9yr partner has 2 9/15yrs

Both have been trying together for the last 6/9mths.

progesterone levels were 28 we have been referred to gynaecology in April.

what should I be expecting at this appt?

my period are 21-15cycles and regular.

we wouldn’t be eligible for IVF with both having children although separately.

would I be offered fertility medication?
what are the side effects with this?
I also heard an increase risk of twins?

we got pregnant over a yr ago but due to private reasons we decided to terminate which I truly regret.

✨

It was actually the gynae! I had my initial apt with them in Jan 2024 and then a second in Jan 2025. It was at the 2nd appt that for some reason he only mentioned the c section. Obviously I've no idea why I can't get pregnant but I haven't had anything picked up as part of any scans that indicates it could be that! He said it was my choice if I go for it and that it would prob be a 6m waiting list. I wouldn't hesitate but it's done under general anesthetic (that in itself doesn't bother me but I'm not sure how much I want to tamper with myself for a reason that many never happen if makes sense)

The cyclogest is a progesterone pessary - I didn't use it this cycle. Figured I would see how I reacted to just using the letrozole to start with! If not successful this cycle I may try the cyclogest too (suspect I'm not as I have usual cramps in the week leading up to AF).

I totally get how you feel. If it is any consolation the consultant who did my HyCoSy did say that adhesions from c sections are very rare and unlikely so hopefully neither of us have them. I guess you could always get on the waiting list and then see how you feel closer to the time. Like you I'm probably going to do the cyclogest if this round hasn't worked so that could be the thing that helps. How are you doing? I'm 10dpo and feeling completely normal so who knows.

CD1 for me. I'm so sick of it all honestly. I'll definitely be asking for the cyclogest next round. Here we go again. I hope you are all having better days xxx

Ah I'm so sorry! Is a 10 day luteal phase usual for you? If it helps, I think I'm due on Saturday/Sunday and I know AF is on its way!