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

Thanks so much. It varies but no it's not the norm. It's usually more like 12. I certainly wasn't expecting it to be shorter. Although I guess there's no confirming for certain when I actually ovulated after I triggered as it was within 36 hours. I'm hoping the progesterone will help but other tips welcome if you know of any. I don't think I could be taking any more supplements if I tried. I'm on Proceive Max, high strength omega 3 dha, Coq10 600mg, extra iron as I don't eat meat and extra vit d. Hope you are doing ok? Xx

I'm afraid I don't have much helpful advice! I only take folic and vit D and not every day. The only time I've had shorter cycles is through stress!

I am sort of coming round to the idea of being a family of 3. I desperately want a second and I have a moment most days where I let it get me down but I'm also seeing more of a routine in our lives, better sleep etc.

A relative just found out at 14 weeks their baby had no heart beat. It would have been her fourth baby in 5 years (she gets pregnant as soon as the you gest turns 1). My first reaction to hearing this news was how the hell does she get pregnant so easily. That isn't a normal reaction at all I'm also so fed up of it. I think I will get letrozole another 2/3 goes and then I really think I will just give in. If it's meant to be it will and all that!

@secondtimelucky87 awh I'm sorry to hear it's cd1 for you, I always allow myself to wallow on cd2 and then try and pick myself up after that, but I know it's so hard.

@Fairy0708 I've had similar feelings so don't think you are alone in having a reaction that shocks you. I listened to a podcast (worst girl gang - it's for miscarriage, but actually a lot of it applies for struggling with infertility as well) that said those type of reactions are routed from our subconscious flight or fight response as a way to protect ourselves and are completely normal even if they feel out of character. You aren't a bad person even if your knee jerk reaction feels bad. Feel your feelings girl 🫂
Hell, I got jealous of mummy pig this week 😂 and she's a cartoon 😂😂😂

@SCK2024 Hello, I've not had my appointment yet (booked for end of April) but from what I've seen it's different for each person dependant on situation, but they may arrange tests or suggests treatments, if you fit certain criteria you can apply for nhs funding, or they might suggest private care

@WildePanda thanks for this! I try so hard to focus on the blessed life I have. My son has congenital heart disease, had open heart surgery at 4 months and a few other things going on. He's absolutely thriving now and I get so annoyed with myself I can't just take life for what if is! And omg same with mummy pig 😂 I said to my parents (who know of our struggles) even bloody mummy pig is pregnant!

@Fairy0708 honestly I know this exact feeling! My son had IURG and so had a c section nearly 4 weeks early, he spent the first week in NICU and I remember thinking everything will be okay if we can just get through the next 24 hours. Like your little boy, ours is absolutely thriving now and such a joy. I spoke to a talking therapist after my miscarriage and she said "you are allowed to feel sad about the things you really want but don't have while also being truly grateful for the lovely things you do have, it isn't one or the other, you can feel both at the same time" and that really stuck with me.
We are doing everything we can to give our little survivors a little bestie 🥰

Until then mummy pig can f off 😂

How is everyone doing? I've got my only monitoring scan of the cycle tomorrow cd 12 but my ovulation tests are stark negative - not even getting any darker - and zero CM. This isn't my norm and I'm wondering if I'll have any good follicles tomorrow. It's too late to cancel though. Have any of you been in this position? I don't know if there's any correlation between the two. Last cycle I triggered on cd 12 and my tests were at least darkening by that point. I don't know if they'll just tell me to delay triggering until I have a positive test. I also had odd spotting when I wiped for a few days until I took my last Letrozole tablet which isn't normal for me either so I'm very confused!

@secondtimelucky87 not on the meds so not sure if this is helpful but wanted to share what happens for me incase it could be similar for you.
On the months I don't ovulate I still grow a mature follicle (last month was 21mm so ideal) but just don't ovulate. On those months I have no cm and my lh strips are super pale and don't increase, same with my temp. Maybe your follicles are still growing and mature but with the meds you might need a trigger to get the egg out there, if that makes sense. Might be worth asking if your follicles look good.
Best of luck tomorrow, let us know how it goes

I really appreciate this thank you. Looking back at my tests on premom from previous cycles I have had a few other months I was stark negative even at cd12 then blazing positive on day 14 so I think I'm just one of those rapid surge people. Honestly I'm such a stress head and need to stop worrying as it doesn't help. Fingers crossed as you say the trigger shots will help. I'm just hoping for good follicles and lining tomorrow. It's all so tiring! How's everything with you?

I can totally understand how you feel. It's so all-consuming and I'm fed up of it being on my mind every single day. Really sorry to hear about your relative too.

I'm so grateful for my daughter and she absolutely is enough if we do remain a family of 3. I just still have this desperate yearning I can't shake. Will see what this cycle brings if anything and go from there. How is everything with you?

Literally feel the same! It's like if feels like something is missing but yet at the same time I just want to live life!

I think I'm on approx CD9. I did take the letrozole again and will try the cyclogest this time which I didn't last month. Last month the letrozole have me quite bad headaches, this month I just had a bit of tiredness and low mood! But in all honestly I feel like I'm getting to the indifference stage! There's been months where I've said in my head I cant be bothered with it but haven't really felt like it deep down, and wanted to really 'try' but this month I really do feel like meh. I've stated thinking about holidays for next summer etc.

How are you doing?

@secondtimelucky87 sorry I missed your question about the opks. I only use the clear blue digital ones. My typical pattern is getting the flashing smiley for a few days from CD11 and then static around CD13/14. Though I usually get the static in the evening. However I have definitely had a cycle where I go from blank smileys straight to static, maybe every 5-6 months or so, so I think rapid surges can be a thing!

Hope you're doing ok? I started my Cyclogest today and was told I have to test after 12 days on it. If negative I stop the pessaries and will get period. If positive I get to continue that joy for 12 weeks. 😂

My lining was super thick this month but slightly fewer follicles. Was just advised to wait a couple of days before trigger shots to give them a chance to grow. All I can do is wait now! I've also started beetroot juice this cycle which surprisingly isn't as bad as expected.

Any news from you?

@Fairy0708 @secondtimelucky87 Hello ladies, didn't want to just disappear but following a meeting with our consultant today and some updates test results out only option going forward will be IVF. Didn't want to just disappear but will leave this thread.
Truly wish the best for you all and hope you get your second little soon ❤️