Infertility treatments: what to expect?

Kate CP - posted on 05/26/2011

I've actually already conceived and given birth to my son thanks to Clomid.



THIS IS WHY PEOPLE SHOULD CHECK THE DATE ON POSTS.



Edited to add: Congrats, Danielle!

Andrea - posted on 03/12/2010

I went through it as well although I was ovulating every month it was WHEN I ovulated that was the problem. Clomid gave me some mood swings and some slight headaches. My problem was luteal phase defect. The hsg test is uncomfortable but it does give insight into wether your problem is physical or hormonal. I now have my little girl thanks to clomid. :) good luck darlin and lots of baby dust to you.

Karen - posted on 03/11/2010

hi kate! i have been through this (it took my husband and i almost 5 years to conceive our son) i was on chlomid for 6 months - i had bad hot flashes on that but it was nothing major. i was also ovulating so don't not try it because of that (all it does is send out two eggs instead of one to increase your chances) . i had the HSG test done as well - it took about five minutes and it didn't hurt at all (just take some tylenol before you go as you may have some slight cramping afterwards). i also did a round of COH - IUI (controlled ovarian hyperstimulation with Inter Uterine Insemination - now that was not so much fun....i had to give myself a needle everynight for two weeks, go into the clinic everyday of the two weeks for blood tests and every second day i had to go in for an internal ultrasound to check and make sure the follicles were growing big enough....that as well didn't work for us so we had finally decided to give IVF a shot, but two days before our appt to set it up i found out i was pregnant. i was researching ways to naturally boost the chances of IVF working and i found that caffeine can have an effect on sperm motility (my husband was a huge coffee drinker) so we both went caffeine free and three months later i was pregnant. i also found that there are accupuncture clinics that specialize in infertility and my specialist told me that using accupuncture along with treatments will greatly increase the chances of your treatments working - might be something you'd like to look into. good luck, and feel free to message me if you'd like to know more about any of the treatments i went through

Dana - posted on 03/10/2010

Ugh, can't help you with answers Kate...but, I know where you're coming from. Every month that goes by just sucks. I think you're on the right track though. At least they're doing something for you, my OBGYN said I should just keep trying for a bit. :( I 'm giving myself a limit and then I'm going back and getting something done.

Cathy - posted on 03/10/2010

Before going ahead doing any fertility treatment, you should try to figure out why you aren't getting pregnant on your own. Fertility specialists will usually do bloodwork to check your hormone levels to ensure you are able to produce an egg, an HSG to ensure your tubes are clear, and to do a semen analysis to ensure there are actually sperm.

An HSG isn't so bad as long as your tubes are clear. It is crampy during the procedure but it is over so quick. If there was anything blocking the tubes (like scar tissue) it does hurt a little more while they try to use force to clear the blockage.

If there was a low sperm count, then they may recommend treatment more along the lines of IVF.

But if all is well, the first step with fertility treatments is usually to try Clomid. Even if you're ovulating on your own (which it does sound like you are), Clomid will help to boost the ovulation. It was also recommended to me to do IUI while using Clomid as to increase your chances. Clomid is fairly cheap (especially compared to other fertility meds) and a pill you take once a day for five days. It doesn't seem to bother women too much with respect to side effects (moodiness being a big one). Most clinics, but not all, like to check you with an ultrasound and bloodwork as you get closer to ovulation.

This is just a beginning and there is quite a bit more information out there. Unfortunately, this seems to be all too common nowadays and I can say from experience that it is very difficult to go through but the end result makes it all worth it.

Abbie - posted on 03/10/2010

Kate, I am in a similar boat except we just started Clomid, actually we are using Femara which is marketed as a anti cancer drug but has been found that works for women that don't respond to clomid. With that being said.... I have had every test under the sun........ I have had the dye test, which really was easy for me. I had 1 little pain, like a sharp gas pain. All things were open. I have had all the blood work done - again all things are fine. My doctor told me that if you get a period you are more then likely ovulating........just the question is when ( for me at least) So with the clomid its forced that way they know when you ovulate. We are also doing a shot to ensure I ovulate. So then they can tell you when to have sex. That has its downfalls as it makes you cramp the day after. the clomid makes me tired. Also my doctor checks my ovaries a week before i am to ovulate to make sure there is a folicle or 2 ready and to make sure the lining of my uterus is right/ ready.

Im sure you have heard the "stop trying" which i will not tell you. It is heart breaking and depressing. I cried myself to sleep last night thinking about the whole baby thing. It does start to consume you. I don't have any great words of advice to make you feel better other then......lets go have a beer together :)

clomid has its perks it works for 85% of women. Its much much cheaper then the IVF or IUF. Good luck my dear!

Erin - posted on 03/10/2010

I got pregnant on Clomid after 6 months, after trying for 2 years. But I also have irregular periods so if you have regular ones I don't think that will help like you said. Well whatever happens good luck to you.

Katherine - posted on 03/10/2010

Aww Kate (((kisses and hugs)))

Kate CP - posted on 03/10/2010

Well the doctor didn't say he wanted to do the test. Just said "Come back in May and if you're not pregnant we'll start you on Clomid." Then I told him that I *AM* ovulating and he said "Oh, okay. Well, we'll see what happens."

I was trying not to focus on it too much but I just found out today ANOTHER one of my friends is pregnant after years of trying the good ol' fashioned way. I'm just getting depressed and frustrated, I guess. :(

Andrea - posted on 03/10/2010

I should add that the HSG test isn't that bad. The actual test doesn't really hurt and doesn't take long. If anything the pain is like having menstrual cramps.

Katherine - posted on 03/10/2010

My SIL was on Clomid for both of her kids. Musta worked!!!

Andrea - posted on 03/10/2010

I have been through infertility treatments. I have never been on Clomid so I can't help you there. I have been through all of the testing including the HSG and I underwent 2 IVF treatments. Let me know if I can help further.