Meds without monitoring??

eden386 · 07-03-2009, 12:31 AM

Have any of you guys taken femara (or other fertility meds) without being monitored with ultrasounds? I am so tempted!! I pay almost $500 a visit (which is crazy and my credit card has about had it). For the past 2 cycles, I have produced 1 or 2 follies. BOth times they were mature on day 15.

Is it too risky to just wing it on your own?? I have refills available on the meds.

I hope the it will be a moot point - i test on monday.

Jillian

AnotherDreamer · 07-03-2009, 01:16 AM

I was only monitored by u/s on one Clomid cycle out of seven, and that was only because I requested it. Other than that, my RE only required me to get a P4 if I Ov'ed per my BBT chart and/or OPKs.

AnotherDreamer · 07-03-2009, 01:24 AM

I should add, I would not take meds without my RE knowing. However, if you are concerned about cost you could always talk to your doctor about going one cycle with minimum monitoring.

I know many people will disagree with me on this, but I don't think that monitoring with u/s is really that necessary with pills like Clomid or Femara. They're relatively mild, and usually don't make too many follicles. Also, if it doesn't work, the monitoring isn't going to alter that outcome one bit, but it will put you out of money you could have been saving for other treatments. Just my honest opinion.

As long as you are keeping track of Ov, and make sure to confirm it with a P4, I don't see anything wrong with it. But I am not a medical doctor, and I am just referencing my RE and my own experience.

For me, monitoring on those seven cycles would have been a huge waste of money. And watching the follicles develop wouldn't have altered the outcome any as to whether I was going to Ov or not... The main reason we stuck with Clomid for so long was because it was cheap; as a self payer the cost of a treatment is always a huge consideration... we didn't want to turn a $37 cycle into a $737 cycle.

Best wishes. I hope it's a moot point as well.

wizrcam · 07-03-2009, 01:38 AM

I would have to agree with anotherdreamer that taking meds with at least discussing it with your RE is not a good idea.
I dont think you need all the monitoring unless thier is a underlying issue as to why you would need that done.

I think as long as you talk to your RE about the meds your going to take, and follow your temp as well as using o'kits to see when you do is going to be just as good.

Just my opinion... Good luck!!

Jade2008 · 07-03-2009, 01:40 AM

My OB doesnt do any monitoring (u/s, follie scan, E2 etc) apart from a P4 test if you feel YOU need it. So I did 4 cycles of clomid with her, she told me to buy a CBEFM and track ovulation. She already knew I didnt have high LH issues so OPKs work for me.. As if I also want to confirm, I should come in 7dpo. I did go in for the P4s a few cycles but used the monitor and FF to confirm ovulation

Getting a script shouldnt cost that much.. I also filled my clomid Rx at Walmart or Target for $9 per cycle so didnt cost me much

cleeszoooo · 07-03-2009, 01:46 AM

I've never even been to an RE. my ob doesn't monitor either... he gave me the rx and i've been using opk's

jenniek41908 · 07-03-2009, 05:31 PM

I think if you already know how your body responds each cycle minimal monitoring may be okay. before i went to the RE my GYN had me do 3 cycles of clomid. All were a bust, but he never did any monitoring. Since goingto the RE we have a much much better understanding of what's actually going on. It's really improved my bodys reponse to meds

Hope81 · 07-03-2009, 05:38 PM

My OB/gyn only asked for a progesterone test on CD21.

My RE only wants to see me once a month on CD28 (if i got AF) or CD35 (if no AF) for an ultrasound to make sure I dont develop cysts between cycles. I dont think the extra ultrasounds are necessary. If insurance is paying for it then fine, but i agree that it's a lot to pay out of pocket.

SnowFlower · 07-03-2009, 05:46 PM

I did all my clomid cycles unmonitored. The Dr just wanted me to come in for a P4. All my injectable cycles were obviously monitored but I am trying Femara this time and I got to choose if I just wanted a P4 or if I wanted a mid cycle u/s to see if it was doing anything. Good luck!