so many things to consider... (sorry...it's long)

abbiedarlin1 · 10-15-2009, 11:56 AM

I have done 5 rounds of clomid....I have ovulated 9 times in the last 12 months (both on my own, and with clomid assistance). DH sperm checked out excellently. I get EWCM and watery cm around ovulation. We do all the right things. I can't get pregnant. Why?! My LP is short, but my RE doesn't think it's short enough to cause issues. My P4 is always excellent (over 20 on 7dpo even when unmedicated). My insulin levels are sky high, but the RE said that would stop me oving, not stop me getting pg if I am oving. I am on met. My RE won't give me any more meds...just wants me to lose weight. I can't get any answers as to why I'm oving, but not getting pg. DH thinks we're not getting pg because we're not having sex enough...but we're having sex on the right days...he thinks to get pg you have to have sex every day all month long. My lining is also thick and apparently 'perfect for implantation' around ovulation when I get checked. Two cycles ago I even released 2 follies naturally (confirmed by ultrasound...and it's not the first time they're caught 2 having gone on natural cycles) with no meds...no pregnancy.
Anyway...I don't know what to do....all the bits are there, but I'm still not getting pregnant. Should I take a break, get me healthy, in shape and then start trying again? I'm considering temping to know where I am in my cycle, exercising, dieting, met and vitamins...continuing to have unprotected sex and see what happens. I'm kind of over stressing about 'am I pregnant this month, why not?' and going broke on tests. I've also just started a new job and am starting another degree in March 2010. Mind you, DH and I spoke about the job and he said he would want me to quit if I got pregnant (we don't really need the money and it's kind of a dangerous job for a pregnant person). I could handle school with a baby though. I'm just so stressed about ttc..it's been nearly 3 years....it's been 14 months medicated. Why is it not happening?!
Thanks for listening ladies.

Babytalk1980 · 10-15-2009, 12:57 PM

Abbie- I feel your frusterations! I was on Clomid as well, I ovulated every month and confirmed by CD21 progesterone tests, but I still wasn't getting pregnant.
I have had 2 miscarriages, that were the results of clomid (one really early, the other one recently and I didn't even know I was pregnant!).
Sometimes Clomid just doesn't do anything but make us ovulate, I know it doesn't make sense to me either since all it takes is an egg and sperm to meet to make a baby.

Have you had an HSG done?? Has your hubby has an S/A done?
How about a laproscopy?? If you haven't I would ask for one. Since you never know, just maybe there is more going on than what you think.

After taking Clomid for 5 cycles and not getting pregnant, I would think that its time for you to move onto something different.
You could add injections, or ask for Femara.
This is my 1st cycle taking Femara, and I must say I LOVE IT!! No side effects at all, and I actually had some CM which I NEVER had with Clomid.
As you may know, Clomid can cause hostile CM, which in turn kills off the sperm.

These are just some suggestions for you. But I would sit down and talk to your doctor, and DO NOT let him tell you that he won't give you meds because of your weight!! We all deserve to have a baby no matter how big or small we are!!

Best of luck to you!

geek1976 · 10-15-2009, 01:05 PM

Abbie, I understand your frustration, I am right there with you.

You have to try to remember that "non-pcos" women who ovulate regularly and dont have any issues and have sex during the right time only have a 20% chance of conceiving every cycle. Some get lucky and get pregnant right away, but others it takes them 6-12 months naturally. And that's the women with no issues!

We (pcos'ers) have the same chances every cycle once we get medicated (or while O'ing on our own). You do everything right, take your meds and have intercourse during the right time and you still ONLY have a 20% chance, it sucks.

With clomid though there is a chance of having hostile mucus so maybe the little guys arent making it to the cervix? You may want to consider having a post-coital test to see if there are any issues on that end.

Did you already have an HSG to make sure there's no blockage?

Did DH have an SA to make sure there are no issues on that end?

Amberkins · 10-15-2009, 01:09 PM

Abbie,
Have you guys tried using preseed? I heard it can sometimes help against hostile CM. I see lots of ladies on this board that end up with their BFP after using it.

Eumie · 10-15-2009, 01:11 PM

I agree with the PP to a point.

Let me play devil's advocate--

What IF you lost 40 lbs and that was the solution to your fertility issues? What IF you lost weight, ate healthy and had a surprise pregnancy that didn't cost you or your insurance anything in medications?

I'm 32 years old, and I'm working on losing 50 lbs (28 left to go) because A) I think it might improve my chances of conceiving, and B) because I'd like to try to ward of gestational diabetes and other pregnancy issues related to being overweight. I may find that I have to pay for clomid and injectables, and I may find myself debating whether or not I want to pay for IVF someday, but if I can avoid it by losing weight, which virtually costs me no money--why would I not?

I don't mean to play the young'un card, but you ARE only 21. You have time. Why not wait six months, lose a few pounds, and see if that helps? During that time, save up money for fertility treatments?

I really think that if you were even six years older, the doctor would not be so opposed to more meds for you.

That being said, if you look at my post and feel defensive, or think "but I don't WANNA wait!" then I suggest you go to a different doctor. Otherwise you're going to spend your time and your money trying to change his mind. And that's not worth it for any of us, except maybe the doctor's wallet. Because the poster is right--if that's the way you want to go about it, then that's your decision, not the doctor's.

trying4pregnancy · 10-15-2009, 01:16 PM

I hear you
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I can understansd what you must be going through. Try othet options, IUI, Ovarian drilling, IVF. All the Best!

Jennifer1 · 10-15-2009, 01:31 PM

I agree with the PPs also. If you feel that you do not want to wait, find another RE that will be more aggressive. Try injectables and IUI.

Good luck! I know its frustrating. I am going through the same thing...i wish you lots and lots of baby dust

geek1976 · 10-15-2009, 01:53 PM

Eumie, I agree with you. I dont think any of us told her that its not necessary to lose weight though. Infact, that may help her ovulate on her own. But regardless of medication or losing weight you still only have a 20% chance of conceiving every month.

Losing weight also wont help with a blockage in her tubes or with hostile CM or sperm antibodies. While its great if she loses weight to prevent any possible complications later on it may not solve the issues she is having conceiving.

Eumie · 10-15-2009, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by geek1976
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Eumie, I agree with you. I dont think any of us told her that its not necessary to lose weight though. Infact, that may help her ovulate on her own. But regardless of medication or losing weight you still only have a 20% chance of conceiving every month.

Losing weight also wont help with a blockage in her tubes or with hostile CM or sperm antibodies. While its great if she loses weight to prevent any possible complications later on it may not solve the issues she is having conceiving.

Oh, I know that! I didn't mean to imply that anyone wasn't considering that, and apologize if anyone took offense. I just wanted to throw out the possibility that she might try that first due to the cost of all these treatments and tests, especially considering her youth. But when it comes down to it, if any of us wants it to happen NOW instead of waiting, or if we just want to have a clear look at what our chances are, that's any of our prerogatives.

Eumie · 10-15-2009, 02:52 PM

(And btw--when I began writing my post, I had only seen the OP and babytalk's post). Just FYI

Jodi5206 · 10-15-2009, 03:08 PM

It doesn't HAVE to be a one or the other situation. I am trying to lose weight by eating healthier and excersizing. I am also actively trying to get pregnant. I suggest you try to get healthier regardless. Whether you take some time off from TTC, or start working on both. You really should be monitoring your BBT so that you can time your BDing and make the most of those swimmers!!!

Good luck!
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meggowiggle · 10-15-2009, 03:34 PM

Echoing PPs,

Maybe you have blocked tubes? Have you had an HSG or laparoscopy?

Even though you have EWCM, maybe the pH is off and so DH guys can't swim through. You could get that checked out during a post-coital exam, or try out Preseed and see if that helps.

Losing weight may help you not have to take the meds to ovulate, but it won't help blocked tubes or hostile CM. You might want to get those two things checked out.
GL!

Anonykat · 10-15-2009, 03:51 PM

Maybe you need an IUI.

We have had dozens of attempts when I was O'ing and we bd'd, and never anything. But I got pregnant on both of our IUI attempts. I'm convinced I have wonky cervical pH or something - some women do.

abbiedarlin1 · 10-15-2009, 08:10 PM

Thanks for the support ladies. I'm going to ask my RE about everything you suggested. DH had an SA and the RE said results were excellent. count 129mil, motility 70-somthing percent, morphology 22% (but on the strict scale). I haven't had a lap or hsg. I will ask about that. While I know I'm overweight, I do ovulate by myself and I think that's all weight loss helps. I ovulate very late though. In the cd50's range on a natural cycle but always around that time. And I wasn't thinking of quitting just to lose weight, I was thinking of quitting because it's all too stressful. I'm going to flat out ask my RE why I'm not getting PG at my next appointment and see what she offers up. Thanks again ladies.
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lisafon09 · 10-16-2009, 03:54 PM

When I read your post ( and Iam sorry for all that you've been through) The first question she asked was the first I was going to ask "Have you had an HSG done" (Hysterosalpingogram). If you have not, its possible you have a blockage or something else that could be taken care of with minor surgery. I suggest your next move should be to get this done. If you DHs s/a was good and you said it was, you are O'ing, then something is going on in there. HTH. and stay positive (hugs) only after having the HSG will you know what the next steps should be.
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