Anyone else not pursuing ART?

[Anonymous]

No IUIs, no IVF, just the old fashioned way with meds, at most? How has it gone so far? I’d love to commiserate. This is incredibly hard.

[Anonymous]

You mention meds. Are you using clomid, OP? If so, I HIGHLY recommend that you make sure you are closely monitored.
I did pursue ART, starting with clomid/IUI (our only issue was my non-IR PCOS). My very first cycle of low-dose clomid, I ended up with 7 mature follicles. Fortunately, we learned that via close monitoring (transvaginal ultrasound) and cancelled the IUI.
Unmonitored clomid is a risk for higher-order multiples. I know a woman who got triplets that way, and Kate Gosselin comes to mind, too (although I think she was monitored and warned of the risk ahead of time). Just something to keep in mind, since you mention meds.

[Anonymous]

Clomid without monitoring is how people end up with their own TLC shows.

[Anonymous]

OP here—I did two rounds of 50mg clomid, unmonitored, once upon a time, even though I ovulate every cyclr. That produced nothing but hurty ovaries and extreme mood disturbances, lol. For that reason, I have declined further ovulation stimulants. Just taking progesterone supps at the moment. Labs are all normal on both sides. I’ve never had a positive HPT, ever.

My doctor is on the “throw spaghetti at the wall and see what sticks” method of discovery, but honestly, it’s emotionally exhausting to have this cycle of hope then discouragement when it doesn’t work. And the constant drip of finances here and there is annoying. Thanks for hearing me vent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Clomid without monitoring is how people end up with their own TLC shows.

Not true. Clomid has only a 1% chance of triplets and I think 10% chance of twins. Are you thinking of IUI with too many follicles? That's how the quints happened on TLC.

[Anonymous]

I did IVF due to overstim with IUi (no septuplets for me). I have two lovely daughters 4 years apart—one cycle + FET

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here—I did two rounds of 50mg clomid, unmonitored, once upon a time, even though I ovulate every cyclr. That produced nothing but hurty ovaries and extreme mood disturbances, lol. For that reason, I have declined further ovulation stimulants. Just taking progesterone supps at the moment. Labs are all normal on both sides. I’ve never had a positive HPT, ever.

My doctor is on the “throw spaghetti at the wall and see what sticks” method of discovery, but honestly, it’s emotionally exhausting to have this cycle of hope then discouragement when it doesn’t work. And the constant drip of finances here and there is annoying. Thanks for hearing me vent.

I’m sorry OP. That really sucks. I hope you get a miracle baby and soon.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Clomid without monitoring is how people end up with their own TLC shows.

Not true. Clomid has only a 1% chance of triplets and I think 10% chance of twins. Are you thinking of IUI with too many follicles? That's how the quints happened on TLC.

IUI is very often combined with clomid...a good Dr would not proceed with an IUI if you had too many follicles

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Clomid without monitoring is how people end up with their own TLC shows.

Not true. Clomid has only a 1% chance of triplets and I think 10% chance of twins. Are you thinking of IUI with too many follicles? That's how the quints happened on TLC.

I’m the poster from 16:38. I had too many follicles…due to clomid. That’s how it works in some people, and you don’t know unless you are monitored. Doesn’t matter whether you are pursuing IUI or TI.
Letrozole was a better option, but it also should involve monitoring.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here—I did two rounds of 50mg clomid, unmonitored, once upon a time, even though I ovulate every cyclr. That produced nothing but hurty ovaries and extreme mood disturbances, lol. For that reason, I have declined further ovulation stimulants. Just taking progesterone supps at the moment. Labs are all normal on both sides. I’ve never had a positive HPT, ever.

My doctor is on the “throw spaghetti at the wall and see what sticks” method of discovery, but honestly, it’s emotionally exhausting to have this cycle of hope then discouragement when it doesn’t work. And the constant drip of finances here and there is annoying. Thanks for hearing me vent.

You might consider trying letrozole. I’m the PP who over-responded to clomid. I had a more normal response to letrozole, and none of the nasty clomid side effects.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here—I did two rounds of 50mg clomid, unmonitored, once upon a time, even though I ovulate every cyclr. That produced nothing but hurty ovaries and extreme mood disturbances, lol. For that reason, I have declined further ovulation stimulants. Just taking progesterone supps at the moment. Labs are all normal on both sides. I’ve never had a positive HPT, ever.

My doctor is on the “throw spaghetti at the wall and see what sticks” method of discovery, but honestly, it’s emotionally exhausting to have this cycle of hope then discouragement when it doesn’t work. And the constant drip of finances here and there is annoying. Thanks for hearing me vent.

If you have a history of miscarriages or chemical pregnancies, I could see trying progesterone supps, but if you've never been pregnant chances are low progesterone is not the reason. Infertility, whether you pursue ART or not, is emotionally draining. If you can afford treatment financially, I'd recommend pursuing methods that have a higher chance of increasing your odds.