You generally need to show up for monitoring 7 days after you start Clomid--so if you start on day 5, you'd go in on day 12, likely trigger on day 12 and IUI on day 14. If you start stimulating your follicles on day 3, you'll likely be ready to trigger earlier than if you started on day 5, so I wouldn't worry about missing the window if you start your Clomid on day 5, as long as you show up for monitoring on day 12.

I have read that taking Clomid starting on day 3 gives you more follicles of not-as-high quality, day 5 is fewer follicles but higher quality. I really don't know if there is any scientific basis in that; the real answer is probably "physician preference."

the harm is that i already plan to show up on day 10 rather than day 12. this is because last time i had IUI on day 12 and i am afraid it will be too late. so i don't want to show up early and question the protocol (and i questioned some diagnostic stuff also). i know i have the right to ask, but they also have the right to find me obnoxious and i don't want them to resent me.

I always took it days 5-9 or 4-8. It probably doesn't matter too much (probably has more to do with the timing of your monitoring and trigger).

But, what's the harm in asking the nurse?

screw that, ask!

Tell them about your previous protocol, as i think it warrants the questions! I am sure RE's gets lots of women asking lots of questions. It's their right!

I don't want to be classified as a 'difficult patient'. I already questioned some decisions.

Why not ask your doctor or nurse for the reasoing?

I was prescribed 50 mg Clomid for 5 days starting day 5. However, for my first child (conceived on my first round of Clomid) I was prescribed to take it on days 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. Does anyone have an idea of what is the reason for a difference? Today is day 3 and I have a Clomid with me and I am tempted to take it, because this is how I did last time and it worked extremely well.