When I took Clomid only, my only monitoring (with my OB) was a single blood test between CD21-23. I don't know if that counts as monitoring, but would sure be a lot cheaper than the half dozen or so U/S + B/W you'd be getting for a fully monitored cycle if you were taking injectables.

It turned out to be important that I did those blood tests because they showed I wasn't ovulating with Clomid alone. Three Clomid-only cycles with my OB and I went to an RE to start other tests + IUI.

So I would highly suggest some sort of monitoring if you've had trouble ovulating in the past.

Good luck!

Op here. I understand the benefits of monitoring. I am entirely oop and so besides the 8 % chance of multiples I really don't see the harm.

Anonymous wrote:Op here. Thanks for everyone's advice. The re recommended I try clomid. I have a choice of monitoring or trying an unmonitored cycle. I'm not sure what I am going to do. He did not mention femara but I am familiar with it. Pp what RE did you go to?

Definitely do a monitored cycle. It is possible to take Clomid or Femara and not respond/ovulate.

Out of state actually so unfortunately can't recommend her! But I live here now. Clomid works for lots of people though. But maybe just ask your RE about femara and see what he/she says?

Op here. Thanks for everyone's advice. The re recommended I try clomid. I have a choice of monitoring or trying an unmonitored cycle. I'm not sure what I am going to do. He did not mention femara but I am familiar with it. Pp what RE did you go to?

It really sounds like you are not ovulating and therefore OPKs are somewhat useless. You likely need something to make you ovulate either higher dose of metformin or clomid or letrozole. I used letrozole (brand name femara) with a similar history as yours and it worked the second month. This drug is becoming the new standard for PCOS related infertility. Less side effects and smaller chances of twins. Ask your RE! If they aren't supportive of trying it consider a new RE who is more with the times

Op here. You are not alone!! I feel the same as you. Opks are my enemy and I feel like a failure every month when I get negative tests. And I just found out a few minutes ago that a good friend of mine is pregnant with #3 while
I'm prepping for my first appt at shady grove tomorrow. Hang in there!! This is a frustrating rollar coaster

Anonymous wrote:Pp thanks for the advice. I haven't tried either but maybe I should. Opks definitely don't work for me. I get random
Positives throughout a long cycle.

not OP or PP, but It is sort of reassuring to read this. I thought maybe I was just a moron and couldn't read the OPK right. But I get random "positives." I decided this month I'm done with OPKs. It was making me sort of insane.

I'm almost tempted to give up TTC for a while because I feel like the process of predicting ovulation is making me crazy. I'd like to have a child, but I'm tired of feeling like a failure every month.

Pp thanks for the advice. I haven't tried either but maybe I should. Opks definitely don't work for me. I get random
Positives throughout a long cycle.

Have you heard of pregnitude? It's supposed to be good for women with PCOS. Also I have an ovacue that measures the chloride surge you get before ovulation. It gives 5-7 days notice and is supposed to be good for women who are irregular. I liked the ovacue also because if I had to get up to pee at night it didn't impact my readings like temping does. That's probably not a big deal for most people though.

Get the wondfo OPK's and also a box of the smiley face ones. When you think you have a positive wondfo, do a smiley face OPK with the same urine sample. The wondfo's can be hard to tell exactly when it is positive.

Pp thanks for the encouraging words! Hopefully the appt on thurs will relieve some of my anxiety and help me start to figure out the next steps