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Diana1215
Living on a prayer!!!
Member since 10/05 29450 total posts
Name:
Diana
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VERY naive TTC ? -- What does Clomid do??
I have read all about it on this board - and the IF board - I just have no clue what it does.
Can someone explain please?! I assumed it was one of the drugs you took when doing an IUI or IVF -- but now I'm not so sure!
Thanks so much! 
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Posted 12/22/08 2:39 PM  |
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Long Island Weddings
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Re: VERY naive TTC ? -- What does Clomid do??
The way my doc explained it to me, it kicks your ovaries into overdrive to produce more eggs 
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| Posted 12/22/08 2:40 PM |
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Diana1215
Living on a prayer!!!
Member since 10/05 29450 total posts
Name:
Diana
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Re: VERY naive TTC ? -- What does Clomid do??
Posted by scarletbegonia
The way my doc explained it to me, it kicks your ovaries into overdrive to produce more eggs
 Love the explanation - so - you can BD regularly - and take Clomid? This doesn't need to go hand in hand with IUI or IVF?
Maybe my ovaries need a jump start - I will def. bring this up to my Dr. at my appointment next month!
Also - can your regular OBGYN prescribe this or do you have to go to a specialist?
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| Posted 12/22/08 2:46 PM |
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pinkandblue
Our family is complete, maybe
Member since 9/05 32436 total posts
Name:
Stephanie
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Re: VERY naive TTC ? -- What does Clomid do??
it forces ovulation so if you have a short LP or an anovulary (non-ovulating) cycle, it can help
when I took it, I had only one mature egg but it can produce more than one
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| Posted 12/22/08 2:47 PM |
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pinkandblue
Our family is complete, maybe
Member since 9/05 32436 total posts
Name:
Stephanie
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Re: VERY naive TTC ? -- What does Clomid do??
Posted by Diana1215
Posted by scarletbegonia
The way my doc explained it to me, it kicks your ovaries into overdrive to produce more eggs
Love the explanation - so - you can BD regularly - and take Clomid? This doesn't need to go hand in hand with IUI or IVF?
Maybe my ovaries need a jump start - I will def. bring this up to my Dr. at my appointment next month!
Also - can your regular OBGYN prescribe this or do you have to go to a specialist?
I took clomid and did timed BD'ing....I will let you know in 10 days if it worked
eta - my regular OB prescribed them
Message edited 12/22/2008 2:48:00 PM.
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| Posted 12/22/08 2:47 PM |
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Diana1215
Living on a prayer!!!
Member since 10/05 29450 total posts
Name:
Diana
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Re: VERY naive TTC ? -- What does Clomid do??
Posted by Mikismom
Posted by Diana1215
Posted by scarletbegonia
The way my doc explained it to me, it kicks your ovaries into overdrive to produce more eggs
Love the explanation - so - you can BD regularly - and take Clomid? This doesn't need to go hand in hand with IUI or IVF?
Maybe my ovaries need a jump start - I will def. bring this up to my Dr. at my appointment next month!
Also - can your regular OBGYN prescribe this or do you have to go to a specialist?
I took clomid and did timed BD'ing....I will let you know in 10 days if it worked
eta - my regular OB prescribed them
I'm really really really praying that it worked for you! Miki will be the best big sister!!!!
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| Posted 12/22/08 2:50 PM |
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pinkandblue
Our family is complete, maybe
Member since 9/05 32436 total posts
Name:
Stephanie
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Re: VERY naive TTC ? -- What does Clomid do??
Posted by Diana1215
Posted by Mikismom
Posted by Diana1215
Posted by scarletbegonia
The way my doc explained it to me, it kicks your ovaries into overdrive to produce more eggs
Love the explanation - so - you can BD regularly - and take Clomid? This doesn't need to go hand in hand with IUI or IVF?
Maybe my ovaries need a jump start - I will def. bring this up to my Dr. at my appointment next month!
Also - can your regular OBGYN prescribe this or do you have to go to a specialist?
I took clomid and did timed BD'ing....I will let you know in 10 days if it worked
eta - my regular OB prescribed them
I'm really really really praying that it worked for you! Miki will be the best big sister!!!!
you're sweet, thanks
I hope the same for you  
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| Posted 12/22/08 2:53 PM |
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Re: VERY naive TTC ? -- What does Clomid do??
My regular OB prescribed it for me. I will start taking it in January, if nothing happens this month.
The only thing that might stop me is that DH travels so much, we won't be able to time the BD's. 
It's defiitely worth talking to your doctor about.
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| Posted 12/22/08 3:11 PM |
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CoutureMaMa
nicholas is one!!
Member since 9/07 6081 total posts
Name:
Michelle
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Re: VERY naive TTC ? -- What does Clomid do??
what do u mean time the bd's? 
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| Posted 12/22/08 4:40 PM |
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ttc
LIF Infant
Member since 4/08 244 total posts
Name:
jane
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Re: VERY naive TTC ? -- What does Clomid do??
Posted by Diana1215
you can BD regularly - and take Clomid? This doesn't need to go hand in hand with IUI or IVF?
Also - can your regular OBGYN prescribe this or do you have to go to a specialist?
Some OBs will prescribe it, but IMO (and i'm sure many others will agree), this is really not something they should be doing unless they're also monitoring you closely. When i took clomid, i went everday/every other day for monitoring to track the growth of the follicles and to make sure i wasn't hyperstimulating (making too many follicles, which can be extremely dangerous, not even including the risk of high order multiples). Most OBs do NOT do daily monitoring and that's doing you a disservice.
Also, you can take Clomid without doing an IUI, but that's also not doing much for your chances either. Clomid makes your cervical mucous extremely hostile, which means that the sperm is fighting an uphill battle. Originally i was going to try it without the IUI, and i'm glad that the ladies on the IF board pushed me in the other direction. With Clomid, there's a limit to how long you can take it (6 months, i believe)... why waste any of those months in a way that doesn't increase your chances in the best way possible? Some consider Clomid to be like the fertility miracle drug and it can be, but i would be cautious of a DR that prescribes it too liberally and doesn't monitor you properly.
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| Posted 12/23/08 8:31 AM |
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maybeamommy
Blessed beyond belief
Member since 10/07 17048 total posts
Name:
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Re: VERY naive TTC ? -- What does Clomid do??
Posted by ttc
Posted by Diana1215
you can BD regularly - and take Clomid? This doesn't need to go hand in hand with IUI or IVF?
Also - can your regular OBGYN prescribe this or do you have to go to a specialist?
Some OBs will prescribe it, but IMO (and i'm sure many others will agree), this is really not something they should be doing unless they're also monitoring you closely. When i took clomid, i went everday/every other day for monitoring to track the growth of the follicles and to make sure i wasn't hyperstimulating (making too many follicles, which can be extremely dangerous, not even including the risk of high order multiples). Most OBs do NOT do daily monitoring and that's doing you a disservice.
Also, you can take Clomid without doing an IUI, but that's also not doing much for your chances either. Clomid makes your cervical mucous extremely hostile, which means that the sperm is fighting an uphill battle. Originally i was going to try it without the IUI, and i'm glad that the ladies on the IF board pushed me in the other direction. With Clomid, there's a limit to how long you can take it (6 months, i believe)... why waste any of those months in a way that doesn't increase your chances in the best way possible? Some consider Clomid to be like the fertility miracle drug and it can be, but i would be cautious of a DR that prescribes it too liberally and doesn't monitor you properly.
I'm going to agree with ttc on most points here.
You definitely need monitoring while on Clomid. As a basic rule of thumb (although it can vary greatly) my RE has monitoring 2-3 times/week for people on Clomid and 3-4 times/week for people on injectables.
I would be okay with an ob/gyn prescribing it as long as it was for the right reasons and with proper monitoring - but I would definitely think it's more of an RE's place to do so. It's a serious drug and has limitations on how long it can be taken because it thins out your uterine lining - which of course is not good with extended use.
You can definitely do it without IUI - you might want to get PreSeed also since it does often "dry you up" I've heard.
My RE basically has the classic steps as:
Clomid, Clomid +IUI, injectables +IUI, then IVF. If given the choice, I'd probably skip just Clomid. You can always have a post-coital done and make sure it's not a CM issue, in which case you can probably just do an unmedicated IUI which would bypass the CM. And girl, you know you can always FM me with any Qs!
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| Posted 12/23/08 8:42 AM |
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Diana1215
Living on a prayer!!!
Member since 10/05 29450 total posts
Name:
Diana
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Re: VERY naive TTC ? -- What does Clomid do??
Thanks everyone for the detailed responses and helping me understand. I think we still have some time before going down the Clomid route but I was just curious for my own reasons - and I don't think I could ever be too educated on the TTC Topic! If there comes a time in a few months when I need to move on to Clomid then at least I'll understand it better!
Thanks again!
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| Posted 12/23/08 9:11 AM |
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Ang-Rich
Beyond Compare
Member since 5/05 17988 total posts
Name:
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Re: VERY naive TTC ? -- What does Clomid do??
Thanks for posting this Diana...and thanks to everyone who responded because I am so clueless about this.
Posts like these are a huge help.
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| Posted 12/23/08 9:40 AM |
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ttc
LIF Infant
Member since 4/08 244 total posts
Name:
jane
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Re: VERY naive TTC ? -- What does Clomid do??
Posted by Diana1215
Thanks everyone for the detailed responses and helping me understand. I think we still have some time before going down the Clomid route but I was just curious for my own reasons - and I don't think I could ever be too educated on the TTC Topic! If there comes a time in a few months when I need to move on to Clomid then at least I'll understand it better!
Thanks again!
Good luck!!!
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| Posted 12/23/08 10:03 AM |
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MsMBV
:P
Member since 5/05 28602 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: VERY naive TTC ? -- What does Clomid do??
Posted by Mikismom
I took clomid and did timed BD'ing....I will let you know in 10 days if it worked
eta - my regular OB prescribed them
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| Posted 12/23/08 10:19 AM |
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Re: VERY naive TTC ? -- What does Clomid do??
I believe clomid helps with ovulation. I remember having this question too.
That was probably such an uninformative answer.
I know they prescribe it to people who O very close to AF or don't O.
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| Posted 12/23/08 3:33 PM |
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Re: VERY naive TTC ? -- What does Clomid do??
Posted by Diana1215
Posted by scarletbegonia
The way my doc explained it to me, it kicks your ovaries into overdrive to produce more eggs
Love the explanation - so - you can BD regularly - and take Clomid? This doesn't need to go hand in hand with IUI or IVF?
Maybe my ovaries need a jump start - I will def. bring this up to my Dr. at my appointment next month!
Also - can your regular OBGYN prescribe this or do you have to go to a specialist?
I am due for my annual appointment, I wonder if I don't get a BFP by then if I can get that? 
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| Posted 12/23/08 3:35 PM |
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pinkandblue
Our family is complete, maybe
Member since 9/05 32436 total posts
Name:
Stephanie
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Re: VERY naive TTC ? -- What does Clomid do??
Posted by MrsMichStein1118
I believe clomid helps with ovulation. I remember having this question too.
That was probably such an uninformative answer.
I know they prescribe it to people who O very close to AF or don't O.
yup...my LP (time between O and AF) was only 8 days so my OB gave me the clomid
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| Posted 12/23/08 3:38 PM |
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MrsRbk
<3 <3 <3 <3
Member since 1/06 19197 total posts
Name:
Michelle
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Re: VERY naive TTC ? -- What does Clomid do??
Posted by MrsMichStein1118
Posted by Diana1215
Posted by scarletbegonia
The way my doc explained it to me, it kicks your ovaries into overdrive to produce more eggs
Love the explanation - so - you can BD regularly - and take Clomid? This doesn't need to go hand in hand with IUI or IVF?
Maybe my ovaries need a jump start - I will def. bring this up to my Dr. at my appointment next month!
Also - can your regular OBGYN prescribe this or do you have to go to a specialist?
I am due for my annual appointment, I wonder if I don't get a BFP by then if I can get that?
How long have you been TTC? Clomid is a fertility drug, not to be taken lightly. As previous posters have said already, you need to be closely monitored on it. And while some do, many OBGYNs do not monitor you.
There are side effects to Clomid, but you also cannot take it for a prolonged period of time, as there are effects to doing so.
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| Posted 12/23/08 3:45 PM |
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TTCingOnTheDL
LIF Infant
Member since 12/08 106 total posts
Name:
Michelle
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Re: VERY naive TTC ? -- What does Clomid do??
Posted by Diana1215
Thanks everyone for the detailed responses and helping me understand. I think we still have some time before going down the Clomid route but I was just curious for my own reasons - and I don't think I could ever be too educated on the TTC Topic! If there comes a time in a few months when I need to move on to Clomid then at least I'll understand it better!
Thanks again!
Diana - we go to the same doc....She prescribed this to me when we were trying for DC#1 and I wound up not having to use it bc I got a BFP like a week later! She told me it would help force ovulation, not what the PP said. But from what I understand it can be used for different situations.
BUT - what is weird, is that she never mentioned anything about having to monitor me she just gave me the script and I filled it (and then wound up throwing it out)....Hmm....
Message edited 12/26/2008 10:00:05 PM.
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| Posted 12/26/08 9:55 PM |
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dm24angel
Happiness
Member since 5/05 34581 total posts
Name:
Donna
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Re: VERY naive TTC ? -- What does Clomid do??
Posted by TTCingOnTheDL
Posted by Diana1215
Thanks everyone for the detailed responses and helping me understand. I think we still have some time before going down the Clomid route but I was just curious for my own reasons - and I don't think I could ever be too educated on the TTC Topic! If there comes a time in a few months when I need to move on to Clomid then at least I'll understand it better!
Thanks again!
Diana - we go to the same doc....She prescribed this to me when we were trying for DC#1 and I wound up not having to use it bc I got a BFP like a week later! She told me it would help force ovulation, not what the PP said. But from what I understand it can be used for different situations.
BUT - what is weird, is that she never mentioned anything about having to monitor me she just gave me the script and I filled it (and then wound up throwing it out)....Hmm....
Clmid could make you ovulate MANY eggs at once. Theres no way you should EVER take it and not be monitored during the process, or you could end up with multiples ( we are talking 5-6 babies)....although rare obviously.
My OB prescribed it to me, but he is a infertility specialist as well.
Many OB's do prescribe it and I see nothing wrong with it, but you must have sonos during that period to check things out.
It also should not be used for more then 5 cycles in a row. It can start to harm you if done in excess.
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| Posted 12/27/08 9:50 PM |
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ChrisDee
My Girls
Member since 11/06 9543 total posts
Name:
Christine
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Re: VERY naive TTC ? -- What does Clomid do??
Posted by dm24angel
Posted by TTCingOnTheDL
Posted by Diana1215
Thanks everyone for the detailed responses and helping me understand. I think we still have some time before going down the Clomid route but I was just curious for my own reasons - and I don't think I could ever be too educated on the TTC Topic! If there comes a time in a few months when I need to move on to Clomid then at least I'll understand it better!
Thanks again!
Diana - we go to the same doc....She prescribed this to me when we were trying for DC#1 and I wound up not having to use it bc I got a BFP like a week later! She told me it would help force ovulation, not what the PP said. But from what I understand it can be used for different situations.
BUT - what is weird, is that she never mentioned anything about having to monitor me she just gave me the script and I filled it (and then wound up throwing it out)....Hmm....
Clmid could make you ovulate MANY eggs at once. Theres no way you should EVER take it and not be monitored during the process, or you could end up with multiples ( we are talking 5-6 babies)....although rare obviously.
My OB prescribed it to me, but he is a infertility specialist as well.
Many OB's do prescribe it and I see nothing wrong with it, but you must have sonos during that period to check things out.
It also should not be used for more then 5 cycles in a row. It can start to harm you if done in excess.
I have 2 clomid kids(2 different p/g's) and it only increases your chances of TWINS not 3 or more according to my Dr. (MY regular OB) He will only give it for 4 cylces in a row. YOu will not have 3-4-5- babies from clomid.
I just read online about Clomid and it makes your chances of twins 10% and only 1% of 3.
Message edited 12/27/2008 10:32:17 PM.
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| Posted 12/27/08 10:26 PM |
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dm24angel
Happiness
Member since 5/05 34581 total posts
Name:
Donna
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Re: VERY naive TTC ? -- What does Clomid do??
Posted by ChrisDee
Posted by dm24angel
Posted by TTCingOnTheDL
Posted by Diana1215
Thanks everyone for the detailed responses and helping me understand. I think we still have some time before going down the Clomid route but I was just curious for my own reasons - and I don't think I could ever be too educated on the TTC Topic! If there comes a time in a few months when I need to move on to Clomid then at least I'll understand it better!
Thanks again!
Diana - we go to the same doc....She prescribed this to me when we were trying for DC#1 and I wound up not having to use it bc I got a BFP like a week later! She told me it would help force ovulation, not what the PP said. But from what I understand it can be used for different situations.
BUT - what is weird, is that she never mentioned anything about having to monitor me she just gave me the script and I filled it (and then wound up throwing it out)....Hmm....
Clmid could make you ovulate MANY eggs at once. Theres no way you should EVER take it and not be monitored during the process, or you could end up with multiples ( we are talking 5-6 babies)....although rare obviously.
My OB prescribed it to me, but he is a infertility specialist as well.
Many OB's do prescribe it and I see nothing wrong with it, but you must have sonos during that period to check things out.
It also should not be used for more then 5 cycles in a row. It can start to harm you if done in excess.
I have 2 clomid kids(2 different p/g's) and it only increases your chances of TWINS not 3 or more according to my Dr. (MY regular OB) He will only give it for 4 cylces in a row. YOu will not have 3-4-5- babies from clomid.
I just read online about Clomid and it makes your chances of twins 10% and only 1% of 3.
I have to disagree in part...
one of my Clomid cycles was cancelled because I was showing 6 follicles ( what will later release eggs )and the chance of multiples was too high.
Kate from Jon and Kate plus 8 got her multiples from Clomid.
The chances are soooooo low. Yes thats true...but it happens still....you also risk ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome ...
Clomid also sometimes produces cysts the cycle after...and monitoring needs to be done for those cysts if it occurs.
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| Posted 12/28/08 12:36 PM |
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SweetTooth
I'm a tired mommy!
Member since 12/05 20105 total posts
Name:
Lauren
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Re: VERY naive TTC ? -- What does Clomid do??
Posted by dm24angel
I have 2 clomid kids(2 different p/g's) and it only increases your chances of TWINS not 3 or more according to my Dr. (MY regular OB) He will only give it for 4 cylces in a row. YOu will not have 3-4-5- babies from clomid.
I just read online about Clomid and it makes your chances of twins 10% and only 1% of 3.
I have to disagree in part...
one of my Clomid cycles was cancelled because I was showing 6 follicles ( what will later release eggs )and the chance of multiples was too high.
Kate from Jon and Kate plus 8 got her multiples from Clomid.
The chances are soooooo low. Yes thats true...but it happens still....you also risk ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome ...
Clomid also sometimes produces cysts the cycle after...and monitoring needs to be done for those cysts if it occurs.
I will have to agree with Donna here. I am pregnant with twins now from clomid. I had 3 follicles, so there was a chance it could have been triplets. The cycle before I had four follies, so there was a chance of quads.
Although rare, there HAVE been instances of high order multiples with clomid. You should definitely be monitored while on it.
Additionally, the cyst risk - if you have a cyst and start clomid, there is a chance that cyst could increase in size and then rupture. I had a cyst the beginning of one cycle and was not allowed to start clomid until the cyst shrunk to a certain size.
You also take the risk of hyperstimulating your ovaries which can be extremely painful, not to mention dangerous.
To answer the OP question, the way clomid works is to trick the brain to produce more FSH. This is why multiple ovulation is very possible on clomid.
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| Posted 12/28/08 12:45 PM |
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