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LIfam1
LIF Infant
Member since 5/10 231 total posts
Name:
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So apparently I don't ovulate....and now I'm confused
DH and I are thinking of TTC within the next couple months so I asked the doctor if there was anything I should do beforehand. She gave me a prescription for bloodwork, vitamins,and then ask me about my period. I told her that I get it about every 40 days (which is how it's been my whole life so I thought it was normal). She told me that means I am not ovulating (which would be confirmed or not confirmed by the blood work) and that I would have to take Clomid before I started TTC. This is kind of freaking me about because I assumed that if you got AF then you were ovulating. She did an ultrasound and saw that I have cysts (which I had no idea existed). So I'm looking to you all for some knowledge. I don't like taking meds if I don't have to so I was wondering if I should go with what the doctor says or if I should go for a second opinion. Is there a way to start ovulating without taking meds?
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Posted 5/26/10 6:36 AM  |
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Hofstra26
Love to Bake!
Member since 7/06 27915 total posts
Name:
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Re: So apparently I don't ovulate....and now I'm confused
First, it is true that you can get AF and not ovulate. They are called anovulatory cycles and it's something I've been dealing with for years. My advice is this, go see an RE before you do anything else. They know WAAAAAY more than any ordinary OB/GYN and they will explore all different options with you for TTC.
With regards to Clomid, yes it can force you to ovulate however, you're limited to a lifetime maximum of 12 cycles of Clomid due to the fact that over time it thins the lining of your uterus so I wouldn't just jump right into Clomid. I'm not saying you may not end up taking it anyway, I've done a bunch of Clomid cycles myself, but before you do you should make sure there isn't another way first. You also need to be careful that your MD doesn't just give you a Rx for Clomid and send you on your way. You need to be CLOSELY monitored through sonos and bloodwork throughout the cycle to ensure your ovaries are responding and to ensure your ovaries are not being overstimulated.
When I got pregnant with my DD I was put on Metformin to help regulate my cycles and get me to ovulate. I started the Met in Sept. 2007 and I was pregnant right after Xmas that year. So after three months on the Met I ovulated on my own and I got pregnant. There is no limit to the Metformin so it's generally a route an RE may try first prior to a Clomid cycle. Now I'm TTC #2 and for some reason the Met wasn't enough so I had to take Clomid also.
Anyway, I would go see an RE and get a complete work-up and then discuss your options. It's the best doctor appt. you will ever make! The BEST thing I ever did was see an RE. Good luck! 
Message edited 5/26/2010 8:07:49 AM.
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| Posted 5/26/10 8:06 AM |
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AMPirate
Missing our peanut :(
Member since 11/09 1678 total posts
Name:
Antoinette
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Re: So apparently I don't ovulate....and now I'm confused
While its certainly possible that you can have annovulatory cycles (ones where you don't ovulate but still get AF), I am concerned that you doctor told you that simply based on the fact that your cycles are 40 days long. In order to find out if you are ovulating or not, you would need to be monitored by a doctor or take your temperature first thing in the morning everyday in order to see the temperature shift that occurs after ovulation. Some people have cycles that are 40 days long or even longer and do ovulate. My cycle this month was 38 days and I ovulated without any medication.
I would recommend reading Taking Charge of Your Fertility. Also, I wouldn't start taking any kind of medication until you feel comfortable and your doctor has explained everything to you. If you don't feel comfortable with something your doctor is recommending I would say find a new doctor.
HUGS
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| Posted 5/26/10 8:41 AM |
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Otherme
Square head cutie pants
Member since 3/06 6899 total posts
Name:
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Re: So apparently I don't ovulate....and now I'm confused
Posted by AMPirate
While its certainly possible that you can have annovulatory cycles (ones where you don't ovulate but still get AF), I am concerned that you doctor told you that simply based on the fact that your cycles are 40 days long. In order to find out if you are ovulating or not, you would need to be monitored by a doctor or take your temperature first thing in the morning everyday in order to see the temperature shift that occurs after ovulation. Some people have cycles that are 40 days long or even longer and do ovulate. My cycle this month was 38 days and I ovulated without any medication.
I would recommend reading Taking Charge of Your Fertility. Also, I wouldn't start taking any kind of medication until you feel comfortable and your doctor has explained everything to you. If you don't feel comfortable with something your doctor is recommending I would say find a new doctor.
HUGS
Totally agree
just because you have a long cycle does not mean that you are not ovulating, at all!
i'd try to read up on it a little more, and definitely go get a 2nd opinion.
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| Posted 5/26/10 10:32 AM |
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springsandra
Baby girl has a baby brother!
Member since 11/09 7155 total posts
Name:
Sandra
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Re: So apparently I don't ovulate....and now I'm confused
I am really surprised your doc said you don't ovulate based on a 40 day cycle. Especially a regular one! My cycles were all over the place -- some months 32, some 54, some 85, and I ovulate. I don't ovulate every month, obviously since AF was only coming every 2 months or so sometimes, but it still happens.
Maybe that's what your doc meant? That you're not ovulating on day 14?
Sounds very fishy to me. I don't like docs who talk out of their @ss... Try not to let it upset you until you know what's really going on. I definitely agree with the others who said to go for another opinion.
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| Posted 5/26/10 11:08 AM |
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JenMarie
One day at a time
Member since 11/07 7397 total posts
Name:
Jennifer
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Re: So apparently I don't ovulate....and now I'm confused
Posted by Hofstra26
First, it is true that you can get AF and not ovulate. They are called anovulatory cycles and it's something I've been dealing with for years. My advice is this, go see an RE before you do anything else. They know WAAAAAY more than any ordinary OB/GYN and they will explore all different options with you for TTC.
With regards to Clomid, yes it can force you to ovulate however, you're limited to a lifetime maximum of 12 cycles of Clomid due to the fact that over time it thins the lining of your uterus so I wouldn't just jump right into Clomid. I'm not saying you may not end up taking it anyway, I've done a bunch of Clomid cycles myself, but before you do you should make sure there isn't another way first. You also need to be careful that your MD doesn't just give you a Rx for Clomid and send you on your way. You need to be CLOSELY monitored through sonos and bloodwork throughout the cycle to ensure your ovaries are responding and to ensure your ovaries are not being overstimulated.
When I got pregnant with my DD I was put on Metformin to help regulate my cycles and get me to ovulate. I started the Met in Sept. 2007 and I was pregnant right after Xmas that year. So after three months on the Met I ovulated on my own and I got pregnant. There is no limit to the Metformin so it's generally a route an RE may try first prior to a Clomid cycle. Now I'm TTC #2 and for some reason the Met wasn't enough so I had to take Clomid also.
Anyway, I would go see an RE and get a complete work-up and then discuss your options. It's the best doctor appt. you will ever make! The BEST thing I ever did was see an RE. Good luck!
What she said! Good luck!!!
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| Posted 5/26/10 11:15 AM |
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MayBbaby21
Baby no. 3 coming soon!
Member since 6/09 5738 total posts
Name:
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Re: So apparently I don't ovulate....and now I'm confused
I agree with the other girls that there's no way to tell that you're not ovulating just by your cycle length. Your dr. should do some bloodwork--like a progesterone test (among other tests)--before making such an assumption. Some women O late, which will make your cycle longer. On the cycle I got my BFP, I O'd on CD22.
My mom used to get AF every 52 days and she got pregnant without any medical helps, so clearly she was ovulating....just much later than the average day 14.
Message edited 5/26/2010 11:37:42 AM.
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| Posted 5/26/10 11:22 AM |
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BabyFever10
St. Gianna Pray for us
Member since 9/09 1326 total posts
Name:
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Re: So apparently I don't ovulate....and now I'm confused
Its possible that you may have PCOS - i would definately seek a 2nd opinion - either another obgyn or an RE
Good luck
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| Posted 5/26/10 11:36 AM |
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LIfam1
LIF Infant
Member since 5/10 231 total posts
Name:
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Re: So apparently I don't ovulate....and now I'm confused
Posted by MayBbaby21
I agree with the other girls that there's no way to tell that you're not ovulating just by your cycle length. Your dr. should do some bloodwork--like a progesterone test (among other tests)--before making such an assumption. Some women O late, which will make your cycle longer. On the cycle I got my BFP, I O'd on CD22.
My mom used to get AF every 52 days and she got pregnant without any medical helps, so clearly she was ovulating....just much later than the average day 14.
She is sending me for bloodwork on cycle day 21. She wrote down about 7 or 8 things for them to look for when they do the bloodwork. She said that would confirm if I was ovulating or not. I'm thinking I'll TTC without meds first and see what happens. If no luck, then I'll see an RE. I'm just so surprised that people are so quick to give you meds as if it's no big deal. Thanks for all your help so far.
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| Posted 5/26/10 9:13 PM |
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MrsKS
Thank You St. Gerard.....
Member since 12/09 8306 total posts
Name:
Kerri
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Re: So apparently I don't ovulate....and now I'm confused
WOW. I'm sorry. Now is the time to look into this and get everything fixed. And I agree with the girls.... a 2nd opinion or further testing is necessary.
Good Luck.
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| Posted 5/27/10 8:34 AM |
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RGEC47
Feeling blessed!
Member since 11/09 3039 total posts
Name:
Rosa
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Re: So apparently I don't ovulate....and now I'm confused
I would wait until your bloodwork comes back to know for sure you are not ovulating. I am also surprised that your Doc suggested Clomid right away. I just started taking Clomid after 2.5 years of trying. After about 8 months or so of trying without success I went to my OBG and she said that she only recommends taking anything after about a year of trying. So after the years she put me on Metformin, Vitamins, etc. So after meeting with an RE and my Doc they decided to place me on Clomid. So I started my 1st cycle on Monday.
I agree with the girls, go for a 2nd opinion and verify that you are not ovulating before taking anything. GL!
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| Posted 5/27/10 9:27 AM |
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MayBbaby21
Baby no. 3 coming soon!
Member since 6/09 5738 total posts
Name:
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Re: So apparently I don't ovulate....and now I'm confused
Posted by LIfam1
Posted by MayBbaby21
I agree with the other girls that there's no way to tell that you're not ovulating just by your cycle length. Your dr. should do some bloodwork--like a progesterone test (among other tests)--before making such an assumption. Some women O late, which will make your cycle longer. On the cycle I got my BFP, I O'd on CD22.
My mom used to get AF every 52 days and she got pregnant without any medical helps, so clearly she was ovulating....just much later than the average day 14.
She is sending me for bloodwork on cycle day 21. She wrote down about 7 or 8 things for them to look for when they do the bloodwork. She said that would confirm if I was ovulating or not. I'm thinking I'll TTC without meds first and see what happens. If no luck, then I'll see an RE. I'm just so surprised that people are so quick to give you meds as if it's no big deal. Thanks for all your help so far.
Glad to hear she's running some tests, but just keep in mind, if the test shows you didn't O by CD21, that doesn't mean you won't still. If you are ovulating with a 40 day cycle, you probably don't O that early.
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| Posted 5/27/10 1:16 PM |
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LIfam1
LIF Infant
Member since 5/10 231 total posts
Name:
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Re: So apparently I don't ovulate....and now I'm confused
Posted by MayBbaby21
Glad to hear she's running some tests, but just keep in mind, if the test shows you didn't O by CD21, that doesn't mean you won't still. If you are ovulating with a 40 day cycle, you probably don't O that early.
If the test shows I didn't O by CD 21, are there other tests that can be done?
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| Posted 5/27/10 9:56 PM |
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