The Pro's and Con's of Clomid

DH is starting to get impatient.

He started out as with a purist perspective, saying he'd never even consider IUI.

And, yet, yesterday he asked ME to consider starting Clomid this month, to up our chances for this cycle.

I'm on the fence. Our IF issues are Hostile CM, and possible endometriosis. I have NO issues ovulating.

So, my question is, what are the pros and cons of using Clomid for IUI? How many eggs do you produce when you're on Clomid? What are the side effects? What is the risk for multiples?

Re: The Pro's and Con's of Clomid

I had an IUI with NO Clomid and I got pregnant!! I am now almost 13 weeks along. The procedure, just so your DH knows, is quick and painless for you and it was not a big deal at all for my DH. Our feeling was that we'd do ANYTHING to get pregnant and whether it was the IUI or all the BD'ing it worked!!

As far as Clomid, you are limited to 12 cycles of it in your lifetime. I am not an RE of course but if ovulate maybe it's better to actually try the IUI without Clomid first. You may get lucky. I had done 3 cycles of Clomid a few years ago and I didn't have any side effects but I've heard some people do. You have the possibility of producing many eggs at one time so your chances of multiples does go up. Anyway, I would speak with your RE and see what they think is the best course of action.

Lots of luck!!!!

Re: The Pro's and Con's of Clomid

beth, unless clomid can increase the quality of your eggs, i don't think it's the answer for you if you ovulate on your own. JMO. but it's good to hear your DH is on board with anything you might need to do! did your RE ever suggest clomid?

Re: The Pro's and Con's of Clomid

I think it only raises the risk of multiples by like 9 % but being a NICU nurse i certainly see alot of triplets born to moms of clomid!!!!!

Re: The Pro's and Con's of Clomid

Posted by headoverheels

beth, unless clomid can increase the quality of your eggs, i don't think it's the answer for you if you ovulate on your own. JMO. but it's good to hear your DH is on board with anything you might need to do! did your RE ever suggest clomid?

Re: The Pro's and Con's of Clomid

Posted by headoverheels

beth, unless clomid can increase the quality of your eggs, i don't think it's the answer for you if you ovulate on your own. JMO. but it's good to hear your DH is on board with anything you might need to do! did your RE ever suggest clomid?

Re: The Pro's and Con's of Clomid

Posted by Bxgell2

Posted by headoverheels

beth, unless clomid can increase the quality of your eggs, i don't think it's the answer for you if you ovulate on your own. JMO. but it's good to hear your DH is on board with anything you might need to do! did your RE ever suggest clomid?

Yeah, initially when we decided to move forward with IUI, she recommended Clomid because she said it would give us a greater statistical chance for conception - more targets, so to speak. But, I was, and still am, very hesitant to move in that direction. I'm more comfortable with the natural IUI's considering I have no ovulation issues.

Re: The Pro's and Con's of Clomid

I agree with OP, try the IUI unmedicated first. Also, since you have hostile CM, have you tried using Pre-seed? I've heard nothing but amazing things about it, and I just ordered mine today.

I just started Clomid for the first time yesterday, but we opted for it since I have anovulatory cycles (or lack thereof!). See what happens first--I honestly didn't want to go to Clomid right away, but it was just about the only thing that seemed like it would work for us. Good luck!

Re: The Pro's and Con's of Clomid

I did 3 rounds of unmedicated IUI's with no luck, then moved on to clomid w/ IUI. I really didn't have any side effects from the clomid. I was only on it for 2 cycles and then got my bfp. I had 2 eggs for each cycle I was on it and wound up getting pg w/ twins.

Message edited 3/17/2008 8:55:11 AM.

Re: The Pro's and Con's of Clomid

I have unexplained IF and did 2 rounds of Clomid with IUI. The first round I produced only 1 egg (no different from when I would normally ovulate) and the second round I produced 3. The goal with Clomid is to make more targets and "better" eggs. I could have done another round of Clomid but didn't because I had some nasty side effects from it. Instead I moved on to injectables.

On a more positive note, a friend of mine just got pg at 38 from one round of Clomid with IUI. It might be worth a shot for you.

Re: The Pro's and Con's of Clomid

I have unexplained IF and ovulate on my own. I did 2 cycles of unmedicated IUI first because I was reluctant to jump right to the Clomid since I also have no issues ovulating.

When that didn't work, I tried Clomid + IUI for 3 cycles. My RE's reasoning was the same, to produce more and maybe better quality eggs. The first cycle I had 3, then next only 1, and last month I had 2.

I really didn't have any side effects, except for hot flashes. One cycle I wound up with a small cyst from the Clomid. I had to wait until the cyst dissolved to continue the medication.

Good Luck!

Re: The Pro's and Con's of Clomid

Posted by Bxgell2

Posted by headoverheels

beth, unless clomid can increase the quality of your eggs, i don't think it's the answer for you if you ovulate on your own. JMO. but it's good to hear your DH is on board with anything you might need to do! did your RE ever suggest clomid?

Yeah, initially when we decided to move forward with IUI, she recommended Clomid because she said it would give us a greater statistical chance for conception - more targets, so to speak. But, I was, and still am, very hesitant to move in that direction. I'm more comfortable with the natural IUI's considering I have no ovulation issues.

Re: The Pro's and Con's of Clomid

I've used clomid for 5 cycles. I only produced multiple follies this past cycle, on 150mg. I got pregnant with 150mg clomid and IUI. I don't ovulate on my own though.
If you are doing IUI then the CM issue doesn't matter because you're bypassing the cervix. I would try as others have suggested - unmedicated IUI. Good luck!

Re: The Pro's and Con's of Clomid

I have done one round of unmedicated IUI's - last month - with no success. I know when I go in to consult about this month with my RE, she will suggest Clomid again, and DH wants me to consider it at this point. I had no idea though there is a 12 month maximum for it.

I have some thinking to do - thank you ladies!

Re: The Pro's and Con's of Clomid

cons of clomid- used for a prolonged period of time could thin out your uterine lining which could prevent implantation or miscarriage.