Clomid Questions
I found your website from someone who posted about it on the bulleting boards and I can’t stop reading it!
I took Clomid once and it made me ovulate but not get pregnant. My doctors says that it was successful because before Clomid I didn’t even ovulate. She told me that the chance of getting pregnant each time I ovulate is 20%. Why is it only 20% and what can I do to make it 100%? Does that make sense?
ROBERTA, Alabama
Dear Roberta,
Clomid works its very best when it is given to women who normally do not ovulate on their own, but then end up ovulating while on the Clomid. It is not as helpful when given to women who already ovulate on their own. Remember that the average woman with normal fertility does not always get pregnant every single month. In fact, the monthly odds of getting pregnant are about 20-25%. If you are a woman who does NOT ovulate on your own, but is fortunate enough to respond to Clomid, then it is an approximate, but fair estimate that the Clomid now has converted you from having zero chance of pregnancy that month (had you not ovulated) to having a normal chance, provided that the sperm and tubes do not contribute any problems, and that normal chance is about 20-25% in most cases.
The question of why normal fertile women or women who respond to Clomid do not have a 100% chance of conceiving with each ovulation is a good one.
One way to look at it is to realize that few things in life are 100%. This is not purely a philosophical answer, but rather one based on reality. If you have normal vision, normal hand-eye coordination and normal arm strength, then you have the capability to wad up a piece of paper and throw it into the wastepaper basket across the room. You can probably succeed on a fairly regular basis, tossing it in every few tries, but you can NOT do it 100% of the time.
Now let’s consider what has to happen in order to get a successful conception. First of all, you must have ovulation. But even assuming that you do ovulate, the egg, which explodes out of the ovary into the general area of the Fallopian tube now has to be lucky enough to be scooped up by the tube. This does not always happen. On my old blog, I posted a description of how egg pickup by the tubes can be compared to the actions of a swimming pool sweeper. So, if the egg is successfully picked up, then it may or may not encounter a sperm. Even if sex occurs within the correct window period, the egg is microscopic and the few sperm that reach its general neighborhood may still not collide with it. Even if the sperm does hit the egg, it may not have the strength left, so to speak, to successfully fertilize it. And even if the sperm and egg do result in a fertilized embryo, that particular sperm or that particular egg may not have perfectly normal DNA. Without perfectly normal DNA, the embryo will stop growing and fail to implant. With all that can go wrong, it is a wonder that pregnancy occurs naturally at all, but it does. And it does so about 20-25% of the time.
Your doctor is on the right track. However, if you still don’t get pregnant after ovulating several times on the Clomid, then it’s time to look at stronger ways of getting the job done, such as IUI or even IVF. Remember that even though something is only 20% and not 100%, if it’s done enough times it will eventually succeed. Thank you for your question.
Hello! Your website is great. It is so informative and helpful. i was
wondering if you could give me some insight……
For starters, I would like to give you some background. i started my
period at 12 years old, cycles every month, every 32-37 days, minor to
moderate pms type symptoms, no issues really. I got on birth control at 24
years old only to prevent pregnancy. I had no probs with bcp, regular
periods, minimal symptoms. i stopped bcp july 2007 to conceive. since then
my cycles have been bonkers:
1st cycle- 33 days, +opk day 22, prob ovulatory
2nd cycle- 35 days, +opk day 17, prob ovulatory
3rd cycle- 54 days, prob late ovulation based on my symptoms
4th cycle- 56 days, definite ovulation day 44 by BBT
5th cycle- 69 days, no temp shift, a few random +opk, ended with
progesterone for 7 days
6th cycle- 35 days, took clomid 50 mg days 3-7, no +opk, no temp shift,
ended with 7 days of progesterone
7th cycle (current)- clomid 100 mg days 2-6, saw RE day 7, US on day 12
showed a "bunch of small follicles with 45 on the left and 55 on the right,
lining 3.6 mm", estradiol 69, told to take 150 mg clomid for next 5 days
(days 12 through 16), then comeback in for US and bloodwork day 19
my questions are as follows:
1) is this common to do back to back clomid?
2) what are the chances it will work/make me ovulate?
3) does it sound like i have pcos? (no hirsutism, bmi 21)
4) if this does not work, do you think femara would be a better option or
maybe going straight to injections?
KIM, North Carolina
Dear Kim,
Let’s look at the big picture. It has been nine months since you went off the OCPs. While we would love it if you had regular ovulatory cycles, the harsh fact, based on the detailed information that you provide about your cycles, is that you don’t 
, at least not on a consistent basis. Your RE has chosen Clomid as the first line treatment for you. Let’s assume that you have had your thyroid and prolactin checked already. The goal is straighforward at present. GIVE CLOMID. MONITOR to see if ovulation occurs.
I have to admit I don’t quite understand what the 45 and 55 mean. I can’t imagine that your RE counted 45 and 55 small follicles in your ovaries. I’m wondering if you meant that he saw a very large 45mm follicle. That wouldn’t quite make sense either, because if you had 45mm and 55mm follicles, your E2 (estradiol) would be expected to be higher than 69 pg/ml. In any case, to answer your specific questions, some RE’s will start patients on Clomid and if there is no response, they will add injectables. I have never tried to give a higher dose of Clomid within the same cycle. It doesn’t mean that it won’t work, but time will tell. Again, it’s a good thing that you are being monitored so we will at least know what’s going on.
As for what the chances are that it will make you ovulate, at this point, the decision has already been made, so we should just be patient and see what the monitoring shows. After something is done and committed, I try to minimize thinking about what the chances are, but instead focus on carefully tracking what DOES happen. Having said that, I’ll venture a guess that someone who does nothing on Clomid 100mg, will probably not do much on Clomid 150mg givin within the same cycle.
As for whether or not you have PCOS, the smartest things would be to get more information before answering that. There are several questions I need to know before venturing an opinion. I will agree with you that you being so slender would make it atypical for you to have it. BUT there are exceptions. If you haven’t already read this story, you might find it interesting.
So what if Clomid doesn’t work? Your RE knows more about you than I do, so I would defer to him/her. My general approach is to start with some investigation into the causes of the poor ovulation. This starts out with better understading the patients lifestyle (nutrition, stress level, exercise, overall wellness). This might then include checking TSH, prolactin and insulin resistance. Another factor that influences the choice of letrozole vs injectables is the patient’s preference. Is this someone who begs to avoid needles if at all possible and wants to go as conservatively as she can? Or is this someone who is determined to get pregnant as quickly as possible? Most of my patients go on to injectables rather than try letrozole.
Thanks for the question. Feel free to leave a comment with an update on your story. Good luck!
June 2nd, 2008 at 5:46 am
Hi. Thank you for your site. I am 36 years old, have PCOS. I have been on metformin for 8 years. Been TTC for 2 years now, Last month I ovulated with 100mg of clomid however when I did the 21 day progesterone test it showed my level was only 7.1 which RE says was low, so he upped the dose of clomid to 150mg saying that should make my progesterone higher this month, well I didnt ovulate at all this month that I can tell(I use opk) is that possible, should I stay on the 100 mg of clomid and maybe get progesterone supplements instead or moveo n to injectables. thanks
Rebecca
Florida
August 29th, 2008 at 9:41 am
Hi I have PCOS and my husband and I hav tried for 3 yrs to get preg. but due to PCOS no results. My dr. has put me on provera to bring on my period and I started clomid 100 mg on 4 th CD it is now CD # 7 and I am still on my period. Can you tell me if after I finish the last dose will it make my period stop, so I can ovulate.
September 25th, 2008 at 11:44 pm
I was on clomid 50mg for one cycle.it didnt work then i took 100mg it didnt work yet I was ovulating before and even when I took clomid every month.Iam 43years old.should I increase to 150mg even when I do respond on 50mg?I have done all other tests and I have no problem.I have 2kids and my 2nd born is 10years and I had divorced with their father.I got married 2008 May but no pregnancy after taking 2courses of clomid.
Am I too impatient?my major worry is my age.Please dr advise me.
November 10th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
Hi I have been taking 150 mg of clomid for 3 cycles now. The first one my cycle was 32 days and the ovulation monitor peaked on day 20. The next cycle was 33 days and the ovulation monitor peaked on day 22. This cycle was 36 days and I am on day 18 of my cycle. Is it normal to have long cycles and not ovulate until later? My doc seems to think I should have already ovulated.
November 12th, 2008 at 11:44 pm
It is possible and common for Clomid cycles to be longer than natural cycles. In general, people try three Clomid cycles and many get pregnant. If not pregnant after three cycles, it might be time to consider something more effective. Good luck!
December 17th, 2008 at 1:53 am
should Clomid make my cycle regular
December 17th, 2008 at 2:24 am
Clomid mainly acts in the cycle that you take it. It might help you ovulate in the cycles that you take it, but after you stop, your cycles will revert back to their original state.
July 27th, 2009 at 5:32 pm
Hello,
Im on my 7th round of 150mgs of Clomid CD3-7. Im currently on CD 20 & got a positive OPK today…My cycles are very irregular. I started 150mgs of Clomid in Dec 08 & my cycles were 26-29 days long, until I took a month off from the Clomid in Feb 09..I then had a 48 day cycle that had to be brought on by Provera.(Im assuming my body got thrown out of wack from stopping the Clomid one month Correct??)After I started my period from the Provera, I continued with the 150mgs of Clomid each month. My cycles became longer. They are now anywhere between 32-37 days…My Lutel Phase is 14days & I seem to be turning an OPK around the right time. (I think) I calculated back last month (June)14days from the start of this months cycle(July 8th) & I turned a positive OPK on exactly 14days from the start of my period on July 8th. Ok, now that Ive given you a run down of whats been going on with me here are my questions:
1.- Does this mean Im DEFINATLY ovulating??? I have not been getting any B/W nor U/S done. I have just been taking the Clomid & doing OPK’s with timed intercourse.
2.- What is my success rate of acheiving pregnancy this month?? Are my odds high because Im on my 7th month?? Or does this mean thr Clomid is not working for me??
3.- I got pregnant w/my 1st baby after 3months of doing exaclty what Im doing now,but sadly lost the baby @ 15wks. I then got pregnant with my now 4 1/2 yr old son doing the exact same thing as Im doing now as well. Why is it taking longer this time around??
Do I need to be swithched to something different to acheive pregnancy?? If so, what medication would be my next option???
Thank you so much, I cant wait to hear back from you so I can have some understanding as to whats happening with me.
I really appreciate it,
Sincerely,
Katie -TTC Baby #3 for 17months (7months of 150mgs of Clomid on CD3-7)17 BFN’s….Really ready for my BFP!!!
July 29th, 2009 at 6:52 am
Katie, starting out with unmonitored Clomid is a reasonable way to begin, given that it has worked in the past. However, if it hasn’t worked after three cycles, it might be time to consider doing one monitored cycle or moving on to other options.
September 11th, 2009 at 7:42 pm
Started clomid 50mg in april 09-non ovulitory. 100mg june -non ovulitory. finally july prgesterone level indicates ovulation but no conception, now this cycle repeates clomid 150mg with negative pregnancy test and missed period (5days late). I am assuming i didnt ovulate because of no period,but didnt have progesterone level checked because md didnt think it was necessary. Im wondering what the likelyhood that I did or did not ovulate after second cycle of previous ovulatory dose. And if not what is the next step?
September 23rd, 2009 at 6:41 am
This is what hapened to me with clomid. I was married for 6 years, cacasion… at 25 I wanted to have a baby, so i stoped taking my birth control. and tried by having intercourse with my husband, I didnt end up pregnant that month, so i did a internet search, and found out i could have a better chance by taking lomid, so with out seeing a doctor, i ordered 100mg clomid and it was sent to me from India. I took it for the 5 days, and was told that i would prob ovulate about 7 to 10 days after my last pill. I live in NY and never cheated on or even thought about doing so, the day after my last clomid pill, i went shoping, i stoped by a gas station, and got gas, went in and had to use the bathroom, while waiting for my turn, a black male started talking to me, before i could even relize what i was doing, (like my body took over) i was in the mens restroom, with the black male behing me doing the unspeakable… when i got home i was like what is going on with me. i never cheated again, i belive this (clomid drug) made me feel so worked up that i let this stranger have me, not even knowing any thing about him, name or nothing. well i blocked it all out.. 4 days later i started having intercourse with my husband.. ended up pregnant. (with triplets) nothing never crossed my mind. I had my babies, they were all real dark black when born. my husband left me, and i dont even have a clue as to there father. so another words, i ovulated the very day after my last pill. i had never heard of this.. i know have 3 babies, but hurt the rest of my life trying to explain to my family and friends how this happened. when I dont even understand myself. has any one else heard of this hapening? thanks for listening Holly N.Y.
October 27th, 2009 at 6:33 pm
Need help and advice re: clomid and over stimulation. First cycle was on 50 mg and second cycle 100 mg. Now doc says I’m overstimmed, I have 8 follicles now and she didn’t give me the injection. Said I still have a good chance of getting pregnant w/out injection. Anyway, she said to take OPK but I still haven’t seen a positive result. They thought I would have ovulated last week. Now I feel some pain and abdomen feels tender and bloated. Do you think I will ovulate soon or not at all? If follicles are large enough and you don’t ovulate is that not good? Any advice would be appreciated.
November 4th, 2009 at 11:49 am
Eight follicles on Clomid alone is unlikely, but not impossible. Whether or not to proceed with intercourse, IUI or to cancel the cycle depends on factors such as patient’s age and patient’s past treatment history. In other words, if this is the very first time in your life that you ever ovulated and you are 22 years old, I would most likely cancel the cycle for fear of triplets. However, if you have failed multiple cycles in the past and are 41, I would be thrilled and go all out to try and make this pregnancy happen! Good luck!
March 1st, 2010 at 6:27 am
I have been ttc for over a year now. im 31 and i have pcos. i have been on metformin 850mg twice a day for a year. im on my third cycle of clomid. first two i did ovulate on 50mg but unsuccessful. Now on my third cycle of 100mg and no positive ovulation at day 20!!!! im confused. i have little faith in this drug—when should i switch to another?
April 26th, 2010 at 2:38 am
Need some advice:
My husband and I have been trying to conceive for two years, my consultant put me on Clomid and I have just finished my first 50mg dose (the doctor carried out all the fertility tests and they all came back clear!)
I had my scan last Tuesday to see if I had released any eggs and had released 2!
What are the chances of me getting pregnant on my first month of Clomid?
My period isn’t due for another 2 weeks, will I have to wait until then to do a pregnancy test?
What are my chances of having twins because I released to eggs?
Any advice, stories or comments would be great!!!