Clomid a contraceptive?

[lizph]

Hello. I’ve not posted before but have benefited so much from your posts. They have been a massive source of support since we experienced the shock of my low AMH levels and the fact that we are not eligible for NHS funding. We are hopeful we’ll start IVF in Sep but have lots and lots of difficult decisions to make before then!

In the meantime I’m taking clomid - prescribed by NHS. About to start my 5th month. No result so far. A private consultant told us that if it doesn’t work within three months it could actually be working as a contraceptive by thinning the lining. Has anyone else heard this? Due to start today but not sure whether we should try without. Thanks so much for your help.

[Hopeful82]

I have not heard that. I just had it confirmed yesterday that we will start Clomid on the 23rd Aug and am hopeful.

Can I ask what your egg quality level was and how many they found ? My egg quality was 9 and I have 5 eggs in each ovary.

[lizph in reply to Hopeful82]

Thx Hopeful82. I’ve not heard it either! AMH 2.6, AMF 5 - so your egg quality and follicle count better than mine. Good luck. It is largely a very successful drug xx

[Hopeful82 in reply to lizph]

Hi lizph what you going to do? Where do you research mostly? I don’t have loads of info and all the levels and stuff she mentioned after all fertility tests I don’t know known what is good etc. Amh? Amf? I don’t what these stand for. You obviously know lots more than me.

Are you trying Accupuncture ?

[lizph in reply to Hopeful82]

I’ve confused you - AFC not AMF is 5. Sorry. Doh. The same test that told you you had 5 follicles on each side I imagine.

Tbh I do a lot of research on here because I find it hard to know what to trust when we speak to the private clinics / look at the internet. But generally I google my levels and see what is considered low etc. It’s hard when you’re at the beginning of the journey because you have no idea what everyone is talking about. But by reading all the posts you quickly get to work it out. Stick with it!

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi lizph. I've not heard of Clomid having contraceptive properties, as it is there to get you to ovulate. If ovulation occurs, your womb lining will then naturally build up. Have you had your Fallopian tubes checked out for any blockages? If the Clomid doesn't work, then the natural progression is for IVF/ICSI. Good luck! Diane

[lizph in reply to DianeArnold]

Hi Diane - thanks for replying. The consultant I saw was at a private IVF clinic. He told me that if Clomid is going to work it will work quickly. But when it isn’t working it could actually be preventing the lining to develop and therefore working as a contraceptive of sorts. Never read this before but obviously questioning whether or not to take my final course later tonight!

I find it so hard to know what to believe. Consultants all say different things and then you’re at a loss as to who you should believe . Everything else is in working order according to scans - and I’m ovulating but getting BFNs. Hence posting on here in case what he is saying is true! Thx

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK in reply to lizph]

Hi lizph. Yes, it all sound confusing, but if you are ovulating by using the drug, then it may he that your LH is not working as it should as it stimulate progesterone to thicken the lining of the womb to aid implantation. I think that is what the consultant ant means by a contraceptive action. I think I would give the higher dose a try and if no joy then it will most likely be IVF for you. Such a mess about for you, but hopefully you will get there. If it comes to IVF, I do have a list of questions you might like to look through before you see the consultant again. Most won't be appropriate, but there will be a few you might like to use. Email me in confidence to [e-mail] and I will send them to you. Diane

[lizph in reply to DianeArnold]

Thanks Diane. Actually I have your list already and it has been very helpful in our visits to the various clinics. So thank you!

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK in reply to lizph]

xx