What would you do this cycle?

Question

Hi!! Hubby and I have been ttc for 26 months now (today is cd 1). We have tried 3 cycles of Clomid with my ob/gyn last year and we have tried 2 cycles of Gonal F (fsh injections) with Hcg trigger shots (April and June 2008) with our RE. We took the last 2 cycles off from going to the doctor and will take this cycle off too.

Hubby has great sperm analysis-no issues there. I don't always have strong ovulations with perfectly mature eggs and my right tube was blocked but now open. RE said we could get pregnant on our own but it could take longer than other couples due to my irratic ovulation patterns. I also ovulate at different times during my cycles when not on fertility meds...sometimes around cd 15 and sometimes cd 19 and I have had a couple cycles that resulted in short luteal phases. But then again I have had ideal/textbook cycles too. I have charted BBT and used OPK's in the past.

Now what should we do? Hubby honestly believes we can get pregnant without the meds if we wait it out. I believe this too but I wonder how long we will have to wait. I am 26 now and I have many female relatives that have been diagnosed with cancer in their 30's (3 generations of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, uterian tumors, thyroid cancers, etc). So my ob/gyn feels it is critical the we conceive sooner rather than later because of the risks I could inherit and potentially lose my chance of conceiving.

Anyways what would you do? Hubby is more than willing to go back to the dr next cycle if I choose too. Should I try opk's this cycle, charting, or just do nothing as we have done the last 2 cycles? I thought about buying a digital ovualtion monitor to use this cycle and maybe the next few to give the "med free method" a go again before going back to the doctor. What do you think?

I guess I also just need some encouraging words, stories, wisdom to help me out too.

Thanks!!!

Answer 1

I would go back to your RE and maybe try injectables + Femara or just Femara. Alot of women have ended up pregnant on Femara when they couldn;t on Clomid. Maybe try using the meds and doctor for 2 cycles, take a break for one cycle and try naturally and then so on and so on. I don't know, have you tried IUI with the meds, that always can up your chances. As long as it's not too much stress on you to see your RE more then I would just keep doing that, at least you know you have given it your best shot every month. Good luck to you sweetie!

Answer 2

Hey!

If you wanted a break from the RE and all the injectables, you could maybe just try Clomid or Femara for a few months. That way the stress of the RE and all the appts would be gone but you would stil be giving it a "good go" with the Clomid or Femara and you would be pretty much assured of some good eggs since egg quality is an issue. Just a thought. You would still be trying but it would be low-key. Let me know what you decide!  = )

Answer 3

If it were me, I'd go back to the dr and do what I could to try to get pregnant, but you have to do what feels right to you.  I think it's great your hubby is so supportive, many aren't.   Try the med free method if you think it will work and remember to have fun... it really does help.  Not much advice but I'm offering my prayers that you get pregnant very soon.

Answer 4

Hi HoneyB1! Let me just say that I'm rooting for you 1000% to get pregnant.  I really think that if your doctor thinks that it is critical to get pregnant sooner rather than later, then the doctor would be your best bet.  Has your doctor ever tried Femara with you?  I know you said you tried clomid, but I have heard good things about it and I will be taking my very first round of it (my first fertility med) in 2 weeks.  To be honest I never really used the whole charting, opk thing.  Just keep on BD every other day and your doctor will know what to do for you :o)  Don't lose faith, it'll happen for you! I really believe that!  

Answer 5

I think getting the digital ovulation monitor and using that the next two cycles would be good. Then if still no BFP, go back to the doc for meds. I know you feel worried, especially given your family history, but I think in retrospect, another two months of trying med-free and with the assitance of the digital monitor will be good and may happen for you.

Its so great that your DH is so understanding and supportive! That's awesome.

Definitely hang in there! I know how hard it is to go though all the emotional ups and downs of TTC for so long. Lean on your DH for support and keep trying.

Much love and dust...