Infertility: The Journey to My $75,000 Baby Part 3 - Clomid Treatments

Today is a very exciting day for me. I've finally reached the point in my Infertility treatments were we are actually introducing medication. So far it has been many visits to the office for testing only no treatments. All of which is getting ready to change.

My doctor has prescribed the Fertility drug Clomid. Clomid is often a first line treatment to induce regular ovulation. Clomid works at the level of the hypothalamus where it competes for estrogen binding sites. When these "sites are occupied" by Clomid, the hypothalamus responds by producing more GnRH which then stimulates the pituitary to produce FSH. In a normal cycle healthy follicles produce estrogen, which signals the hypothalamus to reduce production of FSH. In my case my body is not producing enough FSH so I need a little boost.

At my office visit I was prescribed a supply of fifteen pills for this month's cycle. I was instructed to take three pills a day together from day 7 to day 12 of my cycle. On day 12 I would need to monitor ovulation until there was a rise in FSH. Once there was rise in FSH it would be the best time to try and conceive.

On day 7 I started my first dose of Clomid. I took my first dose early that morning before work but after breakfast. This was a big mistake! The medication had me out of it. My head began to spin and I was extremely dizzy. I started to vomit and I experienced fierce stomach cramps. My temperature went up to 101.3 and I was absolutely feeling terrible. I was sent home that day to get some rest and try to feel better. I called Dr. Bernhisel's office just to make sure everything was OK. The nurse assured me over the phone that it was normal to feel bad the first day.

On day 8 it was time for my second dose. This time I was prepared for the side effects. I decided to go to work and take my medication at home. I made sure I had a balanced meal and that my stomach was feeling stable enough to take the medication. I took my medication one hour before bed that night. This was a much better decision I felt little side effects.

On day 9, 10, 11 and 12 I continued with the same routine as day 8. It was time to track ovulation to make sure the medication was working. On day 12 I tested ovulation that night before bed. My results showed negative but after reading the insert included with the test it may have been the testing time. Depending on the Ovulation test you may need to test first thing in the morning. This helps to ensure accurate results.

The following morning (Day 13) I showed positive results and I was actively ovulating. I called to inform Dr. Bernhisel's office of the test results. I was informed to for the next 48 hours I would need to try to conceive. Two weeks following the last day of ovulation I would need to return to the office for my first pregnancy test.

To sum it all up the Clomid was only uncomfortable for one day. I would definitely use it again if necessary. I'm confident that this medication works. I was not ovulating at all before using it and after my first treatment cycle I showed positive results. Now it is the time to wait and see what's next. In two weeks I will be able to tell you all I'm pregnant or I'm starting something new. Either way I'm all in! I will be keeping you all up to date.