[L-SBB]

Sorry for all the questions...and many thanks to those of you so much more experienced than me answering them

I'm curious for those who took Clomid, trigger shots, etc...how many cycles in a row does your RE allow you to do before they recommend taking a break? And how long of a break did they recommend?

I seriously need AF to kick in so I can go badger my RE with questions directly at the baseline appt

[KMH]

A lot of REs won't do more than 4-6 cycles of the same protocol, simply because if it hasn't worked by then, it probably isn't going to work. My RE never asked me to take a break, but I was forced to do so because of cysts during a couple of cycles.

[kayakr]

My RE never has suggested break either. I had 3 rounds of Clomid plus trigger with all BFN. DH and I agreed to one month break to just to feel normal for a bit. Then we went right to Iui. We are now be starting our 3rd iui in a row.

From my understanding as long as your ovaries can handle it they like to keep going.

[kayakr]

Well guess what? I just got back from my CD1 appointment and I have to take a break. My ovaries are two big to continue with another medicated injections. They said it was good I responded so well to the meds last time, but becuase of that I am extra swollen so I DO have to take the month off.

So I guess the question to your answer is whenever your body says "no way"!!

[L-SBB]

thanks for the responses....i'll have to talk further with my RE about what he's thinking if this next cycle doesn't work.

Even if he doesn't recommend a break I may take one for a cycle or two...one of my worries (and I want to go talk with my PCP) is that on one hand I'm being told with the newly diagnosed blood clotting disorder (and an abnormal additional result for anticardiolipins) that I'll never be put on birth control or estrogen replacement b/c of the clotting risk. But then the meds they're now prescribing me carry an enhanced clotting risk (esp the progesterone) so I'm not necessarily comfortable doing endless medicated cycles without a break even if my ovaries held up for them.

IDK, need to think about it some more and maybe get a less pregnancy/TTC-focused opinion from my PCP, since to date the only doctors involved in the clotting issues have been OBs/REs.

[kayakr]

You get as much information as you can from anyone you can. Then you can make an informed decision for yourself. So yes get that other specialist involved too.

[ccartanddesign]

I did 9 cycles of Femara with trigger shot - 5 of those cycles were IUIs. Then i got an infection from the last IUI so I quit for the summer. I just finished my first round of IVF and my RE told me I had to wait a cycle before starting my next IVF cycle.

[*JenJen*]

My RE only does forced breaks post miscarriage or if your baseline is off(cysts, elevated bloodwork). Otherwise, you can do up to 6 cycles on the same protocol before a switch is forced.

[mistletoe]

I would definitely second the suggestion of second opinions, especially from different kinds of specialists. \

As for protocol, the practice where we go has a standard 3-cycle of clomid-IUI before moving to IVF, based on statistical results, i.e., as previously mentioned, after 3 failed cycles the chances of a particular protocol working is extremely limited. I have also read a study -- though without being able to give you the source it is absolutely debatable -- that 6 months of clomid was the recommended maximum dosage due to increased risks. But, until I can actually re-find the study, I wouldn't take just my word on it.