Looking for suggestions........7th IUI=BFN

2ndTeachOSU

You can see from my signature we completed 7 IUIs this year under 2 different protocols. All have been BFN. 

AF began today and am confused on what my next step should be. The RE wants me to move to injectables (1 dose on day 7) while staying on Femara. I am at a lost because I am tired of shelling out money and not receiving anything in return. If we do injectables, I am thinking of waiting until the first of the year when I go back on my husband's insurance.

I want to request additional testing before completing another cycle but I am not sure what to ask for. I had bloodwork done last summer which the RE looked at prior to treatment. I had a HSG which showed both tubes open. 

I am waiting to call the nurse until tomorrow. I would like suggestions on what questions I should ask on the phone and any requests I should make.

TIA

2ndTeachOSU

Sorry not sure what happened to my signature but here is my info: 

Married since April 2010. TTC #1 since November 2010

Me:25 Diagnosed with Hypothyroid and PCOS November 2011.

DH:39. SA:Normal HSG:both tubes open

Cycle #1-3: 50 mg. Clomid with TI through OB/GYN(Stupid, I know:()

Took break for new job.

January 2013

Cycles #4-6(Jan-March 2013):Clomid+Metformin+Trigger+IUI=all BFNs

Cycles #7-10(April-July 2013): Femara+Metformin-Ovidrel+IUI=all BFNs

2ndTeachOSU

I had any where from 1-3 mature follicles for the 4 cycles I was on Femara.

One of the things I was going to ask was what injectable he was thinking so I could gauge the cost. I know for sure we are sitting out this cycle because we are on vacation next week and I don't want to worry about anything other than to enjoy our time away.

rox825

Honestly, if I had done 7 IUIs, had ovulated and had a good sperm sample each time, and all were BFNs, I would move to IVF. There are diminishing returns once you get past 3 IUIs, so if you've never had a positive, unfortunately it seems like it might not the best treatment option for you. If IVF isn't an option then you could try an injects cycle, but if it were me, I'd move on from IUI. As far as questions and requests, I would ask what your chance of success is after 7 failed attempts, and you could request new CD3 bloodwork and US to see if anything has changed. You could also ask about a lap to check for endo. I hope that you find a treatment protocol that will work!!

twistsandturnsto2

rox825 said:

Honestly, if I had done 7 IUIs, had ovulated and had a good sperm sample each time, and all were BFNs, I would move to IVF. There are diminishing returns once you get past 3 IUIs, so if you've never had a positive, unfortunately it seems like it might not the best treatment option for you. If IVF isn't an option then you could try an injects cycle, but if it were me, I'd move on from IUI. As far as questions and requests, I would ask what your chance of success is after 7 failed attempts, and you could request new CD3 bloodwork and US to see if anything has changed. You could also ask about a lap to check for endo. I hope that you find a treatment protocol that will work!!

This. Good luck moving forward

Twinkie0612

rox825 said:

Honestly, if I had done 7 IUIs, had ovulated and had a good sperm sample each time, and all were BFNs, I would move to IVF. There are diminishing returns once you get past 3 IUIs, so if you've never had a positive, unfortunately it seems like it might not the best treatment option for you. If IVF isn't an option then you could try an injects cycle, but if it were me, I'd move on from IUI. As far as questions and requests, I would ask what your chance of success is after 7 failed attempts, and you could request new CD3 bloodwork and US to see if anything has changed. You could also ask about a lap to check for endo. I hope that you find a treatment protocol that will work!!

This.  After our 4th IUI, my RE recommended thinking about either moving on to IVF or a lap to check for endo.  We opted to move on to IVF. 

vpine

I wouldn't have done so many on clomid in 1st place, I suggest trying 3 inject cycles and then moving to IVF.
As for cost, I used Bravelle 75iu which was $49.99/each injection (I used 9 each cycle and 1 Ovidrel): https://freedomfertility.com/fertility-medications/medications-and-pricing.aspx

FutureMrsW9

I'm sorry you're having so much trouble and seem to be at a stand still

I don't have any experience with IUI, so I don't have anything to compare it to.  But from some of the posts and other blogs that I've read, I'm surprised they haven't suggested IVF.  From what I've seen, it looks like most try IUI 3-4 times and then start thinking about a different approach.  Have you asked about IVF as a next option?  Good luck with whatever comes next for you!

ronniesgirl1981

What about getting a second opinion? 

GermanGirl2007

twistsandturnsto2 said:

Honestly, if I had done 7 IUIs, had ovulated and had a good sperm sample each time, and all were BFNs, I would move to IVF. There are diminishing returns once you get past 3 IUIs, so if you've never had a positive, unfortunately it seems like it might not the best treatment option for you. If IVF isn't an option then you could try an injects cycle, but if it were me, I'd move on from IUI. As far as questions and requests, I would ask what your chance of success is after 7 failed attempts, and you could request new CD3 bloodwork and US to see if anything has changed. You could also ask about a lap to check for endo. I hope that you find a treatment protocol that will work!!

This. Good luck moving forward

I also agree with all of this. After 4 IUI's, we moved on to IVF. The success rates with IUI's are fairly low anyways, but lower significantly after 3 attempts. I wouldn't waste time or money on more of the same if it's an option for you to move on. I also agree on getting a second opinion. I am sorry that you are feeling so stuck.