Back to back medicated cycles?

Pintobean39

Of course my first medicated cycle was a BFN. I'd originally thought I would take 1 cycle off in between but now I don't know. I talked to the nurse this morning and she's going to call me back this afternoon with a plan if I decide to do another medicated cycle. I did injections of Gonal F last cycle and TI. I guess that since I'm getting closer every month to 40 I just don't feel like I should wait.

I know this is a decision my husband and I have to make but I'm just curious what everyone else does. Do you do back to back or do you take breaks?

hope2bmom83

We always did back to back.  Mostly because I do not ovulate naturally and I didn't want to wait for my body to respond to the Provera to start AF.  That adds about 2 weeks on to my cycle.  Good luck with your decision.

jaytee16

We haven't taken a break at all, this is our 5th medicated cycle.  I do not believe we'll get KU on our own, and at almost 20 months TTC, I want to throw everything we can at each cycle and try to make the most of it.  

I think you're OOP as well, so that definitely factors in, and it might for us moving forward - how many IUIs we'll try before saving that money to put toward IVF if that might be in our future.  It's really a personal choice and there are never any clear cut "right" answers.  Good luck deciding!  

ky29

We mostly did.  The only reason we took one off was because of a trip.  The other cycle was cancelled because I had a polyp removed.

Pintobean39

Yes @jaytee16. I'm OOP. So that has to be factored too.

The more I think about it it sucks even more. I don't think I put enough baileys in my coffee. I think I need more, like the bottle!

jaytee16

This one's on me

Pintobean39

The nurse called me back. I started on 50iui of Gonal last time and they upped it to 100iui. I had 1 mature follicle and 9 other. I ovulate on my own so I was down about that part because I can do that for free.

This time he wants to start me out at 125iui to get more of a response so I'm excited about that. This also increases the cost.

Magic 8 ball tell me what to do!!!!

jaytee16

Hopefully you'll get a better response with the upped dosage.  I was pretty peeved last cycle that I ended up having to buy a second vial of stims, but at that point, I'm all in!  

Decisions, decisions....I'm sorry, I wish I could tell you/suggest what to do, but it's really up to you.  But if the cost will be the same this cycle vs next, and you're going to pay it, does it matter if it's now or in 4 weeks?  If that works better for your finances (tax time and whatnot) then I would consider a break, but if it's all the same to spend $1000 (for example) now vs a month from now, I would be less inclined to take a cycle off.  But that's just my person opinion.   

I'm pretty invested here....you better update!

Pintobean39

@jaytee16 you make a good point. I'm going to spend it anyway. I also have about 300 IUI of Gonal in my fridge that cost about $300 and if I don't use it this cycle I have to throw it away. So I'm saving money doing a medicated cycle this month vs next month.

jaytee16

I would be inclined to suggest you go for it, especially if you currently have meds you already paid for that will be expired by the next cycle.  Not trying to be a pusher, it's your money, but I would hate to throw away paid for meds.

RunCC37

We have not taken a break since starting with our first IUI in May. The thought of a break makes my head spin. That's mostly because I've put my life on hold (I'm a marathon runner which is something that has to be put to the side while stimming like this). A break means one more month of an uncertain future and one more month off of my training. If we're heading for bad news, I'd rather just get it now so I can deal with it and move on.

rox825

The only breaks I've taken have been for surgeries, then a brief pregnancy, and will take another break if this one doesn’t work for potentially another surgery. I figure the faster I get through treatment cycles the faster I'll achieve the end result. Good luck!

Pintobean39

Well my husband and I discussed it and looks like were going to do a back to back medicated cycle. I knew you wanted to know @jaytee16 since you were invested in this decision. :-)

Let the fun begin! (That was sarcasm)

Lillovebug79

I did multiple back to back medicated cycles but finally I felt like my body needed a break! So I took a month off meds and now I'm back at it.

jaytee16

I'm glad you and your H came to a decision.  Good luck this cycle, wishing you all the best!!

Sigh202

We have only taken breaks to address medical issues and we skipped December. I just wanted to be able to enjoy the holidays.