back to back IUIs - worth it?

harleyquinn0621

has anyone here done back to back IUIs? I've been reading about them and some people say there isn't any real evidence that there is a higher success... others say there is....... i assume back to back IUIs would just double the cost right? there generally isn't a discount? lol that might be  silly question but if its going to cost me twice as much i would want to see a lot of evidence that it increases my chance of conception... has anyone here done it?

babymama619

I've been wondering this myself. After a lot of reading it seems that it might be worth it if you're paying for the meds out of pocket, have sperm with low numbers, or not using a trigger shot. My RE says the trigger shot allows them to maximize timing so 1 IUI is enough with good counts. But if I was paying $4000 a cycle for meds, I'd throw on an extra $500 for another IUI each cycle even if it was only a small increase in success.

seethosestars

Without a trigger shot I could see this having added benefit…  I doubt there is a discount hahaha

harleyquinn0621

Thanks guys! That's kind of what i was leaning towards- I don't think there is a lot of added benefit for back to back IUIs when using a trigger shot so I rather request the trigger shot be used.... 

wifeinraleigh28

My RE doesn't do back to backs because of the 'no evidence' piece.  And yes it would add cost.  My RE does use trigger shots though so we get the timing right.

I know I might sound pessimistic when I say this but IUI is such a crap shoot anyway.  With such awful odds to begin with, I see no point in paying extra money to do them back to back.  And if I was out of pocket, I wouldn't waste my money on IUIs period.

marissy8

I will be starting my third clomid/iui cycle tomorrow (all have been back-to-back). My plan has always been to do three then a month of bc followed by IVF. I guess for me personally, it took so long to get all the blood work, appointments, etc. to the point where I could even start treatment (8 months) that I want to try everything. I know the IUI success rate is not the best, but I figure three IUI's is going to cost about $3,500 while IVF is going to run us $15,000 (with no insurance coverage). IUI seems worth the shot!

harleyquinn0621

Marissy8 agreed! I think the chance of success really depends on why you are having difficulty conceiving...my RE has not found anything medically wrong with myself or DH and he thinks I have a good shot with IUI- not to mention the entire IUI process while paying out of pocket will cost me about $450 including meds, monitoring etc compared to $7-$10k for ivf ...which we unfortunately just can't afford  

crossing my my fingers for you this IUI round! 

BrightenMySky

My RE has never said anything about doing back-to-back IUIs.  I have used a trigger shot for all of them, though.  FX for all of you ladies this cycle!

Vagarcia16

**Loss and Child mentioned**

I did two rounds of back to back IUIs.  Both were successful, but the first one was a MC (Chemical Pregnancy.)  I'm currently 29 weeks pg, as a result of the 2nd back to back IUI.  Our issue was MFI (low sperm count) and both were done with trigger shot after I responded very well to Clomid (4 mature follicles each time).  For this 2nd IUI, DH's sperm count was actually higher on the last insemination which was a little less than 24 hrs apart from the first insemination.  For obvious reasons, I think it's worth a shot!  Especially compared to the costs of moving to IVF.  Good luck!