Moving to IUI - Advice

J1006

We officially have a plan in place!  Due to severe MFI that hasn't improved we are moving to IUI with donor sperm. I have an appointment in 2 weeks to discuss the IUI process with my doctor. I'm the type of person who usually doesn't have any questions while I'm there, but as soon as I get home I think of a ton.  Any advice? Any questions I should be sure to ask?  

thothscribe81

@J1006 Good luck with your appointment!  For my IUI's the process has been pretty much the same each month just with different medications.  Ultrasound and bloodwork on day 3 of my cycle, then oral meds for a few days, then this month we added injections until my follicles were big enough.  The IUI itself was pretty simple, it took about an hour for them to wash and process the sample and then they insert the sperm - kinda like going for a pap smear only a little more uncomfortable.  Probably a few seconds of cramping but then thats it!  

As for questions - I'd just make sure you understand each medication your doctor is putting you on prior to the IUI and what days/doses you will be taking.  This cycle especially with multiple meds it was helpful for me to write down exactly what I was taking and when!  Oh and make room in your fridge for medication lol.  I had multiple boxes and my follistim pen kit in there.  

Good luck and keep us updated!

laurad75

I would definitely make sure you will be monitored leading up to the IUI to make sure you are not being over stimulated by the meds or miss ovulation.  Sometimes they will just have you take OPK's and then bring you in when you get a positive rather than monitoring.  With that method I missed ovulation my first scheduled IUI.  

funkykey

@J1006 - congratulations re: moving forward!

I agree with @laurad75 - I'd specifically ask questions about monitoring. My last IUI cycle (with clomid) they didn't give me an u/s nor any testing until day 15, and by then my follicles were too big/"overmature". I had a BFN, and now I'm benched with cysts.

I wish I'd gone in at CD12 for an u/s. Next time. 

Irisheyes81

@j1006 congrats! That's so exciting.  I am about to have my first IUI (hopefully this weekend).  I agree with what the other girls said about monitoring.  Every month is so different and a simple day 12 ultrasound is helpful.  I was really afraid to give myself a trigger shot but it isn't bad at all.   

J1006

Thanks for the advice! I will definitely keep those things in mind.
@Irisheyes81 I too am nervous about injectables if I go that route. Not a fan of needles. Luckily my husband is in the medical field, so this is going to be his job  

Irisheyes81

@j1006 I was terrified of giving myself a shot. I haven't done fertility drugs by injection, just the HSG shot.  I picked it up the first time during my lunch hour and they said it needed to stay cold so I took it home to take it really fast and go back to work. I stood there in my bathroom giving myself a pep talk.  My dog was supposed to be supportive and was no help whatsoever.  Finally, I'm like, just do it and go back to work.  It was crazy. That's awesome that DH is in the medical field and can help you! It will all be great. No worries. 

laurad75

I was also very nervous for my first injectable and it was much easier than I anticipated.  Now that I'm doing IVF I'm a total pro.  You will be fine. 

Isthisthereallife

@j1006 Good luck and congrats on your first IUI! Agree with all the other girls - make sure you're being monitored as you don't want to miss your peak time. You are your biggest advocate - don't forget that! I know the needles are scary at first, but don't worry. They really aren't bad and the biggest issue with them is psyching yourself out before hand.

laurad75

Isthisthereallife said:

@j1006 Good luck and congrats on your first IUI! Agree with all the other girls - make sure you're being monitored as you don't want to miss your peak time. You are your biggest advocate - don't forget that! I know the needles are scary at first, but don't worry. They really aren't bad and the biggest issue with them is psyching yourself out before hand.

This x100