Hi all - I posted an intro here a few months ago, but I've only really lurked.
TL;DR version: During my IUI cycles, I noticed that I recruit a lead follicle very early on in my cycle (it's gotta happen between Day 2 and 3). We're trying 2 more IUI cycles before moving to IVF, and I wonder if this early lead follicle recruitment would affect choice of IVF protocol. My doctor has recommended standard antagonist protocol without priming. But I'm wondering if a luteal phase start would be more suited in my case. Any thoughts/suggestions are welcome.
Longer version: MH and I have been doing IUI cycles, some of which have been cancelled because of various issues (follicle too big > suspected post-mature egg; lining too thin b/c of Clomid). Most recently, we've been trying to do Combo IUI, with Clomid/Letrazole plus a low-dose injectable. The goal is superovulation, but for some reason, I only ever develop 1 follicle by trigger day (which is usually Day 9 or 10 for me... VERY EARLY!) I looked back and my history of medicated cycles and noticed that my first two cycles – at a different clinic from where we are now – I started Clomid on Day 2 of my cycle. In those cycles, I always developed 2 mature follicles. But, with my new clinic, my RE has had me starting Clomid and/or Letrazole, on Day 3. Each of those cycles resulted in only 1 lead follicle. So, a secondary question is: has anyone else had this problem in IUI cycles? What did you do to achieve superovulation? I would love to get 2-3 follicles to set ourselves up for greatest change success. My body doesn't seem to want to cooperate.
This is our last Combo IUI cycle (Letrazole and Menopur), and I insisted to my RE that I start on Day 2 (even though she didn't think it would make a difference). If this doesn't work, we're willing to try an injectables cycle. And if THAT doesn't work, we'll do IVF in March. So, I'm already thinking about my best choice of protocol hence the original question: would anything we learned from my IUI cycles impact the choice of IVF protocol?