IUI vs IVF ... WWYD?

MAK06

Our dx is MFI, low morph.  We've had 14 "natural" unsuccessful cycles and one failed IUI with clomid (2 follies).

We have a lifetime insurance coverage of 15K.  Given that we have low morph and a set lifetime amount, the plan was to move to IVF after one or two failed IUI cycles.  I just spoke with my nurse.  She said it is up to us to make the final decision.  Our doctor will do whatever we want, another IUI or IVF.

If we do IVF I will be taking 1-2 cycles off to lose weight (for myself) and mentally prepare for it.  If we do IUI I will need to decide soon so I can go for CD 3 bloodwork tomorrow.  I of course know this is ultimately up to DH and I.

But would you go right to IVF since it has the highest success rates?  Any thoughts or advice?

MBandBud

I would move to IVF esp with your Dx.  I would hate to keep chewing at that lifetime max and no success.  GL with what you decide and good for your for getting into shape!!

Ruby_Tuesday

I have the same insurance coverage, up to $15,000 total.  I just met with my RE about it today.  I do have a different dx.  Here's my post about how we are leaning straight toward IVF.

https://community.thenest.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/21369121.aspx

 

rebecca&nathan

this is a tough decision indeed.  Since you are so close to cycling with an IUI and you're dealing with MFI, I think I would chose one more IUI then move on to IVF.  I am on the aggressive side of the fence, though.  GL with what you decide.

caden

Did they give you success rates for future IUIs? If your doctor thinks it has a decent chance of working thten I would try a few more b/c you'd still have leftover money for IVF. (Unless they charge your insurance something super high for IUIs. I'm assuming it's only a thousand or two) I bypassed all IUIs and went straight to IVF but our MFI is low all 3. Although it was b/c of the morph that we were told by 2 REs that IUIs would have been pointless for us.

ladychicago

given your diagnosis and insurance situation.... i'd move to IVF.     the success rates are SO much higher for MFI situations, especially.   good luck with your decision!

Jackie2200

I've got a different dx but am in the same boat.  We've decided to go ahead with IVF since the chances are higher and my eggs aren't getting any younger.   

MAK06

caden:

Did they give you success rates for future IUIs? If your doctor thinks it has a decent chance of working thten I would try a few more b/c you'd still have leftover money for IVF. (Unless they charge your insurance something super high for IUIs. I'm assuming it's only a thousand or two) I bypassed all IUIs and went straight to IVF but our MFI is low all 3. Although it was b/c of the morph that we were told by 2 REs that IUIs would have been pointless for us.

Well today the RN said for IUI success was about 15-20%, although when I had it done I had asked the RE and she said only 10%.  For IVF 60% or maybe even higher since I'm 27.  They charge around 2,500 per IUI.  IVF with ICSI is about 12,000.  What was your morph % (if you don't mind) that they told you IUI are pointless?  We are 1% and I've seen people have different advice from the RE.

negrilbride07

I agree with pp's with the lifetime max I'd want the higher success rate that IVF offers.

MAK06

Ruby_Tuesday:

I have the same insurance coverage, up to $15,000 total.  I just met with my RE about it today.  I do have a different dx.  Here's my post about how we are leaning straight toward IVF.

https://community.thenest.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/21369121.aspx

 

Given all those factors, I would choose IVF too.  Best of luck to you!!   

caden

MAK06:

Well today the RN said for IUI success was about 15-20%, although when I had it done I had asked the RE and she said only 10%.  For IVF 60% or maybe even higher since I'm 27.  They charge around 2,500 per IUI.  IVF with ICSI is about 12,000.  What was your morph % (if you don't mind) that they told you IUI are pointless?  We are 1% and I've seen people have different advice from the RE.

Don't mind at all! My DH's morph has ranged between 1 & 4% (WHO scale). My current RE said his cutoff is 4% (Kruger) for IUIs, so we definitely missed that by a long shot. My old RE didn't give me a specific cutoff number - just advised us against it.

20% is a big difference than 10%, but I'm guessing that 20% is more for the general population than your specific case. 10% even sounds high to me for MFI couples. That's just my guess though. I think a lot of REs (mine included) inflate their stats when telling people what their personal success probability is. Both my REs quoted me IVF probabilities that were higher than their SART scores.

MAK06

caden:

MAK06:

Well today the RN said for IUI success was about 15-20%, although when I had it done I had asked the RE and she said only 10%.  For IVF 60% or maybe even higher since I'm 27.  They charge around 2,500 per IUI.  IVF with ICSI is about 12,000.  What was your morph % (if you don't mind) that they told you IUI are pointless?  We are 1% and I've seen people have different advice from the RE.

Don't mind at all! My DH's morph has ranged between 1 & 4% (WHO scale). My current RE said his cutoff is 4% (Kruger) for IUIs, so we definitely missed that by a long shot. My old RE didn't give me a specific cutoff number - just advised us against it.

20% is a big difference than 10%, but I'm guessing that 20% is more for the general population than your specific case. 10% even sounds high to me for MFI couples. That's just my guess though. I think a lot of REs (mine included) inflate their stats when telling people what their personal success probability is. Both my REs quoted me IVF probabilities that were higher than their SART scores.

Thanks!  I'm definitely leaning towards IVF.  DH will be home from work soon so we can make a final decision!   

Ambertiger

Wow, we have pretty much the exact same situation to the day. Tomorrow I go in for my first u/s & bloodwork before getting on clomid for IUI #1, even though the RE said go straight to IVF pretty much. Insur. benefits the same, except ours is 50% of any infertility svcs., up to $15K. We are MFI, low all 3 also. I want to do at least one cycle of IUI first so I can mentally/physically prepare myself for the taxing IVF process...since really I've gone through basically nothing yet, except an HSG! Good luck on your decision! I was operating on the assumption that an IUI was only around $300, so I better check that!