IUI question - Injectables vs none

dreamalotmp

Hi.   I'm wondering if anyone knows whether or not injectables would help me get preg with my IUIs. My RE said the wouldn't, but I'm wondering what your opinions are. I'm 39, tested with high FSH once (24), but then it went down the next month to 8.8. I ovulate regularly and have a normal luteal phase length. Everything else is normal aside from my ovaries being kind of on the small side. My husband's SA shows great results. He got an A+ from the doctor, which made him grin like a goof. :P

I think the RE is saying that no hormones will help me since I ovulate normally. Does that sound right?  I'm wondering if I should push for something different if the IUI that we just did is unsuccessful.

Thanks!

LadyGolfer523

I would be finding a new doctor/second opinion.  That sounds very strange to me.

dreamalotmp

Can you tell me why you think that it sounds strange? I guess that is what I'm confused about. Thanks.

Edwina.McDunnough

Ditto Mrs T.

I'd get your AMH level evaluated and see an RE that specializes in DOR/high FSH patients. 24 is pretty high, and you're only as good as your highest measure.

We went straight to injectable IUIs to get more than one follie per cycle. AMA means more of our eggs are duds. Of course if you don't want to risk multiples that would be another thing.

Good luck.

dreamalotmp

Yeah, I'm only producing one follicle per month when I get the u/s before the IUI. I would like more of a chance, but am definitely not sure about multiples.

The problem is that in my area (Pittsburgh), there really is only one group of REs that take my insurance (as far as I know) and I'm sure they all believe the same thing about high FSH. I did get her to agree to test my FSH again next month if this IUI doesn't work. I'll ask her to test the AMH as well. Thanks for mentioning that. 

jehnm

I think certain RE's like injectables with IUI and others don't.  At least this is what I've found in our local area.  My RE wants most people to try IUI with injectables three times before moving to IVF unless it's a definite no that it won't work (blocked tubes, very low sperm count, etc).   The thinking is that as we age, more of the eggs aren't viable.  I've read studies on numbers with age, but let's say that out of every 10 eggs, at age 39, 2 are viable.  If you are doing clomid with IUI and producing two follicles each cycle, it would take possibly five months to get pregnant, if you are using injectables and producing five mature follicles each cycle then it might take two months to get those same 10 follicles.  Make sense?   Now, these are just an example to illustrate the point, they aren't by any means statistics, true, etc.....Just my thoughts about why my RE thinks injectables should be tried with IUI. 

Hope that helps! 

dreamalotmp

That does make sense, jehnm. Thanks.

I called another clinic in the area and was surprised to find out that they accept my insurance. If this IUI isn't successful (and I pray that it is), I will go there for a consult. 

jessican08

Hey there! I was sort of surprised to find that my RE wanted to do injectibles with me as well since I ovulate regularly and have regular cycles but I'm on a VERY low dose, last cycle I had only 2 follies and this past cycle only 1 but I think they like to do it to make sure there is 1.) at least one mature follie there for the IUI and 2.) to make sure the timing is just right. Good luck to you!

huskerbaby

Edwina.McDunnough:

I'd get your AMH level evaluated and see an RE that specializes in DOR/high FSH patients. 24 is pretty high, and you're only as good as your highest measure.

 

My doctor used almost the exact same terminology- she said "you're only as good as your highest FSH"  So in her eyes it doesn't matter what it is now, only what the highest was.

I'd say skip to injectables.  You'll be more closely monitored and you'll know exactly how many follicles and what size, etc.   The who/what/where/how and when of conceiving.  For me it's better that way-  I can wrap my head around a scientific percentage of working, but there are too many unknowns that drive me crazy, even in an unmedicated cycle.    Best wishes!