IUI to IVF - taking a break in between?

laurendSept05

I've had three IUIs - when I went for my baseline ultrasound for IUI #4 they found two cysts so I'm now on bcp.  We were going to jump right into IVF, but after our consultation are wondering if we should take a month off to regroup.  Just curious if anyone else took a break during this process and what your feelings were.  Were you glad you did?  Or did you wish you'd just kept going?  Our RE said its better to just keep the momentum up.  But I'm just not sure if for us we need this mental and physical break.  I've had a really hard time with the meds - nausea has been really bad on all of them for the IUIs - and I'll be on the gonal and progesterone again for IVF.  I would love to hear others opions - I'm just so torn on what the right decision is.  Thanks! 

moosegal

We are in the same boat. If this IUI (#3) isn't successful, we will be moving on to IVF. As of a few weeks ago, we were thinking we'd wait until January to jump into IVF and give ourselves a break during the holidays this fall, but now we're thinking of only taking a 1 month break and starting IVF in October. I still don't know which we'll do, but I think I'll have a better idea at the end of this cycle.

Of course, it's a decision that only you guys can make. For me, I'll need at least a month to sort through the financial side of things, and I'm sort of looking forward to not having to worry about monitoring appointments and meds for a few weeks.

ukcats27

I haven't been in this situation but I can see both sides.  If it were me, I would not take a break because ultimately you know that you are going to move to IVF.  Now if the doctor recommended it or there were financial issues, then I would wait.  But either way, good luck to you!

Sweets11

I had to take a two cycle break between IUI to IVF to 'let my ovaries settle down'.  I think most offices practice this.

Good luck with IVF, I hope your cysts go down

hootie123

There actually is not a right or wrong answer to this.  From what you're saying in your message - I think you want to take a break and if you want to - you should!  And the cysts are sort-of forcing you to take a break from treatment as well.  Your RE should support your decision to take a break!  I know for me - I was in the very same situation - did Inject IUI - had cysts - went on birth control.  What I ended up doing is finishing up that month of birth control - getting my period.  Then starting up birth control again for IVF.  So essentially I ended up with longer than a month 'break' in between cycles.   I agree that it is nice to have some time to not be doing treatments and giving yourself shots, etc., especially before IVF - which has way more shots involved in it. 

GL!

blueberries8

I took almost 3 months off between my last IUI and my first IVF. In truth, it was more because I had to than by choice - it actually took that long to get everything organized with the clinic, for them to have space for me, and for health insurance to approve the cycle. I think it is great to have one cycle off in between to recharge yourself and refocus but I personally wouldn't want more than one cycle off. Good luck with whatever you decide!

Trish11278

In between IUI#3 and IUI#4 we did take a mental/vacation break.  At first, I didn't want to because I was playing the what if's in my head.  Although, now I am glad that I did.  If you feel that you and YH need that break, than do it.  Do what is best for the two of you.  GL in what ever you decide!

laurendSept05

Thanks for your thoughts.  I looks like I'm not the only one who needed a break!  That makes me feel better.  The doctor almost made me feel like I must not want this badly enough if I wanted to take a break.  But my husband and I have said - in the grand scheme of things what is one more month?  We know we are committed and will continue.  If I had a crystal ball that would say IVF will def. work then I'd go for it right away - but after over two years of negative pregancy tests, I know there are no guarantees.  Thanks again!

ADub09

we did our third and final IUI in May and our ER is going to be (hopefully) sometime next week.  it wasn't our plan to take a break but we are travelling to do our IVF so we needed to sync my cycle with the 2 week period we were going to be in the IVF city. I personally have enjoyed the break and I think since you have cysts you should give yourself a little rest.  GL.

tst1998

We took three months off between IUI's and IVF. I wanted to take two off, but DH had too much travel last month, so the timing was too stressful. My RE 100% supported and encouraged us taking a break. I don't know why your doctor would worry about "keeping up the momentum." Taking a month off isn't going to make it less likely that IVF will work for you. 

Do what you need to do for yourself. I have really enjoyed our break, it's been nice not having to worry about monitoring, meds, etc. And having just gotten our IVF cycle schedule--holy heck! My life is no longer my own. So I highly recommend taking some time to have some fun and mentally recover. Good luck!