question about shots/IUI (long)

Aurora1181

Met with RE today for follow up.. He thinks I am ovulating but that it is very weak. So we are continuing 50mg of Clomid and adding an HCG injection after the CD12 ultrasound. He said that at the ultrasound we'll know if the nurses should go ahead and do the injection or if I'll have to do it at home. He said we would talk about it the day of the ultrasound.

I am terrified at the idea of doing a shot on my own..or having my husband do it. Will he have to do it? Where does the shot go? Any reassurance y'all could provide on this front would be good! 

Also, he said he would recommend also doing an IUI this cycle, but said that it is our decision and we could wait on that if we want. My husband had one bad SA (motility issues) and one good SA, so the RE thinks the IUI might help put the sperm where it needs to go.  I've also had a minor surgery (a LEEP) that he thinks could be impeding getting the sperm where it needs to go- although my OBGYN said that it wouldn't cause any problems. The cost breakdown is:

Clomid + HCG = $400. 

Clomid + HCG + IUI = $700. 

I'm not sure if it makes a difference, but I'm a teacher so I have June and July off- another reason why he suggested going ahead and doing the IUI this summer rather than waiting (less stress, etc).

 What do you ladies think? Go ahead and do the IUI this cycle? Wait a month maybe and see if Clomid and HCG work on their own? 

amh612

I opted to do the IUI in lieu of TI for peace of mind. My RE didn't really feel the IUI would increase our chances that much over TI because we have no MFI, but we asked for it anyway. I wanted to make sure those swimmers got a head start, and I also didn't want my H to stress about performing.  I think ultimately its your decision but it sounds like since you have the summer off it might be a good time.

As far as the shot goes, I actually had mine administered in the office on CD12 because my u/s showed I was ready to go.  It wasn't bad at all, but having the nurse do it did help Some other ladies on here have done it themselves or had their H do it.

Aurora1181

Thanks amh.. I'm thinking along those same lines- peace of mind. And this is a total newbie question, but where does the shot go? your butt/hip? arm? stomach?

Durham1008

I did a trigger shot this cycle. The nurse did it for me but I didn't even feel it. Mine was in my stomach.

ETA: My DH and I opted for TI for now because we wanted to give it a shot.

LyssRob

I opted for TI instead of IUI bc it feels more "natural" but we also don't have MFI issues....so I don't know if I would do IUI right away if we did...

As far as the trigger shot, I promise it is NOTHING. I do FSH shots as well and think they are way worse than the trigger. I have my husband give them to me in the stomach, but the thigh is also an option. Have an icepack on hand for right after if you are worried. GL!

Crystal120410

I'm on follistim injections and was so scared of doing it myself that my sh has been doing them. Last night he had to work so I had no choice but to do it myself. It was nothing!! Can't believe I got myself all worked up over it. Mine go in the stomach as well, but totally painless!! 

imwithrebel

The nurse gives me my Ovidrel shot in my arm. It's really not bad - I wouldn't have a problem with my husband giving it to me or even giving it to myself, it just hasn't worked out where I've needed to.

I'm a teacher too, so I understand really wanting to maximize these summer cycles. Considering that along with your husband's inconsistent SA, I would probably go ahead with the IUI.

ARS0805

I just had my first IUI yesterday.  I vote for the IUI!  It was much less stressful for us.  The trigger shot was a breeze.  I iced for about five minutes before I gave it to myself.  I did my in my belly-- one inch left and down from my belly button.  I never felt a thing.  My mother and sister didn't think I would be able to self-inject because I am a big weenie!!  But I showed that shot who was boss.  You can do it!  GL! 

 

Oh and I bought Disney Princess band aids and expense chocolates to treat myself after each shot!  ;-) 

diamante1181

I, too, had a leep 2 summers ago. Ob said there would be no problems, but the reality is I have scar tissue from the procedure. When I had my u/s w/the blue dye, the RE had to dilate me because the opening was too small to put the catheter through. So, yeah, IUI vs TI will probably be more efficacious. 

amh612

Aurora1181:

Thanks amh.. I'm thinking along those same lines- peace of mind. And this is a total newbie question, but where does the shot go? your butt/hip? arm? stomach?

I get the shot in the stomach.  Good luck!

LadyLawyerTTC

The shots are not as bad as I built them up to be. This was my first cycle doing them. I was nervous. But the nurse gave me good instructions. I also watched a video on the manufacturers website before I did it and as I did it. After it was all done it was actually not that bad at all. the next two shots I wasn't nervous about a bit. I also did them in my belly and iced the spot first.

Killer Tomato

I was all freaked out by the ovidrel shot the first time I had to do it. After I was done, I felt rather silly, as it was really easy and barely hurt. It is a REALLY tiny needle...nothing like the ones they draw blood with. I barely felt it, and I didn't ice anything. I pinch my skin/fat an inch or two from the belly button and inject there. First you swab the area with alcohol, then pinch and inject. I also had no side effects from the shot, nor have I heard of anyone having any, in case you start to wonder about that.

 I vote do the IUI as well...if you are going to take the drugs, might as well give them the best odds and go all the way is how I look at it. Good luck!