What's your normal IUI Cycle like?

Mandababy007

So as most you know I'm seeing my new RE for the first time on the upcoming 5th, I've been reading literally tons of IUI stories but most don't really answer some questions others in my position may have. Here's what I'm doing so far, the nurse has given me some outline to go by at this point. I will be using sperm, bought from a bank here who can deliver in the area for free same day. Will be doing HCG shot. Already on Metformin (PCOS).

So if you feel comfortable share your story on how you and your RE go about the process (How many Ultrasounds, Which days, do you use HCG shot?)

Here's some questions I'm looking for help with.

When you first saw your RE, how long was it before you had your first IUI?

How long did you order sperm before your IUI?

For those who do HCG shots, whats your normal time frame from shot to IUI?

 

Any answers will seriously help my process. 

ball.and.chain

I had my RE consult in December, during a cycle off, while I was still technically under the care of my midwife practice.  We were trying to decide whether or not to switch to the RE at that point, and we were just gathering information.  We did blood work and HSG in January (recommended by RE but ordered by midwives), and then after the results came back I did one more midwife IUI that month at the RE's suggestion (I would not have been able to do one with the RE at that point and we didn't want to miss another cycle).  When it was a BFN, I called the RE's office, switched practices and was able to do a February IUI with them.

It has a lot to do with where you are in your cycle when you first go to the RE.  I think if I had officially switched practices in December when I did my IUI, I would have been able to do a January IUI with them.

My RE's office wants sperm in their hands by CD1.  That isn't always feasible; because we've had issues with sperm, we've been ordering only 2 vials at a time, and when I'm on my last vial I don't want to order more until I know what the result of the cycle is.  But in those cases I do place the order as soon as I know it's a BFN.  I've never needed it until CD16 or so, but it's not worth stressing out about whether it's going to get there in time.

I tend to ovulate late, so my first ultrasound isn't usually until CD14 or 15, and I have anywhere from one to three ultrasounds before I'm told to trigger.  I trigger at 9 pm and have the IUI 36 hours later (so if I trigger at 9 pm on Monday, IUI is 9 am on Wednesday).  On a couple of occasions, my blood work has shown I'm surging already, so the IUI is scheduled for the following morning.  At that point it's too late to trigger ovulation, since my body is doing it on its own; then I take the trigger anyway just as a "boost" to ovulation.  I'm scheduled for bloodwork 14 days after IUI to test for pregnancy.

Hope that helps!

Kershnic

I first went to the RE in July 2011 and after doing all their testing I was able to have my first IUI in September 2011.

I do a CD 2 or 3 u/s and blood work, then come back 7 days later for u/s. At that point if my follies are good 15 or higher or so then we talk scheduling for the trigger/IUI. Depending on how big they are, that means wait a few days. Mature for a natural or oral med cycle is considered over 20mm or so, though doctors have somewhat different opinions on the exact number. Then I do home OPKs twice a day until trigger day to make sure we don't miss an unexpected natural surge. I trigger around 9pm and go in for IUI 36 hours later.

Kershnic

Oh, sperm. The written policy says we need 2 vials on site to start a cycle. We've broken it several times without a problem. As long as it's there by IUI day they don't really care, but I wouldn't cut it too close.

Also, I forgot to mention that if I didn't have follies of at least 15 or so at that CD 9 or 10ish appointment then they'd usually make me come back for another u/s 2ish days later.

Mandababy007

Thanks girls. I have a better idea of what exactly is going on with the RE's part.