Introduction & IUI Question

73jewels

Hi - I've been lurking for a bit, but haven't introduced myself yet.  I am 39 and have been off BCP since January 2012, but I didn't start really trying till July. We've missed a few months because my husband travels a lot for work. I haven't been to an RE yet, but my Dr. focuses on "hard to get pregnant" people. He has said he'll work with me for 3 months then send me to the RE.  My bloodwork all came back normal, my husband had good results in everything except the Morphology. I am doing 3 IUI's with him (well hopefully 1). The first month we are trying it without meds, then he is putting me on Chlomid. I am going in for my Ultrasound Wednesday, but according to my history I'm pretty sure I'll be ovulating on Friday.

 I guess what I want to know from those that have been through this process is what can I expect from the IUI?  I am having trouble wrapping my head around the logistics of it.   So if I go in for the US Wednesday and he says "Yup we think you'll be Ovulatng Friday" what happens? My husband then makes an appt at the lab and I make 1 for Friday like 1 hour later at the doctor's office? (the lab where he got tested is about 20 minutes from the doctor's office).  Then does he bring it with him?  Or do they transport it? 

I just feel confused and I thought maybe you girls would have some insight.

Thanks!

jbelle

Sorry, no insight on the IUI (but I'm eager to hear what other say), but welcome!

brooklynesque

Welcome. For the natural IUI is your doc at least having you test with an OPK? I'm not sure how precise they can be with just an ultrasound. If I were you I'd be monitoring my surge as well.

ETA: Not sure how the logistics will work where you are but, yes, generally your DH provides a sample in the morning, then it gets washed and your IUI happens 2 or more hours later.

HeathernSteven

At my Re office the lab is on site and the sample goes in before i do, unless I bring it then , I sit around till they call, about an hour. They wash the sperm to remove it from the seminal fluids, to prevent cramping of the uterus. They use a speculum to open cervix and then thread a catherter into uterus and inject sperm. Takes about 5 minutes. THen they will ask you to lie there for a few more minutes before getting up. and your done.

73jewels

Thanks for the info... and yes, I am also doing the OPK kits - but I've been doing those since September anyway.  

 For some reason I feel nervous about this, so I appreciate learning from your experiences! 

ksgsmu

honestly at 39 I wouldn't waste a round of clomid or an IUI with an OBGYN... I would run to an RE.  Clomid has a 6 time life max and IUI's have to be PERFECTLY timed.  An obgyn's office isn't really set up for that.  What if you need your IUI on Saturday or Sunday? or a Holiday? Are they open? 

The actual IUI is quick and painless. Your DH gives the sample at the lab or brings it to the lab if you live close.  They process it and you pick it up and take to the Dr.  (  Alot of  RE's have a lab in their offices taking all the transporting part out of the equation) The processed sample has to be there within a certain amount of time etc... your Dr should tell you very specifically.  Then they insert a catheter and put it in- very quick.  They usually make you lie there for 10-15 minutes then you are free to go.

You might check in over at the TTTC board.... most ladies over there are in IUI cycles and have a lot a great wisdom about the process and what to expect.  

 

Good luck!