I have noticed that a lot of people do a certain amount of IUI's and then move on to IVF (it seems like the magic number is 3-5.) My RE has never once mentioned IVF to me as an option. In fact, I am under the impression that he intends to keep inseminating me endlessly until I finally get pregnant or give up so my question is: has your Dr. mentioned to you how many IUI's you will do, if there is a cap on how many you should do and if there will be a point where you move on to something else?
Re: A question for those doing IUI or those planning on doing IUI
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I have one planned for next month, but my RE also said that if it doesn't work after 3 or 4 times the likelihood that it will work goes way down and he would not recommend to keep trying that way.
I do know that part of that reasoning (for us at least) is cost since nothing is covered for us. He said there is no point in doing 4+ more IUIs when for the same price we could do IVF. I know if I had IUIs covered though I might be willing to try longer there before moving on.
::lurking::
When I first started the IUI process (before PG), my RE said that she recommended doing 3, and then if those all didn't work, considering IVF. However, there's going to be a few factors in play:
-has it been proven that you can get PG if an egg is produced, if so, than you may have good luck with IUI
-cost/insurance coverage (I have 6 IUIs through my insurance and DH has 6 through his, so we feel more comfortable "burning" through the IUIs before breaking the bank for IVF)
-how well you respond
-sperm counts (if these are low, IVF is a better choice)
BFP #3 via cancelled IUI ~ C (2lb 3oz; HELLP) 5/16/11
BFP #4 via the natural (free!) way ~ E (8lb 11oz) 9/13/12
Great question and one that I think your RE should be talking to you about.
My doctor stated he will only do 4 IUIs (if I want to do more I know he would).
My doctor then refers his patients out to specialists for IVF.
Hope this helped.
Jenn
IVF#1 BFN IVF#2 BFP, loss at 19 weeks FET#1 BFN IVF#3 BFP, m/c FET#2 BFN
Missing our twins Zachary and Madison, lost at 19 weeks on 11/13/09, edd 4/9/10
BFP 7/17/10, m/c 7/25/10, edd 3/25/11
Ectopic, lost left tube 4/20/11, edd 12/6/11
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