First IUI- what to expect?

AprilShowers46 · May 2013

Hi Ladies, I will be starting my first IUI during my next cycle and I'm wondering what to expect, particularly which days of the cycle I will most likely need to go in for blood work/ ultrasound/ the procedure, when DH needs to come in, etc. I'm having some problems getting days off with works so I'm trying to find out what I should expect. Can anyone break it down for me by cycle days?

Much appreciated!!

katib77 · May 2013

Each person is different, especially based on diagnosis and response to meds. Are you on clomid or femera - or injects because that also really changes how often you go in for monitoring.

***BUT*** to give you an idea...My first few cycles when I did just 50mg of clomid (I ovulate on my own so I have fairly quick response). I went in on cd3 or cd4 for baseline B/W and U/S and then go in for mid cycle monitoring on cd11 or cd12 and was always ready to trigger that night...therefore making IUI cd13 or cd14. DH only needed to be ready for a sample the morning of cd13 or cd14 - and gave his sample by 7am each time meaning if you DH is nearby and can't miss work - he can still go into work in the morning no problem. The IUI itself is an hour later for me so around 8am and leaving the office by 8:30. But I have heard people having IUIs as late as 11am. My office is small so as long as I'm not going to one of their other offices (downtown Chicago was later) then I'd be back to my regular day by 9am, but always took the day off anyway to rest because it's a bit emotionally exhausting.

shelbeans82 · May 2013

Hi!

I just had my first IUI yesterday.

I went in CD3 for US and BW, and started Follistim CD3. On CD6 I went back for an estradiol level. On CD10 I went for US and estradiol level again, and was ready to trigger that day.

Yesterday, my appointment was at 7:45. When I arrived DH's sample got whisked away and I had another US to check follies. About 20-30 minutes later I had the procedure (it lasted all of 5 minutes tops). I was asked to lay on the table for 10 minutes after. After a got dressed, paid my co-pay etc, it was 8:50ish. They told me to expect to be in the office for an hour and it was just about that. I did not have any restrictions after and went to work.

My office starts IUIs at 7am, and are really good about trying to get you in for everything (US, BW, procedure) so you don't miss work. When I had my med teach/IUI consultation they asked what time I had to be at work so all my US were scheduled at 7 or 7:15 and between US and BW I was always done within 30 minutes.

GL and hope this helps!

vpine · May 2013

I went for 1st ultrasound/bloodwork when AF arrived which made me feel icky at first but I got used to it (they check for cysts), started injects that night, went back after 4 days for next ultrasound/bloodwork and every other day after that until follicles were mature and then could trigger that night and IUI was scheduled for 12 and 24 hours later. Actual IUI felt like a pap smear.

Twinkie0612 · May 2013

It's definitely different for everyone and will depend on what meds you take and what days you take them. Once you start your next cycle your doc should schedule your monitoring appointments, but if you aren't ready on your mid cycle appointment you may need additional monitoring. If you are using a trigger you should have at least 24-48 hours notice before your IUI.

The only appointment my DH comes to is the IUI, but he wouldn't have to come. We do at home sample collection, so he could provide the sample and then I could take it with me to the IUI. On the day of the IUI your husband will have to go in to provide his sample or drop off his sample about a half hour before the IUI so that it can be processed. The IUI is a quick procedure that most women compare to having a pap.

I've done two clomid + IUI cycles (one with a trigger and one without). My first cycle (without a trigger) I took clomid CD 5-9 and had my mid cycle u/s on CD 12. I am apparently a fast responder( usually you ovulate 5-10 days after your last clomid pill) and already had a 27mm follie. Since this cycle was with my OB/GYN and he didn't do triggers, I had to wait to O on my own which was on CD 15.

This current cycle I took clomid CD 5-9 and my RE wanted me to come in on CD 15 for my mid cycle u/s, but I had them move it up to CD 13. I went in on CD 13 and had two mature follies (I missed the size on the bigger, but the smaller one was 22mm I think) and triggered that evening. I went in on CD 15 for my IUI.

AprilShowers46 · May 2013

Thanks everyone!

Medication wise, I will be starting with clomid and then getting an injection, but thats all I know. I have PCOS and do not ovulate on my own.

sueann911 · May 2013

I respond well to 5mg Femara and haven't used a trigger yet with my IUIs.

Mine is like this:
Cd3 baseline
Cd 37 Femara pills
Cd 9 I start opks since I have O'ed before US before.
Cd 12 midcycle US and positive opk
Cd 13 IUI

Good luck!

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