Opinions WWYD: clomid vs injectables IUI

Jzyla · June 2013

So we did IUI#1 in June which was unsuccessful despite 'ideal conditions' (I had a nice 10mm lining, 3 big follies, DH had 'really good' numbers, reduced stress, etc.). I had taken 100mg clomid on days 3-7 with an HCG trigger on day 12.

We finally got to meet with our 'permanent RE' (we've been juggled for years now) and she gave us the green light on basically whatever we want to do. She admitted that it was a little surprising IUI #1 didn't take, considering everything had lined up so well, but reminded us that I technically responded well to clomid so it wouldn't be a bad thing to try another clomid IUI. We agreed and left the office with the plan to do one more clomid IUI in July and if that doesn't work, do an injectables IUI with gonadtropins in September. Then, if that doesn't work (God forbid) we would be on the wait list for IVF for the winter.

So annnnyways... since then I've been thinking. Convenience wise, injectables win. My work correlates closely with the school system and summers are slower. If we did an injectable IUI in July, it would be much easier to take time off for the multiple ultrasounds. Plus, worst case scenario, if I over-responded to the meds and was forced to move to IVF, I could manage the time off. In September, it is still possible, but will be harder to manage.

However, financially, clomid wins. Clomid IUI requires less monitoring (I have to travel several hours for ultrasounds) and is about $400. Injectable IUI will be more travelling (to the point where I will probably just have to take holidays) and will cost around $1500... but has better success rates. However, there's the possibility we could get pushed into IVF, which she estimates will be about $8000 more. We are financially 'ok' but this would still affect us.

My brain is just fried from all this IF stuff and DH is playing the "whatever makes you happy" card. Anyone have some advice or opinions?

katib77 · June 2013

If you've only done one clomid IUI I would do another before making the jump to injects. IMHO

babydreams13 · June 2013

That really stinks that you have to travel so far to see your RE. I would try another IUI with Clomid. See my siggy to see what I have done. Just because the first one didn't work doesn't mean the next one won't. Best of luck.

Toriables · June 2013

Seeing as how you responded so well to the clomid and had nice big follies, I would try another clomid cycle. Good luck with whatever you choose!

Twinkie0612 · July 2013

katib77:
If you've only done one clomid IUI I would do another before making the jump to injects. IMHO

. I agree with this.

MrsSJE2011 · July 2013

Toriables:
Seeing as how you responded so well to the clomid and had nice big follies, I would try another clomid cycle. Good luck with whatever you choose!

This would be my vote! We moved to Injects after one medicated IUI because I only ever got one follie from oral meds and we were also dealing with MFI.

caroeliz02 · July 2013

I would vote for trying clomid again. I havent ever done injects but why move on if you are responding so well to the orals?

Jzyla · July 2013

Wow - thanks for all the responses! I think you're all right - it doesn't make sense to jump to injectables if I am responding well to clomid. Question though: if I continue to respond well, is there really any point in moving to injectables at all? I mean, obviously, there is a slightly increased success rate... but I imagine that has to do with the fact that people respond more/better to injectables than clomid. But if I am responding just fine to clomid, injectables may not increase my success rate at all.... right? Or am I missing something?

Twinkie0612 · July 2013

Jzyla:

Wow - thanks for all the responses! I think you're all right - it doesn't make sense to jump to injectables if I am responding well to clomid. Question though: if I continue to respond well, is there really any point in moving to injectables at all? I mean, obviously, there is a slightly increased success rate... but I imagine that has to do with the fact that people respond more/better to injectables than clomid. But if I am responding just fine to clomid, injectables may not increase my success rate at all.... right? Or am I missing something?

Both REs that I have seen did not recommend injects for us. Because we are OOP and the success rates are not much higher for injects + IUI, they both recommended putting our money toward IVF. Some like to do a round of injects + IUI before moving on to IVF, because it can be helpful to know how you will respond to injects. In the end, I think it is a decision that you, your husband, and your RE will have to make.

RunCC37 · July 2013

Jzyla:
Wow - thanks for all the responses! I think you're all right - it doesn't make sense to jump to injectables if I am responding well to clomid. Question though: if I continue to respond well, is there really any point in moving to injectables at all? I mean, obviously, there is a slightly increased success rate... but I imagine that has to do with the fact that people respond more/better to injectables than clomid. But if I am responding just fine to clomid, injectables may not increase my success rate at all.... right? Or am I missing something?

I am wondering the same thing for myself! I think the injects increase the chances of success a little bit, but how many times is it worth it to try something before declaring it a bust? My RE seems to have the opinion that three tries maximum before trying something else.

Opinions WWYD: clomid vs injectables IUI

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