Advice: Medicated IUI during initial testing month?

BunnyBerry · April 2014

I will do testing (bloodwork, USs, HSG) next cycle, which should start around May 1. My question is, should I plan to use Clomid and get our IUI#1 in that same cycle?

Our RE has already said our next step should be Clomid and IUI, since we've tried on our own 5+ years (46 months actively trying), but my question is, is it smart to start Clomid before knowing if my tubes are clear and before knowing all my hormone levels?

Charting shows I always ovulate, and my LP has been fine (13-16 days) for the past 3+ years.

After waiting so long, I would love to get started with Clomid and IUI right away, but I wonder if it is wise?

Pros: Better chances (maybe) in HSG cycle, time for a 3rd IUI (or a cancellation!) before we do IVF in August (our next chance would be Christmas break), getting this show on the road already!

Cons: Possible thinning of lining for no reason if HSG shows a problem with my tubes, one less month for DH's vitamins to help his SA (he started vitamins in late January).

Maybe this is just me shying away now that we are finally ready to start this thing! What would you do? Did you start meds/IUI while testing, or wait for the results? Thank you so much for your advice!

BunnyBerry · April 2014

@NariaDreaming thank you very much! I am really confused as to why my RE said I could just start if I "was feeling impatient." Is that enough to send up a red flag as far as his trustworthiness? Or is that an overreaction?

BunnyBerry · April 2014

Thank you, this is great advice! @nariadreaming that makes sense, thank you.

@calindi, that's so true. The testing is all covered so I can think of that extra month as time to save up a bit more $ for treatments. It's weird how after all this time waiting, suddenly I am fretting the difference of 1 month. Since I have always ovulated, and knowing DH had not-great numbers, I never really have considered that I might (easily) have something physical in the ute/tubes that can explain 5 years of BFNs. I guess it's time to prepare myself mentally for bad news.

BunnyBerry · April 2014

Thanks, that is so sweet! It's funny, it's so much easier to think clearly from the outside but in the middle of it everything gets so muddled.

You know, that is really getting me excited to find out some information next month. It's a really big month. Thanks.

I'm sorry to see you have unexplained IF, it must be hard without clear answers! I hope AF arrives quickly so you can get going with IUI#3.

BunnyBerry · April 2014

@caterinac congrats on your follies and IUI! Yes, hopefully everything is clear and perfect.

Good luck.

MissEm15 · April 2014

Just my experience.. my first IUI cycle, I had the HSG done maybe 4 days before my IUI (I was delaying trying to get out of it haha.. I was scared). I was on Clomid starting day 3. My periods are very regular and I always got a +opk so I think that's why they let me start clomid and do an IUI the same month before knowing if my tubes were clear. Plus I am a ver impatient person and wanted to start ASAP. We luckily have insurance coverage, so it wouldn't have wasted much money if there was an issue w/ the HSG results. I hope your test results come back all clear!! Good luck!

BunnyBerry · April 2014

Thanks @missem15 it's great to hear a range of experiences. Sorry about your CP and I hope your IUI this month works out well!!

nswain85 · April 2014

Thank you for posting this, you asked a lot of great questions that I was also wondering about. Good luck with your testing and IUI!

BunnyBerry · April 2014

@nswain85 I'm so glad!

Sorry I did not see your message until today.

BunnyBerry · April 2014

@amylev80 As I was reading through this thread again, I suddenly had an epiphany...why not do an unmedicated IUI for the testing cycle? We really want to get in 2 IUI's before giving ourselves a chance for IVF this summer (before teaching starts again). This would make sure we had time for BC pills if that's part of the protocol.

IUI's are covered for us (the procedure itself - not US monitoring or meds), so this would be a great way to have a cheap extra chance.

As long as the RE agrees (waiting for CD1 to start the testing cycle) I think that's what I'll do.

Then again, I haven't had all the experience already with meds and monitoring that you have. Good luck this month! Hope the HSG results are great and the HSG gives you a fertility boost.

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