Disappointing IUI#1

BunnyBerry · June 2014

At my HSG last month, after RE couldn't get the catheter to my uterus (he ended up injecting the dye from the cervix), I was nervous about IUI, but he insisted that the firmer catheter used for IUI would work fine.

This morning, after more than 20 excruciating minutes of cervical abuse, the nurse finally transferred the sperm to a different catheter and performed an ICI instead!

I'm so unhappy after reading the much lower success rates of ICI compared to ICI. And DH's sperm had only 44% motility poast wash (though the 22 million motile post wash blew me away).

I feel like our chances are tiny this cycle, since the things that normally help increase chances didn't happen - I ended up with one follicle (and I already O each month anyway), no IUI, and DH's last two SA's had come back with 70% motility without any wash. Only real difference I see in this first treatment cycle is that I went on Estrace for a thin lining (I'm on Letrozole/Femara, which I don't think thins a lining, and I have really short, light periods, so it makes me think I had that problem to begin with). Happily, my lining was almost 10mm today.

Well, I always told DH we are "just practicing" to avoid disappointment. I just need to make sure he doesn't feel like this cycle is a waste because I'm afraid he's not going to want to move to IVF when/if it's time.

I have a couple questions: Is it normal for them not to do more rounds of washing to cut down on immotile sperm, since the count was clearly good enough, and would a 44% motility harm IUI chances? Also, has anyone had that procedure where they dilate your cervix before IUI (the nurse mentioned maybe this for next time), and does it need to be done every cycle, and is there any pain meds or anesthesia? Thank you so much in advance for sharing your experience! I kind of felt like crying, but then got a despondent, "well what do I expect, this is our hopeless TTC journey after all" kind of feeling.

lebradford · June 2014

Awww, I'm so sorry! I don't really have any answers for you, but I can see why you would be disappointed. I try to frame each cycle as an opportunity for us to learn about my body in hopes that we can make improvements for the next cycle. I know that doesn't really make the disappointment go away though. I hope you guys can figure your cervix issue out. ((hugs))

brazenbiblio · June 2014

I'm so sorry your IUI was disappointing. I don't have any advice but I wanted to give you a big internet ((HUG))

BunnyBerry · June 2014

@lebradford Thanks, that does help a lot to hear! I'm sorry, too, that your IUI#3 isn't working out as you planned. Actually, I definitely needed to remind myself that this kind of thing is just a hiccup in the road, not the end.

@caterinac Oh, I'm so sorry! The bleeding was scary but I was also glad in a way that DH was there to see all of that because I needed him to know how hard this is, not just like, Oh and then they put your happy little spermies in my uterus. Also, great practical advice. I tried to empty my bladder for comfort (and by the end I honestly thought I was going to start peeing from all the pressure) but if it helps get the sperm there.... I also want to know why she never bothered with the ultrasound machine, it was right there??

@daydreamsam Oh ouch, I'm so sorry! I had heard that kind of thing about the cervical dilation before, and I am almost as petrified of the procedure as I am of nothing ever, ever getting to my uterus!! I am going to share your experience of the softer catheter with my RE. I was really unhappy that the nurse doing the procedure had no idea of what happened during the HSG - it could have saved us a few steps I'm sure. And RE had also assured me a doctor would be in the building to help make sure the procedure would work well, but the nurse never asked him to help, so I have a few things to add to my WTF if it's needed.

@awiley10 Thank you. Just woke up from a nap and it was this beautiful surprise to see all these encouraging words.

Amazing817 · June 2014

No advice here either but I am sorry things didn't go as planned. Are you able to call you doctors office and speak to your assigned nurse and get some answers just so you can be informed in case this process doesn't work as we all want it to for you. Sometimes I felt that I would save all my questions not to bother our nurse and wait to see if it was a bust, but then I felt rushed to get my questions answered prior to the next cycle. Not sure if that makes sense, but I will add you to my prayer list so count on some extra coming your way! {{Hugs}}

BunnyBerry · June 2014

@amazing817 That is really wise advice. I was just thinking to hang on to the questions for later, after the beta, but you are totally right - that is just adding more stress and why shouldn't we be free to get some answers instead of one more thing depending on whether I start bleeding in 2 weeks? (Sorry, feeling a bit bitter.) Thank you so much for your prayers!!!

Lillovebug79 · June 2014

I'm sorry that you and your cervix went through so much

I've never had a problem with IUI because my cervix was soft and open but I've heard of woman being dilated. I think they just use a metal dilator before doing it and it doesn't require any meds I'm pretty sure. One of my friends had to have it done for her HSG and said it was uncomfortable but didn't last long (no where near as uncomfortable as the actual test). I hope that your ici works but if not, you should definitely look into dilation. FX for you!

BunnyBerry · June 2014

@lillovebug79 Thank you so much for sharing that, I was just kind of assuming that the dilation procedure would be equally drawn-out and uncertain. Oh, how I hope a quick easy dilation is the answer. Thank you for the kind wishes.

sundaybrunch · June 2014

Ouch! I'm so sorry you had to go through that! I don't know anything about the washing, other than it happens. At the very least your lining if pretty awesome so if nothing else you did have that positive outcome this cycle.

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