Is it stupid to continue with IUI?

daydreamernyc · August 2014

Hello ladies. 12dpiui and BFN! I've already taken the IVF class but I'm so scared of all the shots, especially the intramuscular estrogen ones that would be daily for 6weeks! I feel silly saying that to you ladies because many of you are being champions and powering through.

Today would be my last day to decide as I still have to go in for the blood testing. Is it silly to try another cycle with IUI and move onto IVF in September? Or do I just need to "man up" and just go for IVF this cycle? Could really use some words of wisdom here. No one knows about our struggles and my husband is indifferent and not helping the conversation.

princessisadora · August 2014

Hi. I'm on mobile and can't see your siggy so I don't know how many IUIs you have done. I had this discussion with my RE , as she truly believes my dx is unexplained, she said very honestly to me that there is no harm giving IUI a try but not to get stuck in IUIs. After 3 the recommendation is to move on.
I know miracles can happen and is there a chance IUI could work after 3?Of course, but that is very dependent on your diagnosis and I will also say resources. I am completely out of pocket so that plays a big part in my decisions regarding when to move on. If you have IUI coverage but not IVF that may influence how many IUIs you pursue.

princessisadora · August 2014

PS- IVF is scary and overwhelming so your feelings towards moving fwd with IVF are totally normal

daydreamernyc · August 2014

princessisadora said:

PS- IVF is scary and overwhelming so your feelings towards moving fwd with IVF are totally normal

Hearing you say that gives me such relief. I've been looking at all the postings on here from all the ladies in their IVF cycles and thinking that it's so silly to be scared when so many are doing so well with it and conquering it.

Mx dx is unexplained IF. After 3 IUIs I had an ectopic (2 surgeries with tube removed) and now I've done 3 IUIs post ectopic with just my 1 tube. August would be the 4th (7th overall).

pblge · August 2014

IVF is definitely overwhelming, but not that different from some iui protocols. have you been using FSH or Clomid/Femara? It can actually be useful to do a round of the FSH drugs before IVF top learn how you respond.

This is a tricky decision point. Good luck!

jencity9 · August 2014

I would think that especially with one tube that IVF might be the better bet at this point. I completely know where you are coming from about feeling scared but silly. I was the same way and before I got my protocol I was shaking thinking of having to do IM injections, lol. For a little I thought I didn't know if I'd be able to go through with IVF. But as with everything we all have already gone through, we've already done so much more than we probably thought we could! You have been through surgery twice! You can definitely do IVF!! And I just did my first IM shot last night and it was a breeze... I am glad I didn't not do IVF because of my fears.

ronniesgirl1981 · August 2014

I think your gut is telling you IVF. Here's the thing: IVF is awful, but it is rarely about the physical pain. I missed a day from work for both cycles because I couldn't stop crying. Emotionally, it is torture. But--unless this IUI is some sort of magic--I'll be off to IVF #2 Take 2 in 6 weeks or so.

Canuck13 · August 2014

In your situation (without knowing any financial considerations) I would move on...even at 35, your chances with IVF are so much better! My current IVF cycle has not been 'that' different (meds/injection-wise) from my iui's though, so perhaps it's easier for me to say. Of course it's a very personal decision and ultimately you and your DH should decide what you're most comfortable with. Good luck with your decision.

LO95 · August 2014

In our case, our RE basically told us that we could do IUI if we wanted, but that it was a long shot and we were throwing good money to bad. (We have no IUI coverage.) We totally agreed and I was actually relieved when he said that because I was afraid he'd make us go through 3 IUIs before we got to IVF. (It seems like people tend to do three IUIs and then go to IVF. And in our case, I knew that just didn't make sense.)

I think it's totally normal to feel nervous about IVF. I would express your concerns to your doctor before you begin. My biggest fear was how they will prevent me from overstimming with such a high AMH. As for the needles, hmm. I don't love it, but I'm okay. My RE is also exempting me from PIO at this point, which seems to be one of the "fun ones" around here. I'm doing suppositories instead. Perhaps you'd be allowed to do something like that?

gsancho · August 2014

I would personally move to IVF, but it is definitely a tough decision. A lot of REs have you on BCPs for a few weeks before your IVF cycle, so just keep in mind that it is often a 2 month process.

Hollowvic · August 2014

I'm in the same boat, we have been DX with MFI so really IUI's are a waste of time and money (we're paying OOP for everything), eve though my RE says to try a few IUI's I know it's not worth it. My point is, I'm terrified of needles and the thought of IVF makes me sweat. I'm in the 2ww now after my first IUI so I have a little bit of time to wrap my head around it but I know exactly what you're going through.

tumbleweed123 · August 2014

I totally understand the fears surrounding IVF. I'm right there with you on that. I do think though, that if seven IUIs didn't work, that you might want to move on to IVF. At 35, IVF is a great option and even with all your fears, it might have a better outcome. Both REs I've worked with have said that after three IUIs the cost/risk benefit is not so great. Both of them encouraged me to move on after two. So sorry that you are going through all this.

daydreamernyc · August 2014

Words cannot even describe the feeling I have right now reading through these comments. You women are awesome!!

Here I thought that this should be no big deal, just the next step in the process and that no one else is scared. It is so incredibly helpful to hear that others have the same fears.

After I posted this, I went to work and was talking myself out of IVF and doing IUI. But now reading through the comments, you guys are right, I shouldn't be scared (or rather it's ok to be scared) but I can get through it. I talked to my husband and we are going to shift to IVF. I will call tomorrow to ensure it's not too late for this upcoming cycle.

I can't thank you gys enough.

fjamil1 · August 2014

I have one blocked tube, and the RE said we should just move on to IVF, considering the cost, and time we would have wasted if we went to IUI. we are going to start stimming for IVF in next week or so. I am scared of the shots as well, and thinking i have to give them myself. DH is scared of getting shots or giving, so I dont know how i'll manage the PIO myself.

jencity9 · August 2014

@fjamil1‌ I haven't some any PIO by myself, but there are some good videos on you tube of people doing those shots themselves.

Lyndsey13 · August 2014

I think the anticipation is the worst part of the entire thing. Once you get started in it, it's not that bad. Also, my doctor lets you chose if you want the PIO or a vaginal suppository. So if you really don't want an IM shot, you can go with the suppositories.

heathereb23 · August 2014

I just did my first subcutaneous injections last night. After I stuck myself with the first needle I actually said, out loud, "oh...I didn't even feel that!"

I'm not looking forward to the intramuscular shots (PIO) but I'm assuming I imagine them to be worse than they actually will be, just like I imagined the subQ injections would hurt. And I was wrong.

CML11 · August 2014

I agree with @ronniesgirl1981‌, it is a lot more mental than physical. Also just remember that not ALL of the things have to be injects. I take the estrogen pill 2x/day vs the inject and some girls do patches. There's also a progesterone suppository you could ask your doc about. You won't be able to get around all the shots, but just to let you know there are options if your doc is ok with them. Good luck and hope to see you on the IVF check ins with good news!

daydreamernyc · August 2014

I went in today and I'm now all set to start. Meds are arriving sometime tomorrow. I go in tomorrow for ultrasound and blood work to confirm I'm on CD 2 and will start.

Holy cow, I'm really doing this!!! Here's to starting IVF

daydreamernyc · August 2014

CML11 said:

I agree with @ronniesgirl1981‌, it is a lot more mental than physical. Also just remember that not ALL of the things have to be injects. I take the estrogen pill 2x/day vs the inject and some girls do patches. There's also a progesterone suppository you could ask your doc about. You won't be able to get around all the shots, but just to let you know there are options if your doc is ok with them. Good luck and hope to see you on the IVF check ins with good news!

So I did ask and I will be doing the oral + suppository. Removing the intramuscular injections makes it seem so less scary. I'm ready now.

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Is it stupid to continue with IUI?

Re: Is it stupid to continue with IUI?

Me 33, DH 37 -- TTC since Jan'12 -- Low AMH (0.78) & endo, SA w/ low motility
IUI's 1-3 = BFN, IVF converted to IUI 4/13 = BFN
IVF 1.2: 8R 6M 4F -- 2 blastocysts frozen, FET 8/15 = BFP!!
Beta #s = 445;1,098; 9,545 -- EDD 5/2 -- Team Pink!

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Want a personalized experience?

Is it stupid to continue with IUI?

Re: Is it stupid to continue with IUI?

Me 33, DH 37 -- TTC since Jan'12 -- Low AMH (0.78) & endo, SA w/ low motilityIUI's 1-3 = BFN, IVF converted to IUI 4/13 = BFNIVF 1.2: 8R 6M 4F -- 2 blastocysts frozen, FET 8/15 = BFP!!Beta #s = 445;1,098; 9,545 -- EDD 5/2 -- Team Pink!

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Me 33, DH 37 -- TTC since Jan'12 -- Low AMH (0.78) & endo, SA w/ low motility
IUI's 1-3 = BFN, IVF converted to IUI 4/13 = BFN
IVF 1.2: 8R 6M 4F -- 2 blastocysts frozen, FET 8/15 = BFP!!
Beta #s = 445;1,098; 9,545 -- EDD 5/2 -- Team Pink!