Sex before IUI Question

Steph1673 · October 2014

Our RE says no sex the day before IUI, which we have always abided by, but we have also been able to DTD a day or so prior to that. I just had my surge so we will be doing IUI in the morning; however, it has been... a while since our last time and I'm worried about old spermies for IUI day. I googled and it seems that they like to have seen ejaculation in the last 72 hours or so which has not happened.

Should we BD to make sure things are fresh? Or stick to doc orders of no sex the day before?

FWIW, DH's count is not a big issue. RE like to see it above 10 million post wash for IUI and his is always between 16 million -35 million post wash.

jen4ny · October 2014

We are also told no sex the day before. But if his count isn't an issue than I say go for it. I think it is better to get rid of the old spermies and have some fresh ones in there.

pettycrocker · October 2014

Well at this point I know how it turned out, but I want to say I definitely do not think you made a bad decision here. I think since it'd been a while since you all had a go, the pipes needed to be cleaned out anyway- if a guy goes too long without ejaculating it can cause problems- the sperm start dying, and the dead sperm start killing the living sperm, and it's just a bad time all around.

If you do try one more IUI, I would have sex (or just have him ejaculate) approx 3-5 days prior to that anticipated IUI day, so you are looking at an optimal sample for IUI.

sailorgal · October 2014

Wish I had seen this earlier....

We have never been told no sex prior....but I tend to think there is a reason this is general advice that is given. Based on SA, DH does not have a count issue but it's been low for the IUIs....largely I think due to stress/anxiety but we plan to abstain before the next IUI. He notices a big difference in volume when we get it on frequently.

Jodee37 · October 2014

i hate how it turned out but i think having had sex the night before you guys gave it a good shot. and there's always tomorrow morning! FX! don't beat yourself up too much okay lady?

fuzzbumble · October 2014

Ours recommends at least 24 hrs but no more than 5 days. This time, we had sex after the trigger. I doubt, when there is no sperm issue, half a day won't hurt!

Fx for you. It's so easy to analyze every aspect of this nonsense.

Steph1673 · October 2014

So for those that don't know, we DTD around 11:30pm last night and had an IUI sample given at 7:30am... that was disastrous. He has always had a post wash count between 16-35 and today... 1.5. So we cancelled the IUI. They don't want us to do a 4th IUI now and want us to do a consult for next steps (I'm assuming IVF) after this cycle.

I just can't believe it was so low, but I guess we barely gave it 8 hours to recharge :-(

lawmom747 · October 2014

I'm sorry @Steph1673. ((hugs))

jen4ny · October 2014

I'm sorry @Steph1673.

GraceyandTroy · October 2014

Again, I am so so sorry it turned out this way. But I also think you still had great timing and that you have got a real chance this month. And if it doesn't work on, that's okay, you're moving on to bigger and better things. You got this, girl.