Validation Needed: Plan for Next Cycle

PeonyPop · December 2014

Hi all - I just introduced myself a couple days ago, and I am hoping I could ask for some validation on our plan from the experienced ladies on this board. As I mentioned in my intro, my RE has given us the option of IVF or IUI. She recommended IVF because I have a history of overstimming on injectibles (2 out of 3 cycles), and she has no way of knowing whether or not she will be able to control me since PCOS can do these things to a girl. However, I have never been on metformin, so she said she would be willing to try IUI, since the metformin regulate my system more and allow her to control my cycles better.

I have been on metformin for about 5.5 weeks or so, including the titration period (gradually working up to it over 2 weeks). After week 3 on metformin (cycle day 48-51ish), I seemed to have stronger than usual ovulation symptoms. And finally at cycle day 67 (last night), I got my long-awaited period!!! My husband and I think that the metformin is helping, so we have decided to try 1-2 IUI cycles (depending on how the first one goes). We have never attempted IUI, and we think it is worth the shot to see if we can achieve success with less invasive measures before moving to IVF.

Unfortunately, we will not be able to start an IUI cycle this month as we will be out of town during the week of Christmas. We had originally planned to do a natural cycle, but @rainbowbridge14 had mentioned the idea of going on BCP for a cycle so that the timing will work better to start in early January, etc. Her situation seems to be different than mine (non-IR PCOS/no metformin), but it got me thinking and after much debate my husband and I decided it might be a good option for us especially since we did the same thing before cycling last year. However, my new RE's advice was not to go on BCP, because my system seems to be regulating itself with the metformin so she wants to maintain that and not suppress my system/e2 levels. I trust her opinion/judgement as she has been right about everything so far, so we are taking her advice. Thus... natural cycle it is! So, here's hoping we get our BFP.... or at least have a regular length cycle so that we can start in early January!! If not, we have the green light to call after 32 days and take the provera.

What do you all think? Good plan? Fingers crossed, ya'll!!

PeonyPop · December 2014

@lemonliz and @iputketchuponketchup Thanks for your response and feedback ladies! My original thought was the same thing... see if it works. But I got kind of cold feet, because I also started thinking about something my old RE casually mentioned: I have a tilted uterus. He (and Google) told me not to worry about it, but I can't help but wonder if that's the reason timed intercourse hasn't worked for us in the past. It coupled with the comforting idea of BCP and knowing when we'll start (impatience, ya'll!) made me think it might be a good idea, but I'm totally cool with following my Dr's advice and glad she thinks the metformin seems to be working too. I'm glad you two think so too... feeling better.

Anyone have experience with a tilted uterus?

deelopi9 · December 2014

The ladies have given you great advice. I've never been on metaformin, however, if I were in your shoes, I would continue w/ RE advice and stay on the metaformin, wait for your next cycle to do the IUI+injectibles to see if the metaformin helps control the overstim. Just my 2 cents. Good Luck.

PeonyPop · December 2014

Thanks @deelopi and @BlueFairy5 All you all are making me feel much better about this plan! It makes me feel hope that I'll have at least a *somewhat* regular cycle... but at the very least I'll just be 3 or so weeks later than if I went on the pill. Whew!

Also @BlueFairy5... I just read your blog, and I had the same dang conversation with my old (terrible?) obgyn... she told me that I didn't have it based on my 'normal' weight but did the testing anyway. As it turns out (unfortunately, but at least I had a dx), she was wrong. I'd like to discuss your blog thoughts further and compare experiences, so I hope to PM you a little later today when I have time!!

BunnyBerry · December 2014

I have a tilted (retroverted - tilted back) uterus, and while it can make a more challenging route for sperm, it doesn't preclude pregnancy. It does make certain positions painful for some women, though.

Your plan sounds awesome! It must be so exciting to see the Metformin starting to make a difference. And it must be a relief to have a good reason to give IUI a chance. We were convinced we'd be on to IVF this month but instead we're doing 2 more injects IUIs - and it's a relief, because as invasive as IUIs are, compared to plunking down the cash for IVF, I am so for it right now.

PeonyPop · December 2014

@BunnyBerry it is exciting!! I am hopeful though if we have a normal 28 day cycle (is that a real thing???)l, we'll be gettin' down and dirty at my in-laws during ov time... wish us luck, haha. And I will be temping per you, @rainbowbridge14 and @lemonliz.. I actually started temping again a few days ago. PCOS can make temping a bit of a challenge, but I am hoping to see more stability in my numbers. I am a little tempted to use OPKs even though they haven't historically worked for me (another fun PCOS issue) just to see if they actually work right, but... the thought of my MIL accidentally walking in and thinking my pee stick was a positive pregnancy test would be THE WORST EXPERIENCE EVER. (Side note: we are not 'out' with them, though we are with my family who I'm much closer to)

Also thanks to the tilted uterus ladies for making me feel better about this whole ute situation.. I'll assume it's nothing to worry about unless my Dr says that it's something to worry about. I have mentioned it in 2 emails to my nurse, so I think I'd hear something if it were a concern!

@rainbowbridge14 if there's one thing I've learned through all of this, it's that there is no one cure all for PCOS... and every situation is different. One more positive for finding a trustworthy doctor that will make decisions based on your specific situation rather than applying a blind supposed cure all... and to stay away form Dr. Google!!

Thanks again everyone

PeonyPop · December 2014

Thank you, @fightersince83.. I appreciate your post, but I'm so sorry for your losses

I can't imagine going through all of this just to end in such heart break

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Validation Needed: Plan for Next Cycle

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