IUI ladies come in...

rslh10 · January 2015

Hey Ladies I need some IUI insight....so here is a little GIF story for you.

At my last RE appt (Deb 1st) it was decided that our plan of action is 3 IUI's then IVF....Our IUI's are OOP ($500 a piece) and the RE told me if we have to move to IVF that my meds would cost more because of my low AMH.

I have been enjoying the time off NTNP, and relaxing with my H. Finally enjoying normal sexy time again! It feel SO nice to have sex because I want to, and not because I'm being forced. Morning sex is a great way to start the day!

Now, I'm realizing that AF is due Jan 8th....damn that snuck up on me fast...

So on CD1 I have to call, and get that all squared away. But then I remembered that the RE wants me on Clomid. I HATE CLOMID.

It gives me all the rage.

So I guess i'm just feeling a little nervous/anxious about it all and wanted to hear some IUI stories? I know that I could post this on the IF board, but I'm not comfortable doing that. I know there are a few of you who have had IUI's out there.

Someone just hold me! I'm a ball of emotions tonight. I'm scared it's not going to work, and then I'm 0/3 and you don't even want to know the other thoughts that are running though my head! I'm scared that at the end of the 3 IUI's, my journey will be over. I'm just scared.

I love you all so much!!! Thank you in advance

MSU_Girl1202 · January 2015

Hey lady, so, I had a similar experience with clomid, so they switched me to Femara with IUI last year, which worked. Femara was much better for me side effect wise...just a slight headache for a couple days at the end. I would definitely ask your RE about this if you have issues with Clomid. Sending ((hugs)) your way!

rslh10 · January 2015

MSU_Girl1202 said:
Hey lady, so, I had a similar experience with clomid, so they switched me to Femara with IUI last year, which worked. Femara was much better for me side effect wise...just a slight headache for a couple days at the end. I would definitely ask your RE about this if you have issues with Clomid. Sending ((hugs)) your way!

I did actually try one round on femara. I didn't respond as well, and it gave me throat ulcers. So unfortunately it's out for me. I have a good response to clomid ( like 3-5 dominant follies!) but, obviously none were good/all were empty etc etc. He did mention another drug Tha starts with a "T" but he states it works just like clomid so it wouldn't do my rage any good lol!

@petrastonegirl I know our stories are different, but what injects did you use/did you respond well? I'm considering talking it over with the RE but I fear he will say no because of my good response to clomid

MSU_Girl1202 · January 2015

Hmm, any thoughts on a low dose of injectables? When Femara didn't work as well as my RE wanted it to, we switched to the lowest dose possible of follistim and menopur...though I have to admit, it made me a little ragey. Not as bad as Clomid, but just emotional.

rslh10 · January 2015

GLB30 said:

I have no advice, but feel you. I should get AF Around that time as well. If this cycle didn't work, we are moving to an IUI with either clomid or injectables. I'm actually a little excited bc TI has not been our thing. (It adds so much stress on DH....and then I get mad/stressed, etc) Good luck to you!

Thank you so much. Our TI never put pressure on DH, it was more like "business", and we didn't enjoy it. Like, ugh, AGAIN? But hopefully with IUI that takes away some of that

Km380 · January 2015

My first IUI was clomid and I hated how I felt for a few days on it. Like the worst headache of my life. And just misery. My second IUI I changed bc the clomid thinned my lining. IUI 2 I was on Letrozole and I did 1 follistim shot. The side effects were better for me. I had less follicles but the RE liked my response to it better. But I'm not sure if you'd have the same reaction to Letrozole as femara.

rslh10 · January 2015

furrypaws said:

I don't have experience with IUIs but am just here to ((hold)) you love!

all the holds!!!

rslh10 · January 2015

Km380 said:

My first IUI was clomid and I hated how I felt for a few days on it. Like the worst headache of my life. And just misery. My second IUI I changed bc the clomid thinned my lining. IUI 2 I was on Letrozole and I did 1 follistim shot. The side effects were better for me. I had less follicles but the RE liked my response to it better. But I'm not sure if you'd have the same reaction to Letrozole as femara.

I'm under the impression that Letrozole is the generic of femara? I think so anyway! Someone correct me if i'm wrong.

rubysi · January 2015

I have had 1 iui and it was a bust. It really just proved to me that our infertility is all my fault. Thanks nurse for pointing out the dh's stellar numbers post wash... I did a femara and ovidrel cycle I had only one follie and really did not want to do it that cycle but the RE insisted. I am turning down any more iui ' s because they are also out of pocket and I am no sure it is worth it. It was a very odd procedure, it feels like a pap and does take the fun out.

Big hugs and good luck

dukegirlsc · January 2015

I'm on my second IUI, I've been doing letrozole and gonal-f injections with Pregnyl to trigger. I can't give any insight on Clomid as I've never taken it. However I can tell you I conceived on my first IUI, so it works!

rslh10 · January 2015

sweetcalittc1 said:

Hey @rslh10‌ , I'm sorry you're in distress about this. ((HUGS)) I've had 6 IUIs with Clomid. I just did my most recent one on Wednesday. I find that every time I take Clomid the side effects are different. Sometimes I have headaches, sometimes I get bloated, and sometimes I get ragey. One thing that helps me is to think about my ragey-ness and to realize it's the meds. I don't know if it'll work for you but it really helped me. Also, the side effects usually left as soon as I finished day 5 so it wasn't that to get through it. I've never used injectables but it sounds like something you should ask your RE about. I'll be thinking of you. Keep us updated.

The first cycle I did Clomid I got KU. It was my loss cycle, and it made me really hot and grumpy. The cycles that followed I was super optimistic while taking it, but as they failed me, I got pissed so maybe that's part of the rage. I know that I had mood swings on it though, because H made it VERY WELL KNOWN. lol!! I will for sure keep you guys updated.

rslh10 · January 2015

rubysi said:

I have had 1 iui and it was a bust. It really just proved to me that our infertility is all my fault. Thanks nurse for pointing out the dh's stellar numbers post wash... I did a femara and ovidrel cycle I had only one follie and really did not want to do it that cycle but the RE insisted. I am turning down any more iui ' s because they are also out of pocket and I am no sure it is worth it. It was a very odd procedure, it feels like a pap and does take the fun out.

Big hugs and good luck

This is exactly what I am fearing. I am so terrified that all 3 will fail. I know that it's a possibility, obviously. I am just struggling to find the will/desire to do the IUI. I have to get this fear to leave my head first, I think.

rslh10 · January 2015

dukegirlsc said:

I'm on my second IUI, I've been doing letrozole and gonal-f injections with Pregnyl to trigger. I can't give any insight on Clomid as I've never taken it. However I can tell you I conceived on my first IUI, so it works!

Thank you for the response! I think that I'm going to contact my RE on Monday to discuss possible injects instead of Clomid.

rslh10 · January 2015

PetraStonegirl said:

rslh10 said:

@petrastonegirl I know our stories are different, but what injects did you use/did you respond well? I'm considering talking it over with the RE but I fear he will say no because of my good response to clomid

I did 3 rounds of Clomid with 2 dominant follies all 3 times. BFN all three times.

Then I did 3 Follistim rounds:
-Round 1 was low dose, 1 dominant follie and 1 close behind, BFN.
-Round 2 was medium dose, 1 dominant follie and 2 close behind, BFN.
-Round 3 was high (think IVF) dose, 2 dominate follies and no trailers, BFP twins, genetically perfect but m/c'd likely due to FVL or septum issues.

*******+quote fail+*********

I'm not sure if you mentioned this or not, did you trigger with those cycles before your IUI? Did your lining thin during clomid cycles?

I always have a good response with 3+ follies at 18+mm when I have my scans. Then I trigger the next day and HIO that day + next + next if we feel up to it.

My FSH is within normal range and all my other labs are good. The only thing low is AMH. We tried 8 months natural before finding the AMH levels. Then came the 4 clomid/1 femara cycles. I am scared of clomid, to be honest. All these stories about how awful it is just make think twice, even being monitored.

Also, you're the best. :x

Rachaeleigh · January 2015

I've had 5 IUIs, both injectable and oral meds. I'm willing to answer questions or provide experience but I guess I'm not really sure what you're looking for.

Frenchteachermama · January 2015

rslh10 said:

rubysi said:

I have had 1 iui and it was a bust. It really just proved to me that our infertility is all my fault. Thanks nurse for pointing out the dh's stellar numbers post wash... I did a femara and ovidrel cycle I had only one follie and really did not want to do it that cycle but the RE insisted. I am turning down any more iui ' s because they are also out of pocket and I am no sure it is worth it. It was a very odd procedure, it feels like a pap and does take the fun out.

Big hugs and good luck

This is exactly what I am fearing. I am so terrified that all 3 will fail. I know that it's a possibility, obviously. I am just struggling to find the will/desire to do the IUI. I have to get this fear to leave my head first, I think.

((hugs)) ladies. I just wanted to throw in here that my doctor said that IUI's only increase your success rate by about 10%, it's so hard to have an unsuccessful fertility treatment but remember that even under "perfect" circumstances the success rate isn't that high.

I did 3 unsuccessful IUIs with femara and I can definitely say that it was a huge blow to get all BFNs but in my heart I knew that for me personally, the pain of fertility treatments were worth knowing that I was trying everything possible to try for my rainbow. My RE gave me the same timeline, 3 IUIs and then move onto IVF. Even though my journey led us to a different diagnosis for my IF issues, I don't regret going through the IUIs and IVF procedures. My doctor didn't want me doing injectables either based on my response to femara, he said that the meds for injectables were super expensive and at my practice alone they had 3 sets of triplets conceived in the past 8 months using them so he would rather see me do IVF if I was going the injectable route.

If you ever want to chat over PM I am by no means an expert, but we have similar experiences, I am here for you.

rslh10 · January 2015

Rachaeleigh said:
I've had 5 IUIs, both injectable and oral meds. I'm willing to answer questions or provide experience but I guess I'm not really sure what you're looking for.

Thank you so much

I guess I was just looking for experience, stories, someone to talk me down off the ledge lol!

rslh10 · January 2015

Frenchteachermama said:

rslh10 said:

rubysi said:

I have had 1 iui and it was a bust. It really just proved to me that our infertility is all my fault. Thanks nurse for pointing out the dh's stellar numbers post wash... I did a femara and ovidrel cycle I had only one follie and really did not want to do it that cycle but the RE insisted. I am turning down any more iui ' s because they are also out of pocket and I am no sure it is worth it. It was a very odd procedure, it feels like a pap and does take the fun out.

Big hugs and good luck

This is exactly what I am fearing. I am so terrified that all 3 will fail. I know that it's a possibility, obviously. I am just struggling to find the will/desire to do the IUI. I have to get this fear to leave my head first, I think.

((hugs)) ladies. I just wanted to throw in here that my doctor said that IUI's only increase your success rate by about 10%, it's so hard to have an unsuccessful fertility treatment but remember that even under "perfect" circumstances the success rate isn't that high.

I did 3 unsuccessful IUIs with femara and I can definitely say that it was a huge blow to get all BFNs but in my heart I knew that for me personally, the pain of fertility treatments were worth knowing that I was trying everything possible to try for my rainbow. My RE gave me the same timeline, 3 IUIs and then move onto IVF. Even though my journey led us to a different diagnosis for my IF issues, I don't regret going through the IUIs and IVF procedures. My doctor didn't want me doing injectables either based on my response to femara, he said that the meds for injectables were super expensive and at my practice alone they had 3 sets of triplets conceived in the past 8 months using them so he would rather see me do IVF if I was going the injectable route.

If you ever want to chat over PM I am by no means an expert, but we have similar experiences, I am here for you.

You are such a kind woman. I appreciate you sharing your experience with me!

Rachaeleigh · January 2015

I feel similar to @Frenchteachermama‌. I dont regret doing the IUIs because if not, or going straight to IVF, I'd always wonder if IUI would have worked.
I also don't blame myself for them not working. DHs numbers were always great and with oral meds I only had 1 follie (not the case with injectable), but there's nothing humanly possible for me to do to change the outcome. The reason that so many of us don't get answers for RPL or IF is that there just aren't any answers (at least within the realm of our medical technologies understanding)
PM me with any specific questions :-)

MrsPhD83 · January 2015

I've said it a million times, but sending you all my love and hugs

nikiswimr · January 2015

So actually sitting at the clinic right now as I read this waiting for IUI # 2. Both are with Clomid (which I too hate, ALL the rage, poor DH). In some ways though, like @PetraStonegirl‌ said, moving to IUIs from medicated TI cycles separated sex from TTC so we're largely just having sex for fun these days.

We're also planning on 3 before IVF and also OOP for them. I will say, my last BFN after IUI # 1 was pretty hard emotionally because as you escalate treatment you can't help hoping it will work. I'm not feeling nearly so hopeful this cycle. But like others have said, I would always wonder if the IUIs would've worked if we jumped straight to IVF.

Keep me updated and hugs to you!

rslh10 · January 2015

nikiswimr said:
So actually sitting at the clinic right now as I read this waiting for IUI # 2. Both are with Clomid (which I too hate, ALL the rage, poor DH). In some ways though, like @PetraStonegirl‌ said, moving to IUIs from medicated TI cycles separated sex from TTC so we're largely just having sex for fun these days.

We're also planning on 3 before IVF and also OOP for them. I will say, my last BFN after IUI # 1 was pretty hard emotionally because as you escalate treatment you can't help hoping it will work. I'm not feeling nearly so hopeful this cycle. But like others have said, I would always wonder if the IUIs would've worked if we jumped straight to IVF.

Keep me updated and hugs to you!

this! I couldn't describe it, but I think that's how I feel. As the intensity of "trying" grows, so does my hope.

I hope your IUI goes well today!

[Deleted User] · January 2015

I'm sorry you are having a hard time with this. I just had my 4th IUI on Wednesday. The first 3 I did with Clomid + Bravelle+ trigger. I responded well to the Bravelle. (I had 3 follicles 2 times and 4 the third time. I had to do 3 IUI cycles before I could move on to IVF because of my insurance clause. I would have done it anyhow just because I wanted to do everything I could before moving on to IVF.

I also used Menopur with my IVF but I'd take Bravelle over Menopur just for the OUCH factor involved with Menopur. I had my pregnancy and loss on my IVF cycle so I'm leery to go through all of that again and am back to IUI's.

While I don't have high hopes for IUI's, I had about 15 polyps removed from my uterus this summer and haven't done an IUI since then so we are trying 2 more cycles of IUI before cycling for anohter iVF. This last IUI we switched it up and tried Letrozole. I definitely had less side effects with Letrozole vrs. Clomid. If you get really raging on Clomid maybe you could ask for Femara or Letrozole instead?

katib77 · January 2015

I did clomid 3 times but with each cycle my lining got thinner (even with an 8 month break between 2 & 3) which is why I was moved to injects for IUI 3,4&5. I took follistim. It grew follies just as well as clomid only without the thinned lining. I didn't get ragey from clomid - progesterone supps made me ragey (oral not the vag tabs and I don't know why as it was essentially the same drug.
One thing to remember- the chance of IUI working depends on the drugs effectiveness not if they make you bitchy. So yes, I'd want a different drug so I didn't get ragey but at the same time if your doc has you stick with clomid it won't effect your chances.
Good luck!

rmpar29 · January 2015

I'm sorry that I'm just now seeing this honey! I've done 6 IUIs, only one was with Clomid and I only had one follie on my tubeless side, so that cycle was cancelled. I did Letrozole (yes, that is the generic for Femara) for two cycles with only one follie on my tubed side. Moving to inject, I've used Gonal-F and Gonal-F with Menopur. I've used Lupron and Ganirelix to delay O and I've always used a trigger shot. If there's any specific questions I can answer please ask, or PM me dear.

kreardon11 · January 2015

No advice, but I'm bringing all the hugs!

Plus, I'm a RHOA junkie and love everything Nene.

rslh10 · January 2015

I thought instead of making a new thread, I would just ask you guys on this seeing as it was just a few days ago.

I went to my RE today for a baseline and FSH + E2 blood draw. He told me to start Clomid CD3-5 (asked about injects- he said next round If need be) and that he wants me back CD12 (1/17) to do a scan, and if everything looks good to also trigger. If everything looks good, H will need to bring his sample in Monday morning and we will do the IUI.

So...all sounds good, with the exception of my scan being only once and pretty late. When I was on clomid previously I was monitored at cd10/11 and my follies were always above 18mm. I respond well (3-7 total, with at least 3 18mm or above), so I'm worried that I will miss my window here, or my follies will be too big/bad quality.

Anyone have any opinions on this?

nikiswimr · January 2015

Hmm. I'm a late responder to Clomid so this cycle they brought me in for my first ultrasound on CD12 and I only had one 14 and several 10-11s. Last cycle they brought me in first ultrasound on CD10, but there wasn't much going on so I had to come back. I think CD 10/11 is pretty typical. I think I would ask for an earlier ultrasound because you definitely don't want to miss O. Also they always tell me if I have a positive OPK I need to call for an earlier ultrasound (although admittedly you can have false positive OPKs on Clomid).

rslh10 · January 2015

nikiswimr said:
Hmm. I'm a late responder to Clomid so this cycle they brought me in for my first ultrasound on CD12 and I only had one 14 and several 10-11s. Last cycle they brought me in first ultrasound on CD10, but there wasn't much going on so I had to come back. I think CD 10/11 is pretty typical. I think I would ask for an earlier ultrasound because you definitely don't want to miss O. Also they always tell me if I have a positive OPK I need to call for an earlier ultrasound (although admittedly you can have false positive OPKs on Clomid).

The nurse told me that if everything looks good Saturday, were shooting for a 36hr turn around for the IUI. I've read that the trigger averages a 30 hour ovulation time after its given so I'm confused! Is the IUI trying to meet the egg with the best sperm or be there waiting?! So confused!

nikiswimr · January 2015

They've scheduled both of my IUIs for exactly 36 hours post-trigger. Usually trigger at 8 PM at night, IUI at 8 AM 36 hours later. As MH's SA looked good they don't have us abstain the night prior so usually BD at the 24h mark post trigger, IUI the next am, then BD that PM after IUI. Has your RE told you what to do about timing? I freak out with every triggered cycle and think the trigger won't work, but my temps have confirmed O on the day of the IUI both times. So seems like it really is 36 hours for me for what it's worth. I think washed sperm doesn't live that long (I want to say 12 hours? Am I totally off?) so they don't want to have it waiting in there too long before O.

rmpar29 · January 2015

I agree that you might want to ask for an earlier scan. The only Clomid cycle I did I was taken in for just one u/s on CD12, so I think that's the norm. Same thing for my Femara cycles, one u/s on CD12 as long as everything's looking OK. For one of my cycles I wasn't responding well, so they had to add injects, which called for many more u/s. I think that's the common time frame while on Clomid, but since you have history then I would try for an earlier u/s.

[Deleted User] · January 2015

nikiswimr said:

They've scheduled both of my IUIs for exactly 36 hours post-trigger. Usually trigger at 8 PM at night, IUI at 8 AM 36 hours later. As MH's SA looked good they don't have us abstain the night prior so usually BD at the 24h mark post trigger, IUI the next am, then BD that PM after IUI. Has your RE told you what to do about timing? I freak out with every triggered cycle and think the trigger won't work, but my temps have confirmed O on the day of the IUI both times. So seems like it really is 36 hours for me for what it's worth. I think washed sperm doesn't live that long (I want to say 12 hours? Am I totally off?) so they don't want to have it waiting in there too long before O.

This is what my RE does as well. I trigger, get IUI 36 hours after. The trigger is supposed to start ovulation 36 hours afterward your injection. That's why when you do IVF you usually go in 35-36 hours after a trigger so they can get the eggs before you ovulate. My RE says the washed sperm can live 24-36 hours instead of up to 72 hours or something like that.

rslh10 · January 2015

You ladies are the best. Thank you for your continued support and advice! I would be lost without you all

nikiswimr · January 2015

king26 said:

nikiswimr said:

They've scheduled both of my IUIs for exactly 36 hours post-trigger. Usually trigger at 8 PM at night, IUI at 8 AM 36 hours later. As MH's SA looked good they don't have us abstain the night prior so usually BD at the 24h mark post trigger, IUI the next am, then BD that PM after IUI. Has your RE told you what to do about timing? I freak out with every triggered cycle and think the trigger won't work, but my temps have confirmed O on the day of the IUI both times. So seems like it really is 36 hours for me for what it's worth. I think washed sperm doesn't live that long (I want to say 12 hours? Am I totally off?) so they don't want to have it waiting in there too long before O.

This is what my RE does as well. I trigger, get IUI 36 hours after. The trigger is supposed to start ovulation 36 hours afterward your injection. That's why when you do IVF you usually go in 35-36 hours after a trigger so they can get the eggs before you ovulate. My RE says the washed sperm can live 24-36 hours instead of up to 72 hours or something like that.

That sounds more normal for life of washed sperm. I couldn't remember exactly what he had told me but knew it was shorter than normal.

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