Sorry for this post rambling on...my mind is racing at the moment. So, I know some know my story but a quick recap: I did IVF back in '06 (2 fresh with a frozen inbetween) to get pg because our RE told us that our chances to conceive on our own were very low and this was our best chance. When I asked about IUI, she said she didn't think that would help us. My DH has a low count and motility issues. Well, we did get pg.:D My daughter will be 13 months next week. And, now we are trying for baby #2 naturally first, despite the comment made originally from our RE. We've been trying since January.

My question is: Does anyone think that IUI would be worth it to try? I have seen posts on here for woman who try IUI due to low sperm counts. I'm thinking that my DH's count was perhaps too low to consider IUI at the time but I'm wondering if any of the herbal supplements and acupuncture he has done has changed any of that. We have not done another sperm analysis. I'm also wondering if another RE may have had a different opinion. We are going to be changing our REs this time around for many reasons. Anyway, I think it's worth a try considering that it would give us much more of a chance than trying naturally.

I know IVF would give a bigger chance for success. But, we would like to bump up our chances but maybe try IUI first before doing IVF again! I don't mind injectibles, b/c I've already done that with IVF. Do you have to do progesterone afterward? And mostly, I want to know how much "less" involved an IUI is compared to an IVF. Has anyone done both and can give me the low down?:cool: Thanks!

Hi KM,

I have done both IUI & IVF. It turned out IVF was the best option for us because I have tube issues. If your DH's counts are the issue & he has been taking supplements, then I would say you should definitely get another semen analysis done to see if the supplements have made a difference. IUI may be a realistic option this time around.

IUI is MUCH easier & less involved than IVF. With IUI, you only have about 3 u/s appts until your follicles are big enough. Then you take the trigger & go in for the procedure about 36 hours after that. The procedure itself takes a minute or two and there is no fasting or anestesia or recuperation time involved. You might feel crampy afterwards or you might not. It is a breeze compared to IVF. Your dr will decide if you take progesterone afterwards (I did), but it will most likely be in pill form, not the shots.

Of course, even though IUI is so much easier, you still have to invest time & money & hopes into the cycle, so it's not 100% pain free...especially if the outcome is negative, of if you do an injectible IUI. Definitely worth a shot though if you find your DH's counts have increased & you want to avoid going through IVF again.

I hope that helped a little.:D Good luck to you!

Holly

Thanks Holly! I have a few more questions...
Do you only have about 3 u/s even if you're taking injectibles? Is there another way to get more follicles without injectibles like in pill form? Clomid perhaps?
About how long is the cycle? Is it about the same as a natural cycle? Thanks!
BTW, how's your pregnancy going?:)

Hi KM,

I never did an injectible IUI, but I would assume there might be 1 or 2 more u/s appts w/ injectibles vs oral meds just because injectibles require more monitoring. Even still, injectible IUIs aren't nearly as involved as IVF cycles. IUI cycles are about as long as natural cycles, you are right about that. I guess injectibles could give you more follicles than clomid, but w/ IUI, the goal is not to have a ton of follicles. Since all of the follicles could O at the same time & the RE can't control the number of embryos like in IVF, the chance of multiples is much higher w/ IUI if there are a great number of follicles. Some REs will even cancel IUI cycles if they feel there are too many mature follicles at one time. Usually 3 or 4 follicles is the most they are comfortable in seeing. My pg is going wonderful so far!! Thanks for asking! :D

Holly

I guess if I did an IUI at all, I would try it before an IVF, so I would probably not be able to do it with injectibles because of starting an IVF the very next cycle. But, that's okay. It's worth a try if an RE agrees. ;)

I agree! IUI could definitely be worth a try if your dr agrees!! Good luck to you!!! I hope you get your bfp soon.

Holly