Should I do IUI...tomorrow?

[j*east]

Well, this is weird. I saw the RE this morning (thrid visit, not including b/w). DH and I are still in the testing phase, or so I thought. We failed the post coital test this morning, which doesn't surprise me, because we had some trouble. :o I don't think the sperm got as close to the cervix as usual. There were no sperm in the field, but good CM. Also, today's and last week's ultrasound revealed possible fluid in the left tube, and I'm ovulating from the right side, but I haven't Od yet, but should soon. The dr. said the right side is my "good side." Left side is compromised due to past endo, but it's unclear exactly how. No HSG yet.

So...the dr. is suggesting I come back tomorrow or the next day (depending on today's B/W) for IUI, because he thinks my left tube is blocked and I may have CM issues due to no sperm in the CM sample this morning. DH's SA came back good, we've had other bloodwork, no HSG yet.

Hello, tomorrow? What? :eek: I know that obviously this is good timing, since I'm due to O, and from the alleged "good side"...but it seems a bit fast! I don't know if we should go for it or not. Will I regret not waiting to see if we can get PG on our own? I will definitely have other chances for IUI, if not this month.

I was expecting, based on other tests (SA, b/w, lining is good), to be told to try on our own a while longer. We've been trying for 8 months (this is 9), but were referred to an RE early due to my history of endo.

Any thoughts?

Let me know if I left something out...I'm all frazzled.

ETA: Some details above, plus--we will pay for this out of pocket, which we can afford to do this month, but it may not be the wisest choice financially if we need more treatments, none of which are covered by my insurance.

[Loud_curly]

J*east - FWIW, I voted yes. Provided that you have the funds/insurance coverage, why not? Although it definitely seems a bit sudden for the dr. to suggest it. Maybe the dr. has seen enough similar cases to yours to think that IUI might be just the thing you needed, so why wait a few more cycles?

[pocahontas]

J*east - FWIW, I voted yes. Provided that you have the funds/insurance coverage, why not? Although it definitely seems a bit sudden for the dr. to suggest it. Maybe the dr. has seen enough similar cases to yours to think that IUI might be just the thing you needed, so why wait a few more cycles?
I couldn't agree with Loud Curly more. I had my first IUI after only trying for 8 months (month 9 was the IUI just like you) and honestly, this quote was my motto "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting a different result." To me...just personally, I would have felt silly continuing on a road that for whatever reason obviously didn't seem to be working. So I chose to embark on a new path with IUI because in my mind if I wanted to get pregnant as much as I claim, what would be the sense in not trying to increase my chances of doing so? At least that was my logic...

[karlatta]

I would consider a couple of things before making my decision.

1) Are you paying out of pocket, or does your insurance cover this? If you're paying out of pocket, I'd wait to make sure that you guys have done all the testing and everything you need before you do an IUI. My doctor did a lot of bloodwork and an HSG before he would do an IUI, and I appreciate that.

2) Has your DH had a Semen Analysis? Aside from today's post coital, do you know if there are any problems with DH's sperm?

[j*east]

I would consider a couple of things before making my decision.

1) Are you paying out of pocket, or does your insurance cover this? If you're paying out of pocket, I'd wait to make sure that you guys have done all the testing and everything you need before you do an IUI. My doctor did a lot of bloodwork and an HSG before he would do an IUI, and I appreciate that.

2) Has your DH had a Semen Analysis? Aside from today's post coital, do you know if there are any problems with DH's sperm?

Thanks for the replies, all. Keep them coming!

karlatta...
1. We are paying out of pocket, but can afford this one. We've had a lot of b/w, no HSG yet.

2. Yes, and SA is good.

Thanks again! Just knowing people are reading this is calming.

[tealynn]

J*east, (hey!!!) Something to think about...if you are paying out of pocket, maybe not. If it's completely covered, I don't see what you have lose...it would be like DTD w/ hubby except w/ possibly better results. Although I have read that IUI's can result in a higher rate of ectopic pregnancies, but it's still only like 8-10%.

And I also agree with Karlatta...what other tests have been done??? An IUI with problematic sperm is just going to result in disappointment.

Also, I'd be a little sceptical about a Dr. that was rushing me to make a decision that I wasn't completely comfortable with. You'd like to think they have your best interests at heart and not their own.

Best of luck with your decision!

[kazata]

There were no sperm inthe field, but good CM. Also, today's and last week's ultrasound revealed possible fluid in the left tube,

So...the dr. is suggesting I come back tomorrow or the next day (depending on today's B/W) for IUI, because he thinks my left tube is blocked and I may have CM issues.

I was expecting, based on other tests (SA, b/w, lining is good), to be told to try on our own a while longer. We've been trying for 8 months (this is 9), but were referred to an RE early due to my history of endo.

Any thoughts?



Ok, couple questions that jump out at me.

1. Has your DH done a SA? I'm confused as to why you say that you had "good CM" at the PCT this morning, yet your doc thinks that your CM is the issue....is it b/c there was no sperm despite good CM? It could also be that as you said you had "trouble" or it could be a problem with DH's sperm, which a SA would rule out...

2. Have you had an HSG? The statement about fluid possibly being in your left tube jumps out at me. There is a difference between a blocked tube and a fluid filled tube (called hydrosalpinx), in that a tube that is just blocked won't effect things happening from the other "good" tube, however, there is something about a fluid filled tube that disrupts implantation, so even an egg from the good tube may not be able to implant (there are lots of theories on why - whether the fluid is "toxic" or just causes a sort of flow/current in the uterus that inhibits implantation, but studies show that if you have a hydro tube your chances of conceiving are much smaller, but can go back to normal if the tube is removed). For what it's worth, I had a hydrosalpinx, and finally had that tube removed after 2 years of trying, and 3 months later became pregnant on a natural cycle. Here's a promising article about removing a tube for hydrosalpinx (http://sitemaker.umich.edu/rei/files/salpingectomy-oi.pdf) and the possibility to become pregnant naturally. This is not to say that you do have a hydrosalpinx, but I believe that they can tell on an HSG whether you have one, which would be beneficial to know, since that can cause other problems that wouldn't be resolved through IUI.

Sorry for rambling, but I guess my thoughts boil down to this - if you have just a blocked tube, your CM is fine, your DH's SA is fine, you might be able to get pg just trying naturally (it just might take longer due to the one blocked tube), and you can just try this cycle since you seem to be o'ing on the "good" side. On the other hand, in that scenario an IUI just might increase your chances, so why not. But on the other hand, if you have some problem that isn't helped by IUI (some issues with DH's sperm, or a hydro tube), then why incur the cost/frustration of an IUI attempt. It's difficult to say since you haven't done all your testing yet...

[j*east]

Thank you all so much for your quick and thoughtful replies!


Also, I'd be a little sceptical about a Dr. that was rushing me to make a decision that I wasn't completely comfortable with. You'd like to think they have your best interests at heart and not their own.


Hi tealynn! The SA is good--maybe we cross-posted. But this comment above is really how I'm feeling, like all this is happening so fast. DH and I have barely talked about a non-natural approach. (Sorry if "non-natural" offends anyone...I feel clumsy with words today.) When I saw the dr. on Friday, he was very optimistic that we could just keep trying for a while (which felt right to me), but this feels like a left turn, and I was so throw, startled, and upset, that I didn't ask any questions.

Ok, couple questions that jump out at me.

1. Has your DH done a SA? I'm confused as to why you say that you had "good CM" at the PCT this morning, yet your doc thinks that your CM is the issue....is it b/c there was no sperm despite good CM?

2. Have you had an HSG?

kazata, thank you for your thoughtful response. You're not rambling at all. DH's SA was fine. CM was good this morning, but no sperm. We had "trouble" b/c DH got nervous and I don't think the sperm got as close to the cervix as usual. PCT's have been discredited everywhere, so I don't know how much credence to put in that.

No HSG yet, which I believe would be covered by insurance, since diagnosis of IF but not treatment is covered.

BTW, congratulations on your pregnancy (and I hope all is well, which I can't tell from your signature). :)

Thanks everyone for your thoughts, everyone. I'm still not sure what to do, and the sad thing is I'm not feeling so good about this doctor right now. :( Yuck.

[j*east]

The dr's office called and said that due to my b/w today, I should be ready on Wednesday.

After talking to DH and feeling strongly "no" at the beginning of our conversation, we are now leaning "yes," after thinking about how hard the waiting has been, how we will kick ourselves in 3 weeks if AF comes and we didn't try it, and how there's no guarantee I'll O on the "good" side again anytime soon.

If we do it, we're accepting that this cycle is kind of a gamble (aren't they all?) and if it doesn't work, we'll regroup and back off and get the HSG.

Oddly, if we do it Wednesday, it's 4 years to the day after my laparoscopic surgery to remove endo. Okay, maybe just odd for me!

I'm still not 100% settled, and I have until tomorrow morning to decide for sure. At that point, I'll need to call and make the appt.

So...I am happy to read more of your thoughts, if anyone has others to share.

[Kelly's Girl]

J*east, I went through a lengthy period trying on our own, and hoping for the best w/o realizing I didn't O on my own. When I saw the RE, he was ready to move forward to hormones and IUI (in my case the hormones were nec. to O, and he said why not maximize my chances to get pg with the IUI.) Even after spending a good bit of time to get there, when the RE said let's go- now, I got nervous.

However, it is my feeling that you're (the general you) at the RE to get pg. I now look back (with a 14 month old) and almost wish I hadn't waited so long to go to the RE. An IUI isn't a guarantee of pg, after all, but it's a sure better bet than going it alone, as it puts the sperm (as you know) closer to where it needs to be.

I say go for it! What better holiday gift to yourselves than conceiving? Good luck!

[Sadie]

j*east, if I were in your shoes, I would most likely go for it. Yes, you may wonder "what if we had been able to do it on our own if we had kept trying," but on the other hand, you are at the RE for a reason. And in the end, if it works, a baby is a baby. :) If there are no financial issues, I don't think you have anything to lose. DH and I have been trying for 10 months now, and I know that if it comes to the point where I see an RE, I will want to move forward as quickly as possible. Good luck with your decision!

[Scooter]

I was expecting, based on other tests (SA, b/w, lining is good), to be told to try on our own a while longer. We've been trying for 8 months (this is 9), but were referred to an RE early due to my history of endo.

First, it doesn't seem that strange to me for the RE to want to jump straight to IUIs. We were actually told the same thing (and it felt like a shock to us, too) from the get-go. We'd expected to be given some medication like clomid and be told to go home & do timed intercourse, because our test results were all fine. But apparently the standard is to go straight to IUIs if you have been regularly ovulating (e.g if you don't have PCOS).

Second, I'm kind of wondering about the left tube. Seems a little weird that he would suspect either fluid in it or a blockage and NOT have you do an HSG before any treatment. Unfortunately, like Kazata said, fluid in the tube does not STAY in the tube, can leak out into the uterus, and an embryo can't implant/survive in that kind of environment. :( If you are paying out of pocket for this IUI and have limited financial resources for future treatments cycles, I would definitely consider doing a natural cycle and pushing hard for an HSG next cycle.

Third, if your RE doesn't thoroughly address the issue of fluid in your left tube, I would immediately seek a 2nd opinion. You don't want to waste time and money on treatments with an RE who is overlooking such a potentially important factor.

[j*east]

Thank you all, again, for your replies. I'm not really talking to anyone IRL about it, so this helps. Sorry it's taken me a while to get back--planning to take the day off work tomorrow has been a lot of work.

...Even after spending a good bit of time to get there, when the RE said let's go- now, I got nervous.

However, it is my feeling that you're (the general you) at the RE to get pg. ...

I say go for it! What better holiday gift to yourselves than conceiving? Good luck!

Thanks, Kelly's Girl. I'm glad to hear that someone else got nervous, too. For some reason I didn't expect to feel so surprised and nervous...so it was even more surprising!

j*east, if I were in your shoes, I would most likely go for it. Yes, you may wonder "what if we had been able to do it on our own if we had kept trying," but on the other hand, you are at the RE for a reason. And in the end, if it works, a baby is a baby.

Sadie, this is so true, and this "a baby is a baby" idea is what helped us make this decision last night to go for it. It's hard to believe that I'd really regret getting an IUI if it was successful. I can always try longer with the next one.


First, it doesn't seem that strange to me for the RE to want to jump straight to IUIs. We were actually told the same thing (and it felt like a shock to us, too) from the get-go. ...

Second, I'm kind of wondering about the left tube. Seems a little weird that he would suspect either fluid in it or a blockage and NOT have you do an HSG before any treatment. Unfortunately, like Kazata said, fluid in the tube does not STAY in the tube, can leak out into the uterus, and an embryo can't implant/survive in that kind of environment. :( If you are paying out of pocket for this IUI and have limited financial resources for future treatments cycles, I would definitely consider doing a natural cycle and pushing hard for an HSG next cycle.

Third, if your RE doesn't thoroughly address the issue of fluid in your left tube, I would immediately seek a 2nd opinion. You don't want to waste time and money on treatments with an RE who is overlooking such a potentially important factor.

Scooter, thank you for your thoughts. It's good to hear your experience of shock as well. I am ovulating regularly. The apparent fluid in the tube, or whatever it is, didn't show up until my 4th u/s in the last month, and they're not really sure what it is or if there's an "it" even there. I had no idea that fluid in the tube meant much at all, so I thank you and Kazata for your knowledge. I will definitely ask more about this and, if this cycle is unsuccessful, push for an HSG.

Our decision...we are going to do it, assuming optimal conditions tomorrow. We were both pretty opposed when we started talking, but the emotional, non-rational side led us around to wanting to do it. We are paying out of pocket, and while we're not swimming in cash, we can afford to try IUI this cycle when everything seems to be lining up. We know that it's very likely it won't work, in which case we will slow down, get the HSG, and go from there.

My appointment is for 1:00 tomorrow, so send me good vibes! Thanks, all. I will be back with an update.

[Sadie]

Good luck! I'm excited for you. :D

[Scooter]

...this "a baby is a baby" idea is what helped us make this decision last night to go for it. It's hard to believe that I'd really regret getting an IUI if it was successful. I can always try longer with the next one.
Glad that was useful info to you. :) I totally understand the nervousness about this. I think each step with treatment involves a bit more grief that it's not going to happen the way you'd been imagining, and a bit more nervousness about moving forward. There's a lot there, like are we putting too much into this, is this the best step to take, if we waited could it possibly work, and of course the 'OMG what if this actually works' feelings. ;) If it works you aren't going to regret it, of course, and even if you didn't do it I doubt you'd regret it. I think it's good for you & your own process to put this much thought into doing IUIs before just rushing into it.

Good luck tomorrow. Some of them were a little painful to me, a little pinching feeling in the cervix. And once the catherter is in the uterus it can cause some cramping (sometimes kind of intense--I usually felt like I had a fever for about 30 seconds), but it goes away very quickly, like when they remove the catheter. Just thought you might appreciate knowing what to expect so you can prepare yourself or talk to the doctor about it. :)

[j*east]

Sadie, thank you! I appreciate your thoughts. :)

Glad that was useful info to you. :) I totally understand the nervousness about this. I think each step with treatment involves a bit more grief that it's not going to happen the way you'd been imagining, and a bit more nervousness about moving forward. There's a lot there, like are we putting too much into this, is this the best step to take, if we waited could it possibly work, and of course the 'OMG what if this actually works' feelings. ;) If it works you aren't going to regret it, of course, and even if you didn't do it I doubt you'd regret it. I think it's good for you & your own process to put this much thought into doing IUIs before just rushing into it.

Good luck tomorrow. Some of them were a little painful to me, a little pinching feeling in the cervix. And once the catherter is in the uterus it can cause some cramping (sometimes kind of intense--I usually felt like I had a fever for about 30 seconds), but it goes away very quickly, like when they remove the catheter. Just thought you might appreciate knowing what to expect so you can prepare yourself or talk to the doctor about it. :)

Scooter, yes, that first paragraph is exactly how I am feeling. I thought we'd get to IUI's "later." I guess now it's later! DH is disappointed about some of the "magic and mystery" (his words) being lost. He's comforted that we can still BD and, if successful, won't know where the actual sperm came from--IUI or not. Also, we had a really optimistic RE appointment just on Friday (you can see my journal about that if you like), so to hear this plan on Monday caused a bit of whiplash.

Thank you all again for your thoughts and experiences. You are all very kind!

[j*east]

Hi all,
We did it! The sperm counts were really good and the IUI itself was a breeze. If this doesn't work, the plan is to do an HSG after AF. The best part was the dr. gave us a huge discount since we paid for it ourselves--$150 instead of $380. :eek: :) I was PSYCHED.

So, right now I feel pretty good about the whole thing. I'll be back when I get more news later...like in about two weeks...!

Thank you all again for your support. I probably wouldn't have done it otherwise. :)

[karlatta]

The best part was the dr. gave us a huge discount since we paid for it ourselves--$150 instead of $380. :eek: :) I was PSYCHED.
That is AWESOME. We paid ourselves for all of our infertility treatments, and we never got a break. I think they did take a bit off the cost of IVF because we paid for everything ahead of time, but that didn't really make a difference.

[craftgenius]

Good luck to you. I hope those little soldiers have a good sense of direction! :) I had 2 IUI's and paid out of pocket. It didn't work for me, but it did work for one of my friends...and on her first try!

[j*east]

Thanks, craftgenius and karlatta, and everyone else for your good thoughts and support.

Unfortunately, after a long 16 DPO wait, AF showed up last night. Next step is an HSG. Bleah.

I definitely don't regret getting the IUI, even though it didn't work. I now know what to expect, I know that we did everything we could, and I know my dr. gives a deep discount! (Unless, as DH joked, he's like a drug dealer--first one is cheap, but that price goes up as you get addicted. ;)) I know that if we hadn't done it, I'd be wondering right now and beating myself up for *not* doing it. Also, I know that an HSG is a good next step, which will hopefully make that easier.

Thanks again, everyone. :)

[Jess71903]

I'm sorry it didn't work this time, j*east! I hope the HSG is painless and gives you some answers!