Post-IUI sensations...

[Kelly's Girl]

I searched and didn't find an exact thread for my current situation. I had my 3rd IUI today. It's my first since I had DS in October 2005. Again, I used injectibles, had an HCG trigger and 36 hours later, had an IUI w/18+mill sperm. My RE was happy with a sample over 10 million.

The 1st one, we collected at home and DH had to supplement once we arrived at the clinic b/c the sample was low. We conceived but m/c quickly when my betas didn't double. The second go-round, we had a great sample (30 mill sperm) and had DS.

So, this IUI didn't feel like the others. I didn't even feel it, which my RE said was b/c I'd had a baby. My previous IUIs were crampy and uncomfortable but this one was fast and painless.

However, all day I've had kind of a throb on my left side, which had the most viable follicles. Is it all in my head to think I can feel what's going on in there? I guess I'm more invested in this cycle than I'd originally thought and really want it to take.

Anyone have similar experiences?

[kmmommy]

I have no experience to offer but wanted to say good luck! Hope you get your BFP soon!

[Scooter]

How long ago was your trigger? It's common to schedule the IUI about 6-12hrs before you O, so you may just be feeling O pains.

How many follies were on that side? With a lot of follies, there can be a lot more cramping & discomfort with O.

What kind of meds were you on, were they injectables? Clomid & femara carry a much smaller risk than injectables, but with all three types it's possible to experience symptoms of OHSS. Get plenty of rest, and if you're concerned it is OHSS at all, give your RE a call. Hope it works for you! :)

[Kelly's Girl]

Thanks, KMMommy!

Scooter, good questions, as I wasn't too clear.
My trigger was NYE (Sunday) at around 5:30 p.m. The IUI was this morning a little after 9 a.m.

I believe there were 3 or so viable follies on the left. My last u/s, on Sunday morning, there was one at 24, one at 21, and one at 18, with several smaller ones as well.

The meds were Follistim injectibles, about 100/day up until the last few days where I tapered to 50.

Not familiar with OHSS. Should I google it? Should I be worried about it?

Thanks for your reply.

[Scooter]

If that was the timing, there's a very good chance it could just be O pains, especially with that many follies. Wow, 3 of them on just one side! They'll be big today, too, probably 28, 25, and 22 mm, which is a lot like having a 5cm cyst burst on that ovary, so some pain & soreness should be expected. ;)

As for OHSS, that is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, and occurs when the ovaries are hyperstimulated. Basically all ovulation inducers create your ovaries to "hyperstimulate" to some degree, since creating even two eggs is more than normal. If you create more than that or use injectibles, it's possible to experience symptoms of OHSS, although most people don't have that with the usual 2-3 eggs that are the goal for an IUI. It's a little more common with IVF where they're going for a lot more mature follicles. I had some very minor symptoms with injectibles, even with only 2 good follicles, in the form of pain & bloating. I just rested & drank some gatorade & it was fine. If you're concerned you can google or call the RE for instructions what your clinic advises about minor symptoms, but I'd bet it's the O pains.

[Kelly's Girl]

Thank you so much, Scooter. I will take O pain for a good thing, and go with it! It's a fine line with my ovaries with respect to overstimulation since I tend to have a lot of small, immature follicles and we're trying to grow a good few. My RE did say that there was a risk of multiples b/c of the several larger follies but I figured I'd take a successful IUI no matter the outcome, you know?

Again, I appreciate your help and support so much. Thanks a bunch!

[Scooter]

You're welcome. :) Lots of luck to you!

[Jenean]

All my IUIs (6 of them) were painless. I had mild cramps related to Oing a few times, and I'd agree that you probably felt that.

You would know if you had OHSS. I was a "candidate" for it during my first injectibles cycle as I overstimulated and produced 6+ mature follies. My doctor told me to watch out for fast weight-gain (like 5 lbs in a day) and for severe abdominal pain.

Good luck, I hope this did it for you! :)

[Kelly's Girl]

You would know if you had OHSS. I was a "candidate" for it during my first injectibles cycle as I overstimulated and produced 6+ mature follies.
Wow, Jenean, six+ mature follicles? They've never mentioned OHSS to me and I am lucky to get 2 or 3 over 18, so I guess I'm not in that category.

Looks like your IUI journey took- congrats on your pregnancy! Thanks for the input and support!

I still am having trouble finding ways to keep my mind off the IUI and POAS, esp. since it's only 2DPO. I keep thinking, "When this baby is born...." or "We'll have to do this when the new baby comes..." so either way this IUI turns out, I'm going to have to wrap my brain around the results. This is going to be the longest 2WW EVER!!!