I've been trying to be nonchalant...sorry a little long... UPDATE

but I am starting to really get upset.

This was our first round of clomid + IUI and I am currently 13 DPO. I've had a little spotting today which says to me that stupid AF will show tomorrow.

I was so hopeful for this cycle! It's my second cycle after HSG, first with clomid (I had two large & two medium follicles), was triggered on 13 DPO as planned, & DH's count was 45 million for IUI. And now it looks like it didn't work.

I just turned 38, DH is 39. I thought I would want to go another round or two with clomid + IUI because it was easy to deal with - rather than IVF. DH works 24 hours in a row sometimes so I would have to give myself shots some of the times which I am nervous about - but would willing do for a or .

I am not quite sure insurance pays for IFV (I've gotten conflicting stories) but I do know they pay for 3 IUI's. Quite honestly we are lucky enough not to have to depend on insurance but it would be nice to have some of it covered.

What should I do? Should I do another round of clomid + IUI? Should I try to crunch an IVF cycle in now? Not even sure it is possible... I also have one blocked tube. With the blocked tube + my "advanced maternal age" I am starting to worry if this will really happen for us.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Update 11/30 - I e-mailed my RE this morning and told me that I wouldn't be able to do IVF until January. He suggested IUI again and possibly use injectibles instead of clomid. I read that injectibles increases the number of follicles right? What day in the cylce do you start? For how many days?

Thanks for your help!!

Message edited 11/30/2007 2:28:46 PM.

Re: I've been trying to be nonchalant...sorry a little long

IVF will totally avoid your blocked tube...I might try one more IUI before going to IVF though. You've only done it once right?

Re: I've been trying to be nonchalant...sorry a little long

Re: I've been trying to be nonchalant...sorry a little long

I would definitely try another IUI. It's "easier" than IVF and still possible for you to get pregnant. If that didn't work, then I would move on. However, I would want to know that I tried the least "restrictive" (I can't think of a better word) option and then moved up the ladder.

Re: I've been trying to be nonchalant...sorry a little long

Personally, I would check with your insurance and see what the deal is with IVF. Then I would talk to your RE and get his/her opinion.

If it's covered, I would go straight to IVF - I spent a year doing IUI's with no success.

But, you may not be able to do IVF in December - some RE's either don't do IVF during the holidays and/or would have you do additional testing, waiting for AF, etc.

See what might work best for you - and don't worry about the age too much...but be aware of it cuz the sooner you act the better.

Re: I've been trying to be nonchalant...sorry a little long

Thanks ladies for such quick responses!!

I expect full blown AF tomorrow so I will call my insurance company first thing and then my doctor. I am guessing I would need to be prepared for IVF so maybe one more month of IUI?

Re: I've been trying to be nonchalant...sorry a little long

I can only speak for myself, but i would much rather try three months of clomid with IUI then to jump into IVF immediately. I would certainly rather attempt to conceive in the least invasive way until it becomes necessary to have surgery

Re: I've been trying to be nonchalant...sorry a little long

I would do another IUI this cycle, so you don't waste it, and find out about IVF from your insurance company. If the second IUI doesn't work (which I hope it would) then I'd prepare for an IVF cycle. I know with my office its a lot to prepare for, so you need a good month to do it.

I've gotten pregnant twice with IUI, so I'm a believer. Good luck to you.

Re: I've been trying to be nonchalant...sorry a little long

I agree with the other posters, I'd do one more IUI in December and then start an IVF cycle in January. Good luck.

Re: I've been trying to be nonchalant...sorry a little long

I agree with the others, try one more IUI and then see what your ins. will cover with IVF.

Re: I've been trying to be nonchalant...sorry a little long

I also agree with the above posters, I would try one more iui and then move on to IVF. You can start preparing for the IVF during the next iui, this way you won't have to skip a cycle. good luck

Re: I've been trying to be nonchalant...sorry a little long

I agree also. I would try one more IUI and then go onto IVF. Good Luck!

Re: I've been trying to be nonchalant...sorry a little long... UPDATE

Well I think doing the injectables with IUI is a good idea and it will give you a good idea of how you will respond to them. Yes, you produce more follicles so you'll have more "targets". But after that, I would definately move on. I hope you get lucky on your 3rd IUI

Re: I've been trying to be nonchalant...sorry a little long... UPDATE

So I am doing injectibles + IUI this month (going to the RE on Monday). And if God forbid this doesn't work I think we are going right on to IVF. My RE said it would take a month to get everything set-up.

Thanks for your advice!