medicated IUI or straight to IVF

Hi Ladies!

After getting AF this weekend after our first round of unmedicated IUI, I am sitting here thinking about our next steps.

We are going to try at least one more unmedicated IUI cycle and hopefully we will see better SA results (a higher count!).

I have read a little about trying a medicated IUI vs. going straight to IVF if the unmedicated doesn't work, and have even had two doctors give different opinions on the issue. Just wondering what your thoughts on this process are...

Since we are dealing with strictly male factor issues I wonder if it's even a good idea to take the clomid (or something similar) just for an IUI since it can impact ovulation in someone that has a normal cycle (right?). But then I think if we're deciding between that and going straight to IVF it might make sense since it's much less invasive.

Have any of you had any success with male factor issues and medicated IUIs?

If you have any thoughts they would be much appreciated!!

TIA!!!

ETA: I am 30 btw, thought some people might want to know that before giving an opinion!!

Message edited 3/1/2010 1:31:44 PM.

Re: medicated IUI or straight to IVF

Make sure that DH isnt the only problem. I did 4 unmedicated iui's before going on to ivf. two weeks ago they found out with a hsg why the iui's didnt work. I had 4 large polyps lining the sides of the uterus. No place for baby to attach to. My DH has SA problems also. We thought it was all him. I would have extra testing done on you if you can. It cant hurt to know.

Re: medicated IUI or straight to IVF

Thanks!

I have gotten some tests - I had an hsg and everything was clear, and of course they did the day 3 fsh levels and that came back fine too. I just had my progesterone levels checked too and they were totally fine.

I always wonder about that though, because I tend to spot a few days before AF and I get 1-2 really heavy days during my period. It just seems weird to me, but the docs all seemed to think it's 'normal'.

Re: medicated IUI or straight to IVF

I am in the same exact situation as you. DH counts/morphology weren't that bad but still under what they would like them to be. I did my first unmedicated cycle the 14th and 15th which resulted in AF yesterday. I spoke with the Dr office today and they said we will start another unmedicated cycle. I was thinking the same as you, since I have been tested for everything and they seem to believe there is no issues with me what is the next step, trying a medicated cycle or going to IVF. I go to the Dr on the 9th so I planned on talking to them about it then. Just to get their thoughts on it.

Re: medicated IUI or straight to IVF

Your medical insurance may dicate what you need to do next. some will not cover IVF unless you had X amount of IUIs.

Re: medicated IUI or straight to IVF

Yes, I know a lot of people have a really hard time dealing with their insurance companies. Luckily our insurance is amazing right now - full coverage for everything (although our Rx co-pays are decently expensive), and no need to do Step A before moving to Step B.

I think I just need to understand more about the pros and cons of going through medicated IUI vs. IVF when I am ovulating consistently every month.

Have any of you found a website with any sort of percentages on these issues?

Thanks!!

Re: medicated IUI or straight to IVF

Re: medicated IUI or straight to IVF

medicated IUIs are definitely less invasive that IVF.

i've only taken clomid one month with IUI (got PG but it was ectopic) so i can't really comment on what effect it will have on your cycle (i ovulate on my own too). if you ovulate on your own, the rationale behind clomid is to get your body to produce more, better quality eggs. this way you have more targets for the sperm. i produced 4 follicles on clomid.

if you search here for IF success stories you will find a few ladies who had male factor and got PG by IUI. so it's definitely possible. it only takes 1. but if your insurance covers both IUI and IVF, i wouldn't waste too much time with IUIs. maybe do 1-2 medicated and then move onto IVF.

good luck!

Re: medicated IUI or straight to IVF

If it were me, I would do a medicated IUI first. It's less invasive and improves your targets. If your DH's issue is count, then I would think medicated is the way to go.

With me n DH, he has a morphology issue, so it seems no matter how many eggs are in there they just don't do the job.

Good Luck

Re: medicated IUI or straight to IVF