Why no to IUI over IVF???

I can't remember if I posted this a while ago or not, but I was wondering if anyone who knew the details about IUI's and IVF could answer this question?

My doctor said that if I don't get PG on my own that an IUI would be pointless that I would need to go straight to IVF. Now she said this a while back and I haven't talked to her since about it because I'm trying to stay positive that we'll conceive on our own.

My question is why wouldn't an IUI be worth it? She said that with Endometriosis it wouldn't work. What is the difference between both of them? Meaning, if we BD on our own, the sperm needs to find its' way to the egg and then implant. If you do an IUI, all it's doing is bypassing the tubes and the sperm is being directly placed right where the egg will be, no? But will still need to implant. With IVF, everything is already made and placed in the uterus hoping to implant. So, my thinking is that maybe the egg and sperm are meeting since my tubes are clear, but it's not implanting. What good would IVF do if they can't implant? I think an IUI would help get the sperm where they need to go in case that's the problem. It's just a step more than normally BD'ing on your own. I'm just confused on what makes IVF work better than an IUI if the problem is implantation due to the Endo/scar tissue? Not sure if that's the problem, but the Endo is apparantely. Any thoughts? Sorry so long.

ETA: I thought I read in several places that with Endo that you want to do an IUI?

Message edited 1/12/2010 10:34:51 AM.

Re: Why no to IUI over IVF???

IUI is not bypassing your tubes. You need to have clear tubes for IUI, but maybe there is a possibility that endo is in more places that your uterus.

IVF will allow the doctor to place the embryo in the right spot for implantation.

With IUI it's a crapshoot where the fertilized egg will land and implant.

Further, you have a way better chance with IVF as IUI is only minimally better if you have any issues.

Re: Why no to IUI over IVF???

Is your doctor a GYN/OB or a RE?

Re: Why no to IUI over IVF???

My RE pretty much feels the same. In my case, I have inrauterine adhesions and although I've had 2 hysteroscopies to clear my uterus and cervix, he still feels that IVF would be my best bet.

Re: Why no to IUI over IVF???

My regular OB had originally said the same thing to me because I had very large polyps high up in my tubes...and, as a pp said, IUI doesn't bypass the tubes. Of course, I cried for days since I have no IVF coverage!
Though, once I went to my RE, he was able to remove the polyps and the extra tissue blocking them.

I am now pg with only femara, ovidrel and timed intercourse.
The moral of the story for me is to go to a specialist and try not to freak out until you get another opinion.

Re: Why no to IUI over IVF???

So how exactly does an IUI work?

Re: Why no to IUI over IVF???

Posted by CaidensMommy

So how exactly does an IUI work?

Re: Why no to IUI over IVF???

Thanks everyone. I am still only seeing my OB/GYN. I don't have Infertility coverage until August.

I just had an HSG done on Wednesday and tubes were completely clear. I also did 6 months of Lupron so that got rid of most of the Endo. Tubes should be fine. The Endo however was all over inside.

Re: Why no to IUI over IVF???

Although it sucks I think that if you can't afford to see an RE on your own, then you really just need to be patient and wait until your insurance coverage begins in August. You have gotten pregnant twice before on your own so perhaps during the time between now and then you will get pregnant on your own again. As frustrating as it is, I think it makes it worse when you try to self diagnose, or try to have your regular OB diagnose you without all the appropriate testing. There is not much you can do between now and August that you aren't already doing. I KNOW the waiting sucks but why not try to just enjoy this time with your boys and once August comes around you can fully dedicate yourself to the whole infertility process.