Iui

[flossyfloss]

Does anyone know if IUI is a good alternative to ivf for unexplained infertility?

Been trying 17 months got pregnant once and then chemical loss I already have 3 previous children but this is a new partner but his semen analysis was excellent.

We can't afford ivf so would have to save. I'm 35 so feel time running out. Saw IUI for £700 in Manchester and wondering if it's worth a go?

[geeup]

Hi flossy. Sorry it hasn't happened yet. We're currently doing our first IVF round and haven't done IUI but I didn't want to read and run so will throw in my tuppence worth.
We have low morphology so not exactly the same as you but when we were looking at options, I found that IUI is only really recommended for same sex couples using donor sperm and couples where penetrative sex is difficult (premature ejaculaton, woman has trauma so doesn't like PIV etc). If you've been having lots of sex at the right time in your cycle and you ovulate and have clear tubes, IUI won't really do anything for you you're not already doing yourself - it just gets the sperm past the cervix, then they still have to swim up the Fallopian tubes themselves.
In terms of % results it's basically the same as well timed sex with triggered ovulation.
That's what helped me make my decision to go straight to ivf but of course have a go if it'll put your mind at rest - sometimes you have to try these things so there's no regrets. Good luck.

[newmumwithquestions]

Hello.
I'm going to disagree with geeup (not being goady just my experience is different)

We had unexplained infertility. We were recommended to try IUI first, the success rates are a lot higher than 'just well timed sex'. I'm not sure we'd have gone for IVF anyway due to cost but IUI was the one recommended anyway.

Worked (2nd cycle) for us. It was assisted IUI though - ie taking clomid to trigger egg release.

[newmumwithquestions]

I realise 'trigger' in my post above may be misleading as you take different drugs to trigger egg release at the right point. But basically IUI with drugs.

[geeup]

Totally respect your experience newmum as I have different issues (MFI) and that was only my research from the Internet not from a clinic. Congrats - brilliant news it worked for you!

[maplebaby]

I'm afraid I'm a unsuccessful IUI-er. We are unexplained and had 3 goes - one with clomid, 2 with injectibles and it didn't work for us unfortunately. But obviously it does for others! IVF abroad is a lot cheaper than in U.K., worth a look perhaps? Good luck!

[bananafish81]

My Dr said unless you're using frozen or donor sperm, have very mild male factor, or cervical issues, IUI has no benefit over timed intercourse

If you have male factor then you need IVF with ICSI

If you don't have male factor then he told us not to waste our money on paying him to squirt in the sperm a bit further up when the success rates weren't really any better than timed intercourse (assuming both are stimulated cycles with a trigger, and IUI is just how the sperm is delivered)

[flossyfloss]

Thanks so much for the replies

I suppose I'm looking at in the sense that we could afford IUI and can't afford ivf. I'm 36 this year so time is ticking.

We could also look into egg sharing and that may make ivf affordable.

Lots to think about!

Thanks for your input