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Our Infertility Support forum is a space to connect with others in the same position, discuss causes, treatment and IVF, and share infertility stories of hope and success.

Infertility

Fertility treatment- IUI

511 replies

csds · 15/08/2017 19:47

Hi, has anyone had IUI fertility treatment? We've been TTC for 3 years now. Had all the tests. We have a consultation tomorrow at the hospital about moving forward with treatment and we've been given an indication that IUI may be the best option to try first before IVF.

I'm just wondering if there's anyone out there who has been through this or is going through this.

Thanks

OP posts:
WelshMammy123 · 15/08/2017 20:55

Hi,

We had 3 cycles of IUI before moving on to IVF. If I were to have my time again I absolutely wouldn't have the IUI. I feel like as the success rates are so low it wasn't ever likely to work and all it did in actual terms was delay us having IVF by about 9-12 months. Obviously it's totally your call and there will be people that had success through it but I know I wouldn't do it again if I could go back in time. Good luck in whatever you decide to do.

csds · 16/08/2017 06:12

Thank you for your reply. I had heard that the success rate wasn't great and that you have to have a break between months of trying it unsuccessful. We've waited long enough, really don't want to be delaying this any longer. Appreciate your comments x

OP posts:
teatwosugarspls · 16/08/2017 06:45

Hi,

I had IUI and conceived my daughter on the 2nd go. They were back to back treatments with no need for a break in between. You can literally start the next round of injections when your period starts from a failed attempt.

Wishing you the best of luck x

csds · 16/08/2017 08:49

Thanks for the reply. I guess every hospital will be different. Back to back would be nice. I've spoken with hubby and depending on what the consultant says we think we will give the IUI 2 attempts before IVF. I think I'll need to request the drugs to help with ovulation because I never get a positive opk when testing. I've used cheapies, I've used clearblue with the smiley faces. Well..... feeling a little anxious about today but hopefully we'll come away feeling better and positive about the situation

OP posts:
teatwosugarspls · 16/08/2017 19:55

We had also agreed before starting that we would give it 2 goes and then move on.

They will give you drugs to help stimulate the eggs and then when they say the eggs ready you'll get another injection to take at a certain time - depending on what time your appt is for insemination - to release it.

How did your appt go today? X

csds · 17/08/2017 11:29

Appointment went well overall.
Bad things (which aren't really bad) are; need more blood tests. My thyroid needs to be checked out further, I don't have a thyroid condition (under-active or overactive) something to do with my thyroid antibodies (could be stopping me getting pregnant) so need further blood test. My sugars are too high in the morning so need further blood test, this one is 3 hrs where they take blood every 30 mins.
Tests are booked in for 21st & 25th Aug.
Once we have all the results we will be going down the IUI route with stimulated assistance (clomid to ensure ovulation and an injection). Lots to take in feeling frazzled but also like we've taken a step closer. X

OP posts:
csds · 30/08/2017 12:20

Help please ladies, I'm on CD1, I've been told to go for a blood test on Sunday (I guess to see if I'm ready/ok to start taking clomid) am I ok to eat or do I need to stop eating from the night before? I have called the hospital but I'm struggling to get through.

OP posts:
physicskate · 30/08/2017 14:13

Is it a sugars test? I think there are pretty strict eating rules with that??

If just a 'normal' hormonal-type test, eat away!

Cobblestones · 30/08/2017 16:36

Hi csds - are you going to be going through IUI on this cycle? All the best with your blood tests

I'm on cd 3 and have just started on the IUI route after waiting for 3 months for a period (which never came so I had to induce). if you or anyone else out there is interested in being a cycle buddy pls ping.

I've been waiting for some kind of progress for so long (4 years ttc, 2 mmcs) that I'm kind of excited that it has finally started but don't want to get my hopes up.

JoJoSM2 · 30/08/2017 17:04

OP, given your blood sugar and lack of ovulation, have you got PCOS? It sounds like Clomid and IUI might work for you and you might not need IVF. Although you might need a few rounds of IUI.

Re the blood test- which one is it? I'd err on the side of caution and not eat after the night before. Are you on a diet to help you balance your blood sugar levels?

csds · 30/08/2017 17:43

Thank you for your guidance all!

I finally managed to get through to the hospital, I'm able to eat (I'm glad as I need breakfast).

Since I started this post I've been diagnosed with under active thyroid (borderline) so I've started taking tablets for that and will be tested later on in the month to make sure they are happy with my dose.

So I was told to call the hospital (midwife) on CD1 which is today, they want me in on CD 5 for a blood test and scan. Then I wait for a call later that day to confirm if to take my clomid so at the moment I guess yes, I could be starting my first iui cycle. (Exciting and scary).

I'm happy to be a cycle buddy, that would be quite nice. My husband is very supportive but sometimes I can see by his face that he just doesn't understand what I'm rambling on about sometimes.

OP posts:
Cobblestones · 02/09/2017 12:35

Great!! Exciting and scary - feel the same way.. My next scan is on cd 10 to see how I've responded to letrozole (works in a similar way to clomid)

csds · 02/09/2017 15:26

Cobblestones so this is your first cycle? Fingers crossed for your 10 day scan.

Tomorrow I've got day 5 blood test and scan. Then apparently I'll get a call in the afternoon to state if I'm good to start iui this cycle. If I get the ok then I'll start taking my clomid.

I've just been put on thyroid medication. My TSH levels are in the normal range for thyroid function, however when it comes to TTC they are too high ... hence the medication to get it between 1-2. So there's a chance they will not want me start iui this month.

.

OP posts:
Cobblestones · 03/09/2017 01:54

Yes this is my first IUI...

Oh that makes sense.. They've had me increase my thyroxine dose to bring it below 2.. Normally I'm on 50 mcg and that results in TSH just below 4..

Hope you get the go ahead! Fingers crossed xxx

csds · 03/09/2017 13:12

Been given the go ahead to start my clomid today. I go back to the hospital on Friday CD 10 for another blood test and scan.

I know it's a small thing but I'm so chuffed that we've had the thumbs up to start the clomid. I know there are still hurdles, like I might end up having too many follicles from over stimulation etc but this is another small footstep in the right direction. X

OP posts:
Cobblestones · 06/09/2017 16:17

Amazing!!!! This is the first time you're having clomid right? How have you been feeling? Have you noticed anything different?

For the last two days I've had this prickly sensation near my right ovary. Hoping this means the letrozole has kick started my ovaries into action...

toomanydicksonthedancefloor1 · 06/09/2017 16:34

Hi all

Long time lurker but was compelled to post as I would like to share my story with you and hopefully give you an idea of what to expect and hopefully some hope!

We were TTC for 4 years, all the tests normal, undiagnosed infertility. Offered 3 rounds of IUI on the NHS. We started 1 month later, and we're advised to leave a month between attempts.

There are lots of blood tests, internal scans (condom on a stick!), ultrasounds and injections which you give yourself. The injections aren't scary after the first time. When/if your eggs are ready (and there aren't too many) your partner gives a sample (jizzes into a cup!) which is 'washed' to just leave the good stuff. Then they insert it into the uterus. I was terrified of the procedure but staff were so sympathetic and I was allowed gas and air which really helps. But to be honest it was 5 or 6 seconds of discomfort. I felt fine after. Then 2 weeks after they do a test and you find out.

First time I didn't get pregnant. I had far too many eggs the second time and so it was abandoned (too high risk of multiples). Third time, they reduced the drugs but I still had the same number of eggs. As I'd already had a cycle cancelled this time they did a procedure where they popped the eggs and just left 2 in (I was given tamazepam and gas and air for this and can't remember anything).

Two weeks later I found out I was pregnant and our little girl was born at 33 weeks but completely healthy. And our second child was conceived naturally after 12 months of trying.

Sorry my post is so long but I really hope some of the information helps you. Xxx

Cobblestones · 06/09/2017 17:02

Wow thank you so much for this. The timing couldn't be better. I've just had a scan and seen one dominant follicle and two small ones. Waiting to see the nurse who might say I need to come for the procedure tomorrow but if not then Friday. Excited and nervous at the same time! Your post is so helpful. There is hope. But need to stay realistic as well..

toomanydicksonthedancefloor1 · 06/09/2017 17:40

That sounds perfect. They allowed me to keep 2 as I was an old lady of 35! But they said the ideal was 1 really good one.

Happy to share my experience. I had clomid for 6 months before the IUI but it didn't work.

When I was going through it all I spent hours and hours reading threads on here about other people's amazing stories and it was amazing to read of positive stories. It helped me stay positive and motivated instead of getting down about it. I was able to focus on myself and being as healthy as possible so I was ready for what was to come, rather than wallowing. I remember walking round Tesco and it felt like every woman either had a baby or was pregnant and it seems so unfair.

Hope that makes sense!

Please keep us updated, crossing everything for you!

csds · 06/09/2017 18:13

(Toomanydicks) thank you for your post, it's appreciated. It's nice to hear of other people's journeys, makes you feel less alone. I'm 35 and I'm hating the fact I'm getting older and still haven't fallen pregnant.

I am anxious about giving myself an injection. It sounds pathetic but I don't think I can do it. What if I don't stick it in enough, or stick it in at the wrong angle. I just don't want to mess it up.

(Cobblestones) yes this is my first time taking clomid, I take my last tablet tomorrow (CD 9) I feel ok, a little tired if anything. I've not felt any twinges or sensations. Your sensations sound positive.... so maybe in 2 days time I might experience something (we'll see).

So was today your CD10 scan? Will you need another scan or is that it now... as in you're just waiting to hear from the nurse as to when to go in? Have you had to inject yourself?

OP posts:
toomanydicksonthedancefloor1 · 06/09/2017 18:37

(Csds)
You can't really go wrong with the injections. Grab a hold of some skin at the side of your belly button, but a bit further out, grip it really hard with one hand and stick it in quick and keep hold of the skin until the needle is back out. I was fine after I had done it once or twice. You can always ask your OH or a friend to do it for you. A nurse showed me and we did dummy runs with an empty needle for as long as was neede till I felt comfortable. I was scared at the time but soon wasn't borthered. Sounds silly to have been scared of That after now going through 2 labours, 2 episiotomies, a ventouse and a forceps birth!!!!! Xx

Cobblestones · 06/09/2017 18:38

I saw the nurse and she said I should have the IUI tomorrow else there is a risk I will ovulate naturally and miss the egg. Eeek! So I'm coming in tomorrow afternoon. I've taken the injection. It was my first time taking it and I was quite nervous. The nurse said she would direct me while I did it and that worked out quite well. You just hold some flab on the tummy (I've got plenty), insert at right angles, press, hold for 5 seconds and remove. And it didn't hurt!! I'm terrible with needles when I go for blood tests so I was anxious about this but the needle is so thin you don't feel it.. So try not to worry too much about that :)

I'm so glad I am able to discuss this with both of you here.. Definitely feel less alone.. Will write about my experience tomorrow.

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toomanydicksonthedancefloor1 · 06/09/2017 19:22

Hi Cobblestones

Sorry I am a bit thick, so you took a drug (letrozole?) in the lead up to the trigger injection, which i presume is the one you just took? I didn't realise there were different drugs. I had to do 2 injections each day in the lead up, I believe they helped the eggs grow (although I was ovulating fine beforehand) and then the trigger shot 36 hours before the procedure. How interesting. I presumed everyone did the same.

My advice is ask for gas and air when they're putting it up there.I wouldn't say you need it, but it makes it almost fun he he! And lots of TLC from your husband. Hope you're able to rest after and be looked after.

Please let us know how you get on. I'm so excited for you!!

Cobblestones · 06/09/2017 19:39

I'm really upset. I just came home and had a showdown with the dh because we weren't expecting for it to happen so soon, he told me he hasn't jizzed and we haven't dtd in a while. I'm so so upset. Should he do it now? His swimmers will all be dead otherwise.

Yes I only took letrozole for 5 days and then a trigger shot this evening..

toomanydicksonthedancefloor1 · 06/09/2017 19:44

Oh no please don't get upset.

We were told for him to 'relieve' himself every 3 days ideally. Is that why ypu are upset because of the timing, bless you.

I am no expert at all and don't know the science behind it but I would go for it tmrw (there's nothing to lose now) and then see if you can manage to DTD a few times in the couple of days after the procedure?? It might get a couple of other swimmers up there in time to meet the egg??

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