IVF or IUI??

[jem1969]

Hi- new to this website- hope someone can help! We've been ttc for nearly a year and a half. I've just turned 37, husband 41. All my blood tests etc are normal but progesterone a bit low. Had a laparoscopy etc and they found some endometriosis which I had laser treatment on last month. My husband had 2 sperm tests in the summer, very good count but rubbish motility and not great 'forms'. I was all geared up for IVF/ICSI due to the sperm problems but when we went to UCH London to discuss they did another sperm test and motility is now fine! So they now want us to try IUI with clomid a couple of times but I'm not sure. (We're now apparently 'unexpained' as sperm isn't a major issue.)I've got several friends who have successfully got pregnant with IVF but IUI hasn't worked for anyone I know. I know it's a lot less strssful, invasive etc but I really feel the clock is ticking and maybe we ought to go straight to IVF after Chritmas. Luckily money isn't a major issue (within reason...).

Has anyone been in the same situation? Does IUI ever work??!

I conceived using IUI at age 42, but it did take 4 tries.

What is your FSH level?

It was 6.8. (Which is OK I think??)

A friend of mine had IUI and she has just had a baby boy! So it does work. All the best!!

Yes, that's a good number so from that angle you should have no problems.

Don't think you have anything to lose at your age with a FSH at that level. Why not give it a go?

Best of luck, and let us know how you get on.

Thanks! Think I probably will try it (and try to be positive about it!)

I had IUI and concieved on 2nd attempt. And they could not inseminate as much sperm as they would normally due to low supplies (DH had cancer and not much time to store prior to chemo).
Would imagine IUI is much less time consuming than IVF so you wouldn't lose much that way and might save yourself the trauma of IVF.
Good luck with whatever you do.

Another one here who had IUI and conceived on the second attempt. It was not at all stressful or invasive - well worth trying for a couple of cycles before going for IVF, I would think. Best of luck with whatever you go for.

Thanks for all you help. Can't believe one gets answers so quickly! Think I'm going to be wasting a lot of time at work looking at this site...

hi, i'm going through the same decision and am about to turn 37 in a few weeks. we've been ttc for nine months since a second miscarriage. i got pg on first try the first time and on fourth cycle after the first miscarriage but now we seem to have unexplained infertility. like the previous poster, dh's first semen analysis showed rubbish morphology and motility but a second test showed them well formed and rearing to go! all of my tests have come back normal and i'm on my second cycle of clomid to give things that added boost. my FSH is 8.6, not fab but not awful. it's encouraging to hear that IUI can work. does anyone have thoughts on costs though? my dr said it would be about £700 for lab costs alone for IUI and i know his fee is £200 for even the briefest of appointments. this is in London. Did it cost you guys that much and would we be better off going straight to IVF perhaps?

jem1969

Would say that "unexplained infertility" is actually no diagnosis at all; all this means is that they have failed to date to find out what is wrong. I would argue this point with them as you have previously been diagnosed with endometriosis and there have been issues re sperm. BTW any test results over six months of age should be discounted; an up to date semen analysis should be done and repeated.

I would ask them lots of questions; if you are ovulating normally then clomid should be given with extreme caution. I would seek a second opinion.

IUI can work but several attempts are often needed. It is not likely to work in the first month for instance,

Hi, I was recommended IUI cos it was less invasive and cheaper than IVF. I only did one round and it failed unfortunately. What was good though, was that due to all the scans they picked up a tiny polyp that they had missed before through lapas etc and I had that removed last year - I was 42 when I did IUI and will try via IVF in Jan cos time is marching on but the Doc was happy to refer me cos my body had reacted well to the drugs. So in summary I think it is worth trying and was quick and easy, no pain. Ive heard of many who have been successful on the first attempt although most have had it a couple or three times before success. best of luck!

I conceived 3 times out of 5 with IUI. Sadly m/c twice but had dd on 3rd pg. It very much depends on each individuals circumstances whether vif or iui is more suitable. ivf does go one stage further obviously but you may not need it. If this is what they have suggested, maybe give iui a try. Good luck

oh and I was and am going through early menopause too. I did have to have a lot of drugs though but my fsh was about 13 then I think.

Quick update:

Decided to start IUI this month.

Body had other ideas as got a BFP on Friday!

Can't quite believe it really

oh wow, congratulations . I think that's quite common. I have a friend that got pregnant just as she was about to start treatment. I think you relax a little knowing that it is out of your hands a bit. That's great, very happy for you.

Hey congrats Jem!

What a lovely Christmas Present!