UK Couples IVF or IUI?

[Belle2012]

So,
My OH and I have been TTC for 2 years now.
Fertility dr has given us the option of IUI or IVF.
Such a big decision and we want to make the right 1.
From what I was told, we could try IUI and if it doesnt work, we could try be referred for IVF. But if we choose IVF, we cant be referred for IUI? Not sure if I picked her up right or if she assumes we wont be eligible for IUI because I could be too old by the time we finish IVF (32yo atm, hubby 30yo).
We are in N.Ireland and we are considering all options but just wanted to ask for any and all advice/experiences anybody has had recently to give us a better idea of what we should do.
Should add that I had a HSG test and my tubes are clear, Hubby's sperm is almost normal (not sure what that means) but apart from that, we don't have any issues.
Dr suggested IVF because semen isnt 100% perfect but still giving us the option.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Hi belle,

Not in a position to comment but didn't want to read and run, and thought this would give you a bump in the forum!

Hope all goes well x

Hey op,
My friend done IUI and took them 12 times to fall preg.
We done IVF, down as unexplained and we never got the option for IUI.
Preg all 3 cycles but sadly MC the first two.
IVF, it's a tough, very precise treatment.
But we wouldn't of had our DC without it.
I would do it all over again.
The meds can be hard, I had some bad days but I think that's expected.
Anything you want to ask about IVF I'm happy to answer!

@SophieJ21

Hi belle,

Not in a position to comment but didn't want to read and run, and thought this would give you a bump in the forum!

Hope all goes well x

Thank you very much for the support, really appreciate it xx

@CocaColaTruck1

Hey op, My friend done IUI and took them 12 times to fall preg. We done IVF, down as unexplained and we never got the option for IUI. Preg all 3 cycles but sadly MC the first two. IVF, it's a tough, very precise treatment. But we wouldn't of had our DC without it. I would do it all over again. The meds can be hard, I had some bad days but I think that's expected. Anything you want to ask about IVF I'm happy to answer!

Thank you, we think IVF is the way to go. Such a big decision to make & scary when you don't know how it will affect you. I'll definitely come back to you with any questions if you're happy enough to offer any advice or help? Xx

Yes of course 🤍

I had 3 X medicated IUI with a donor (so no soerm issues) all negative. 1st IVF collected plenty of eggs and a decent amount fertilised but all poor quality. 2nd IVF they amended my meds protocol, 5 decent embryos, one transferred at Day 3 due to history who is now a 3.5 year old. Other 4 frozen and have used 1 since which blessed us with DC2.

I would do IVF. It's harder on you body but so much more precise, and much higher success rates. You can assess at every stage IYSWIM? Number of follicles/womb lining/Number of eggs/How many fertilised/ How many developed normally etc.

I would do ivf. I did 2 diui cycles for genetic reasons, didn’t fall pregnant either time. Ivf is much harder on your body but has a much higher success rate.

IUI is cheaper but I would prefer IVF in order to increase the chances.

Check the stats for IUI, they're pretty abysmal.
I'd not waste time and go straight for IVF.

If you do IVF and it doesn't work you won't get to do IUI but that's purely because if IVF doesn't work then IUI certainly won't.

My doc said there's no point in me doing IUI as there's nothing wrong with my OHs swimmers and I've been ovulating fine - so an IUI won't do anything we haven't already been doing for two years