IUI

[veeboo]

Hi all. I'm 32 TTC #1 since January 18. All our tests have come back clear although my DP does experience some Erectile Dysfunction. We have been told we can have IUI (intrauterine insemination) and are going to try for my September/October cycle.

I don't see it referred to much on here but wondered if anyone has had it and has any stories or tips as I prepare?

Hi, we were entitled to 4 free iui cycles and as the success rate is about 10% we were advised to see it as a course of treatment that may be as effective as one cycle of ivf. Our first cycle was cancelled as I produced too many eggs. The next two were bfn. The third we had to do 'timed intercourse' as the nhs don't work weekends 🙄 - also bfn. At this point we were ready to give up and move onto ivf but though one more go. Next cycle amazingly had a bfp but miscarried and our final cycle has just ended unsuccessfully.
Good points - we are used to the injections and scans etc, also it almost worked for us
Not so good - it has taken nearly 2 years for all those cycles due to various delays in between and it's a lot of hassle for a small success rate.
Ivf is our next step but apparently a 6 month wait so yet more delays...
Sorry I've waffled but hope this gives you some info, I'm happy to answer any questions. Good luck x

Thanks @janey15 sorry it's not been successful for you. I must admit I thought the success rate was slightly higher than that so will do some research. We get 3 rounds then 1 of ivf. I also assumed when/if we get to ivf there will be another wait list. Fx for you.

And I am so sorry for your loss. That must have been a terribly difficult time. X

Hi veebo we had the same entitlement as you and nothing came up on tests either. We did 3 rounds of IUI with clomid and it didn't work. No wait time once we got the paperwork done and we were able to move on to IVF the following cycle. I guess it depends on the clinic.

Thanks @zest11 sorry it didnt work for you. Hope things work out for you.

Hi Veeboo. In a similar situation. I am 37. One miscarriage Feb 2017. Been ttc ever since. DP swimmers are ok just my progesterone was low at day 20 blood test. First appointment at the clinic yesterday, need some repeat tests but consultant stated she though IUI would be the best treatment. Also wondering about experiences and the process. GP had thought I’d be offered Clomid. Hope things are going ok for you? And hope everyone is doing ok x x

I think the stats are cumulatively higher than that, so over the course of 4 rounds there is something like a 40% chance of success. I had it and am currently 19 weeks pregnant from my second cycle.

Info that might be useful - i took one clomid a day for the first cycle but only one egg was released so they increased it to two for the second one. I had to take 3 progesterone suppositories a day for the first 12 weeks from the procedure, but that might be just my physiology. I got put on aspirin automatically when i got the positive test. Oh, and i had to give myself the trigger injection which was a bit horrible but do-able.

Good luck!

Hi @RubaiyatOfanyone that's really helpful thanks. So good to hear a success story. Thanks for sharing and good luck!!

@Starwarner when are you due to start your IUI cycle? I've heard mixed things about people being prescribed clomid or not. I wasnt because they said my tests show I ovulated but my IUI cycle will be medicated. Maybe it depends on the clinic.

If you want a buddy happy to keep in touch on this thread or I'm on a thread on the infertility pages called starting the journey thread two which has been supportive.

@veeboo I'm really interested in this tread as my husband also has the same (and has since we first met when he was in his early twenties some 14 years ago). In my teens I was diagnosed with PCOS and am keeping track of my weight, which is healthy. I came off the pill in January aged 33 and my periods are slowly reducing in length (74/54/40 days). The erectile issues now have a new guise and premature ejaculation is a new thing that's developed. He doesn't manage to get near me and despite saying for years he'll go to the doctor. He hasn't. I don't mention children, although he often comments that 'we won't have children because of him' but won't go to the doctor and always hope next time we try it'll work. It doesn't. He has always had a low sex drive and can go weeks, a month is normal. I feel completely saddened by this. I feel IUI/IVF will be the only way we'll have children but I can't see me getting him to the doctor for the process to begin. All I can do is maintain my weight and stay healthy. Wishing you the very best in your journey

@Mycrazylife85

That is so sad that your dh is not doing his bit.

I had the same with my exdp

We tried for a few months and fell pregnant but I had a ruptured ectopic. It was awful and he wasn't very supportive.

We began trying again but when nothing was happening after about 6 months or so I went and had all my blood tests etc done (which were al fine but I accept I may have had a "mechanical" issue given I only had one tube), but he wouldn't even register with a gp let alone get to the point of doing a sample etc. Plus he smoked and drank heavily and was overweight whereas I was trying to maintain a healthy weight and was a non smoker and avoiding alcohol.

Our relationship didn't last because I felt so let down by him. Yet if you asked him he would still insist he was desperate to have a baby with me. Seems he just wanted me to magic a pregnancy out of thin air without putting even the slightest effort in himself.

It's soul destroying when your partner is not supporting you through what is often a painful process. X