Next steps for unexplained infertility

[BritInNZ]

Hi everyone - 14 months TTC and been diagnosed with unexplained infertility. Was told at 12 months to keep trying until May/June and then look at IUI.

Question is, I haven't heard great things about IUI and we're having to pay for everything privately (I'm not in the UK, but man I wish I was for some NHS funding!). It's $1800 a round for IUI, or $17,000 for IVF.

What are peoples thoughts? Do we save the money we would spend on IUI and go straight to IVF? Although there will be a wait because obviously we need to do a LOT of saving!

We have our next appointment in May and I guess we need to make a decision then. Would just be good to get a plan together so we can get saving/release some of the uncertainty of it all and have something in place!

Hi there,

That's a lot of money for IUI. Have you tried Ovulation induction? Have you done all the fertility tests for both of you?

I'm in Australia, so prices here are different. IUI is way cheaper. IVF is expensive but we get a bit back from Medicare. Maybe you can check in your country if you get back any money.

Best wishes

I remember you from previous posts.

I think you realise that unexplained infertility is infact no diagnosis at all; all this means is that they have failed to find out what is wrong. Sometimes it is a diagnosis given to couples when they have not been adequately investigated.

I would talk to them further in May before making any firm decision re IVF. And why have they suggested IUI as well; it seems they do not know what to do re you as a couple.

The most common tests that tend to be omitted are:-

Adequate x-rays of the uterus which may show abnormalities not otherwise seen at laparoscopy.

Hysteroscopy - telescope inspection of the inside of the uterus which may occasionally show abnormalities not seen otherwise

Repeated sperm counts over several weeks and months to make sure there is no subtle abnormality

Testing the sperm in special media such as swim up tests/velocity testing. However, when they are done, they often uncover a hidden cause for the supposed unexplained problem

Thorough hormone tests to detect abnormalities of male hormone or early falls in progesterone

Scanning of the ovaries to see if follicles really are developing and there are no sign of polycystic ovaries

I'm at the same stage atm, got my unxplained infertility diagnose yesterday.

"Unexplained infertility", meaning "we cant figure out what's wrong with you"

I think ivf is better because of the higher success rates, but I'll have to think about everything

@gianaInfertilitySucks sorry to hear you're in the same boat. I'm starting letrozole on my next cycle. It's only usually used for people who don't ovulate but they also use it in NZ (alongside timed intercourse) for people with shorter length of time with unexplained infertility. It's cheaper than IUI so it's kind of a last resort for us until we do IVF next year.