Start with IUI or go straight to IVF?

[Justanotherdobby]

HI all, I'm 34 and attempting to ttc as a single parent. I've been told I have a 40% chance of IVF working (AMH - 15.2 and 19 follicles) but I'm now wondering if it is worth trying IUI first as I don't appear to have any fertility problems. I became pregnant a few months ago after a single encounter with someone I was dating and whilst that ultimately led to miscarriage (:-() that would imply I'm fairly fertile and may not need to take the more invasive and expensive route of IVF. My clinic offers a 3 cycle IUI package for a reasonable price but I'm conscious with sperm each time it would end up being quite expensive. Does anyone have any insight to offer?

@Justanotherdobby Hi, I was 31 when we did 4 rounds of IUI and similar to you normal AMH no indication of a fertility issue, just needed donor sperm (same-sex couple). IUI didn't work for us (BFN every time) and we moved to IVF and did 2 egg collections and 3 transfers (1 BFN, 1 CP and 1 pregnancy going strong). In some ways I wish we'd moved to IVF, but I only think that as the IUI didn't work for us. The IVF was a LOT more invasive, expensive and emotional than the IUI cycles. I think IUI is great when it works, and it is an easier place to start. Best of luck whatever you choose !

IUI worked for me, and it's a very simple procedure. I think it makes good sense to try it first.

Thank you for your responses. Ah so much to think about, it's really difficult to decide. How many goes of IUI did it take for your BFP @MissConductUS ?

I became pregnant after the first IUI.

@MissConductUS Oh wow, that's amazing. I've been told IUI only has a 10-20% success rate per cycle so that's really something!

The success rate depends heavily on age and how good a candidate you are for the procedure. I was 38 at the time.

www.pfcla.com/blog/intrauterine-insemination-success-rates

But yes, we were fortunate. It's so quick and easy compared to IVF that I still think it's worthwhile. Our second was a happy accident, so I think my pregnancy cleared up whatever fertility issue I had.