Would you bother with IUI?

[TTC2023H]

Looking for some views on IUI.

I have just completed 3 cycles of clomid after an infertility diagnosis, unsuccessfully. Mild issues on both sides (low-ish mobility and mild PCOS). Am going to go for private treatment as little to no NHS provision in my area.

I am unsure whether to go for IUI or not - on the one hand it could work and would be a much milder treatment, but on the other hand it does cost $$$ with very low success rates.

What are peoples experiences with IUI vs IVF? If you were paying privately would you just jump straight to IVF? Both options currently being offered!

How old are you? We were offered both IUI and IVF. The clinic said that they recommend 3 cycles of IUI in order to give it a proper chance and this would take 6 months. As I was about to turn 36 we decided we didn’t have the time to spend on something with lower chances so we went for IVF. We live abroad and our insurance would cover IUI but not IVF so it was a tough one but ultimately, given my age, we decided it was best to maximise our chances as soon as possible.

I am only 29 so time definitely isn’t a factor - unfortunately none of our treatment is covered and looking at approx £1000 per IUI cycle. I am very tempted - as you said it may work! - but equally don’t want to throw £3000 after IUI, with limited success rates, which could go to IVF (we’ve saved about £15,000 total so don’t have endless money to spend on it :( )

I think it depends on how low the mobility is and how mild your PCOS is, to be honest. What do your clinic advise? You are young, so IUI could be worth a shot, and as you say it's much less invasive.

I have had 2 rounds of IVF with my partner and it was not fun, I got quite ill from the drugs (OHSS), so we're now doing IUI with a donor. About to have my 5th round. But I'm also a few years older than you.

I won't do IVF again because I got so ill from it. So I will keep doing IUI until it works (no reason to think it won't eventually, but basically the odds are no higher than trying naturally - we are doing it because we need to use a donor).

It's a really hard one to call and you are in the hands of the specialists, really. I would say to follow their advice.

@TunicFox thank you for coming back to me. Sorry to hear about your IVF troubles - I have reacted very well to clomid (no side effects or over stimulation) but I know IVF drugs are a whole new kettle of fish.

Clinic is being quite non commital about what to do - I think IUI is probably the recommendation for my circumstances but because of the cost/low success rates of IUI they are worried about recommending it fully.

I think if you do IUI you have to expect that it will take a few rounds to work (just as it does for couples trying naturally).

Our problems are male factor, so I have normal fertility and am under 35 - I'm still on my 5th round

But if they think it's worth a shot for you, it probably will work eventually. IVF is expensive and horrible, so I'd do anything I could do avoid it.

Good luck whatever you decide.

Hi @TTC2023H, I have PCOS a well and did letrozole for 1 round and it didn't work. I'm now going on stronger ovulation drugs - Menopur, but with TI. It might be something to discuss with your Dr as a mid way point between IUI and chlomid X