Advice on IUI/IVF

[Niknak82]

Hey all.

I have been dipping in and out of this site and I now feel that after 7 years of TTC including 3 miscarriages I am mentally ready to start the treatment journey (gulp!).

We don't get any help on the NHS (husband had child from previous marriage) so going down the private route.

Over the years I have had all the tests done. I just wondered... Are there any tests I should be doing again through my GP just before my first consultation to help with costs? Is it worth my husband having his sperm checked again? Sorry if these questions are obvious and daft. It's just a minefield out there and somewhat overwhelming with all the information!

Also... Thoughts on IUI & IVF. All in first time and go for IVF or give iui a go?

We fall in to the 'unexplained' category, grrrr!

Many thanks
Nikki x

 

[phonixgirl]

Hi hun. Yep, I would push to get everything tested again. We have been trying for about the same length of time so I know how hard it is. We are undergoing fertility treatment and DH has to have his sperm checked regularly. Other ladies have their hormones checked regularly too (not mine, but I guess I do have regular scans).

Mind you, some things they might demand you have done again.

Have you had any tests done yet? Do you have regular periods with no abnormal bleeding?

I had IUI but apparently it works more if you have a male issue. However, it is cheaper. With my circumstances, I should have just gone straight to IVF. X

 

[Niknak82]

Thanks so much for replying. Sorry you have been struggling so long as well. It really does suck!

Yes, over the years I have had all the tests. The only thing I haven't had done is a laparoscopy. I've been told I don't need that as everything showed normal on my HSG...

I've had 3 miscarriages as well to complicate things further! 5 weeks, 12 weeks and 5 weeks. The first 2 were a few months apart 7 years ago then it took 4 & half years to conceive again which was 2 years ago. After the third one I had all the tests for miscarriages which also came back normal.

I do have this fear of ivf being successful but not being able to hold on to it. Hate the whole darn thing!

Annoyingly I have just moved as well so need to change doctors. I just hope the new doctor is happy to sort some tests out for me x

 

[Niknak82]

I forgot to ask...how many times did you have iui. What was the process like? X

 

[phonixgirl]

I am so sorry to hear about your miscarriages. To get pregnant after so long then to miscarry must be devastating. They said I was 'normal' initially but after seeing a very good female doctor, she said my hormone levels were typical PCOS (I apparently ovulate regulately, am not overweight and do not have excess body hair so getting a diagnosis was a struggle). I haven't had a laporascopy either so goodness knows if I have endo too.

I had IUI three times. It was all quite painless and straightforward. You leave and carry on with your day. You may have to give yourself an injection but I got my hubby to do it and he actually loved it. It just goes into fat, you don't have to find a vein. Xxx

 

[phonixgirl]

IUI is basically like artificial insemination. Your legs are ajar, something is put on to hold your cervix open and the sperm goes in lol xxx

 

[Dee28]

I would defo get all tests repeated if they are more than a year old. My clinic needs all tests to be less than a year old before treatment and it's worth having everything with you when you attend a first appointment.

I had 3 iuis last year and one cancelled one. The first did work but unfortunately ended in a miscarriage. I did 50mg clomid and trigger with mine, all very painless and easy really. I have pco (but normal hormone profile) and an ambiguous hsg led to a lap that showed some endo and an adhered left ovary and blocked tube and hubby has mild male factor...and we're getting old! I'm glad I did iui, it did work so I would do it again. I'm in my 2nd IVF 2ww so we'll see but none of it is as bad as you think physically. Bloody pricey though, we're private too as have a daughter already. I'd get as many tests done as possible via your gp and go have a consultation! Good luck x