[alisonbaby]

Hi Sara, my RE didn't really give me a specific number of IUI's I could try. He told me that since this is IUI #4 with clomid that if I'm not pg it might be time to move onto injectables. He said I am always welcome to do IVF but because of the cost most women go onto injectables. Sounds like I can try several times with injectables if I want. I really hope neither of us have to worry about future cycles and we will both be pg very soon! I'm not sure why different RE's have different opinions on these things.

[deanie]

Hi Sarah, for me none of my doctors have been pushing much. Because I am "normal" and have been pregnant, albeit briefly, they're not too concerned beyond using clomid. However, they have mentioned that if it doesn't work in 3 medicated cycles, then it may be time to move forward on more aggressive treatment. No one has mentioned IVF, they all seem fairly confident that IUI and ds will work, just might take it's own time.

BUT. That said, if it doesn't work this time or perhaps the next, I may reevaluate and either consider stronger options or another practice for a second opinion. I have no desire to keep wasting money, time, and emotion in case there is something legit preventing pregnancy from happening.

[Surfinkris]

Hi girls, can I join your thread? This was my 4th iui/6th attempted. I am really hoping this one works. I only am able to do one more iui and then I am not sure what we will do. I read from someones post that 94% of women who do get pregnant from iui, do so by the 4th iui. Is this true? Also, what have you girls heard about the success rate of IVF on the first try. I read about it online, but there are some huge differences from different sites. I really hope this cycle works out. I don't know how much more I can handle. In the end I know it will be worth it.

[bistro]

Sarah - !! Even though you are not on #3 or more, of course you are welcome here!! We are all on these boards to support each other regardless of our circumstances.

First, I do need to say that I think your RE was way out of line to "swear" you would get pregnant this month. REs know the stats - that is almost a cruel thing to say.

I thought I would share what my RE said - because we talked a lot at my meeting to discuss next steps. He started by saying that since 3 IUIs had failed, he would want to do 2 more and said we might have more luck with injectables. He says that if you are going to get preggers with IUI, it usually happens in 4 tries, so he wanted to do 5. One for good luck - I suppose - LOL! He started by saying I was not really a candidate yet for IVF because we are unexplained and I'm "young" and healthy - blahblahblah... In essence, I do not NEED it, like someone with blocked tubes or an older person.

THEN, we explained to him that our insurance benefits had run out.

He then recommended IVF!!!

The reason he did so is because while women DO get pregnant with IUIs, the percentages are lower than with IVF. He basically said that if our insurance were just to cover everything, he would recommend doing IUIs if our emotional state could handle it because they are less aggressive. But since we have to start paying out of pocket, he would rather see us put the money towards IVF. Which I thought was awesome. He is not just taking the medical into consideration - he is looking at the big picture. He really considered our situation as a couple. He also knows that I am having a hard time emotionally and even noted that he saw a change in my demeanor since my first visit.

The reason we have decided to go for #4 is because we can afford to pay the $1000 for the IUI out of pocket without stressing. It will mean a few adjustments this month and a little dip into savings, but we can do it. However, IVF will be a bigger deal. We will have to either put it on a CC or go into savings. There is a grant available, but it will not cover the full cost and we make on the higher end of the application cut-off amount so we are not expecting much. We hope that the 4th time will be a charm and we won't have to worry about it!!!

I hope this helps. Remember that YOU are also in control and YOU make decisions too!!!

[Surfinkris]

Originally Posted by bistro

Sarah - !! Even though you are not on #3 or more, of course you are welcome here!! We are all on these boards to support each other regardless of our circumstances.

First, I do need to say that I think your RE was way out of line to "swear" you would get pregnant this month. REs know the stats - that is almost a cruel thing to say.

I thought I would share what my RE said - because we talked a lot at my meeting to discuss next steps. He started by saying that since 3 IUIs had failed, he would want to do 2 more and said we might have more luck with injectables. He says that if you are going to get preggers with IUI, it usually happens in 4 tries, so he wanted to do 5. One for good luck - I suppose - LOL! He started by saying I was not really a candidate yet for IVF because we are unexplained and I'm "young" and healthy - blahblahblah... In essence, I do not NEED it, like someone with blocked tubes or an older person.

THEN, we explained to him that our insurance benefits had run out.

He then recommended IVF!!!

The reason he did so is because while women DO get pregnant with IUIs, the percentages are lower than with IVF. He basically said that if our insurance were just to cover everything, he would recommend doing IUIs if our emotional state could handle it because they are less aggressive. But since we have to start paying out of pocket, he would rather see us put the money towards IVF. Which I thought was awesome. He is not just taking the medical into consideration - he is looking at the big picture. He really considered our situation as a couple. He also knows that I am having a hard time emotionally and even noted that he saw a change in my demeanor since my first visit.

The reason we have decided to go for #4 is because we can afford to pay the $1000 for the IUI out of pocket without stressing. It will mean a few adjustments this month and a little dip into savings, but we can do it. However, IVF will be a bigger deal. We will have to either put it on a CC or go into savings. There is a grant available, but it will not cover the full cost and we make on the higher end of the application cut-off amount so we are not expecting much. We hope that the 4th time will be a charm and we won't have to worry about it!!!

I hope this helps. Remember that YOU are also in control and YOU make decisions too!!!

What kind of grant is avaliable? How would I find it?

[bistro]

hi surfinkris - Do you live in NY? This is a NYS grant. My clinic participates in it and gave me the application. It is called the NYS Department of Health Infertility Demonstration Program.

[bistro]

Infertility Demonstration Program

[Surfinkris]

I wish, I live in CA. We have pretty much used all of our savings for the last 6 iuis.....so we would either have to get a loan or put it on a cc. I just wish it wasn't so expensive and it really hurts knowing we have to pay to have the privlage of conceive and other girls who do not want to become pregnant don't. Anyways, just venting.

[bistro]

My DH had the best line ever . . . "it's like paying for air". The financial burden just adds insult to injury. More insurance companies need to have better coverage for this - it's inhumane!

[Surfinkris]

I totally agree....my insurance will cover the diagnosis of infertility, but nothing else. However, they will pay for two pair of glasses, acupuncture, and all kinds of crazy stuff i would never use. Maybe I should take advantage of the acupuncture.

[bistro]

You should definitely do the acupuncture. It has helped me relax a lot and has also helped with my migraines and some insomnia that I just started getting (hmmm... wonder why - lol). My insurance does not pay for mine.

My insurance sucks - it only pays for $5K of infertility services (testing, procedures, etc.) and $5K of meds. So with IVF, we would be on our own. It was a blessing to learn about this grant, even though I do not think we will get a lot based on our income, any little bit will help.

Have you looked to see if California is a mandated state yet? You might want to check into that.

[timing]

Hi, I saw some familiar names from the past IUI threads. Just want to share my joy with you all. DH and I have been married for 8 yrs, no children. We started to seriously think about having children since last year, been through 4 failed IUI, not to mention the stress financially and emotionally. We decided to take a break after the 4th one, and move on to IVF next year.

AF is late for a week, I couldn't wait any more to have home pregnancy test this Saturday morning, and guess what, I saw , two strong lines. I bursted to tears immediately, it still seems so unreal after month after month dissapointment.

This forum has helped me tremendously during these months, to kep my head up high, to provide comfort and support. I had lots of tears when I read your all's post behind my computer screen. Want to say "Thank you, my friends whom I have never met!"

Gals, hang in there! Wish you all best luck! Lots of

[alisonbaby]

Wow, that is wonderful news! Congratulations, hoping you have a happy and healthy !!!!

[bistro]

timing - congrats on your natural BFP!! That is so wonderful!

[deanie]

Originally Posted by bistro

My DH had the best line ever . . . "it's like paying for air". The financial burden just adds insult to injury. More insurance companies need to have better coverage for this - it's inhumane!

Haha, I love this line! Fits all too well.

And CONGRATULATIONS timing!! That is wonderful news, all the best to you and your family. Wishing you a happy, healthy pregnancy.