[KimLS]

Hi, I am 34 (almost 35) and have a 2 1/2 yr old son (conceived quickly without issues) and have been TTC for over 18 months and used Clomid (50mg) for 3 months (good follicle studies and ovulating every month (known using perdiction kit) but with no luck. We are about to head off to an RE and reading this message board has given me questions.

From the postings it doesn't seem like there has been much luck with IUI. Does anyone know someone or have personal experience with IUI success? Due to my age and our frustration levels we are trying to get the "most bang for our buck" with regard to this process. I understand the RE will give us some direction and I know personal medical history plays into decisions, but I am looking for advice on whether IUI is a successful avenue for those with secondary infertility issues or move onto a IVF immediately. Any thoughts?

[gracesmom]

I know that some RE's would have you try a few cycles of IUI before moving onto IVF. If you have the time then I would probably try a couple of IUI's first. It's so much easier and less invasive than the IVF. If you don't feel like you have time and you can go straight for the IVF then go for it! Good luck!

[jenedens6102]

I've heard that it can also depend on your insurance coverage. They have paths to follow that begin with the lowest and work their way up. I'd say talk it over with your RE when you meet. Call your insurance company and see what they cover and if there is any restriction on the amount of work you receive.

[CMM&CDMX2]

I had primary infertility and now secondary infertility. Before I had my 2 1/2 year old son, we did 2 rounds of clomid and then went onto injectables (Repronex) with IUI and the first round was successful. This time around, I've done 4 rounds of injectables with IUI and no success and we are in the middle of our first IVF cycle. I think it is definitely worth a try to do the injectables with IUI before heading to IVF. I'm in my first IVF cycle and there are so many more meds, appts, and it is a lot more invasive (with the retrieval). I've never regretted doing the injections w/ IUI first, because if it worked, I wouldn't be in the middle of all this craziness!

Good luck to you!
-Charlene

[kobl]

I am 36 with low ovarian reserves but my RE still suggested we try 3 cycles of Clomid and 3 cycles of injectibles with IUI before moving on to IVF. I was told that statistically, injectibles with IUI are twice as likely to result in pregnancy than Clomid without IUI. Plus it helps you get used to injectibles before you have to go through the rigors of IVF. Someone on this board is currently pregnant through IUI. That gives me hope. I am currently in the 2ww after my first cycle of IUI with injectibles (Follistim). Just fyi, the injections were not bad at all, I didn't even feel it going in and I am a big baby about needles.

[khb813]

I had success with first IUI....resulting in beautiful, now 2.5 y/o son. This time around 4 IUI's unsuccessful and starting IVF soon.

[KimLS]

Thank you all so much for your insight. I know that insurance is often strict. I can do 6 cycles of AI or IUI combined per pregnancy. We are trying to get the best bang for your buck so to speak. Since I have done clomid (and it seemed to be working) but did not result in pregnancy, when we move to the RE I will talk to him about injectibles with IUI. I am not so keen on wasting time with the clomid. Thanks again.