Question about PCOS and IUI

If you have PCOS, do you have to go the IUI route? Or is it possible to conceive with the meds and not with an IUI?
ETA: How long do they wait before resorting to IUI?

Message edited 1/2/2008 1:39:11 PM.

Re: Question about PCOS and IUI

The first thing for PCOS patients is to get you to ovulate. They may start with Metformin only, or a combo of Clomid or Metformin. For me, I don't have insulin issues so we started with Clomid only, I've never taken Metformin. The Clomid didn't work for me so we moved on to injectibles.

IUI may be recommended because it can increase your chances slightly. But you will be able to tell your RE how aggressive you want to be. You don't necessary have to do it if you don't want to.

Had the Clomid worked for me, we would not have done IUI at that point. We also did timed intercourse only with one injectible cycle. Particularly if there is no male factor or a cervix issue, IUI may not increase your chances by much.

Message edited 1/2/2008 1:48:13 PM.

Re: Question about PCOS and IUI

Thanks for your reply. Unfortunately, I don't know much yet since I haven't been to the RE yet. My gyno told me I had PCOS, and that was it - so I am clueless and learning bit by bit from reading things on the internet (a blessing AND a curse at the same time!).

Re: Question about PCOS and IUI

We did timed intercourse for two cycles with clomid/met combo. So, yes you can definitely try without IUI first. We are moving to IUI this cycle. It is my third cycle on clomid. We were originally going to do three cyles with timed intercourse, but decided we wanted to get more agressive sooner.

Re: Question about PCOS and IUI

That's how I feel at this point. From what I'm reading on here, seems more women have success with IUI as opposed to timed intercourse. Wow, this is so overwhelming.

Re: Question about PCOS and IUI

Re: Question about PCOS and IUI

Re: Question about PCOS and IUI

Posted by Carolyn

Posted by babyquestion

That's how I feel at this point. From what I'm reading on here, seems more women have success with IUI as opposed to timed intercourse. Wow, this is so overwhelming.

Well it depends what your issues are. Just try to take things one day/step at a time. First thing is to see an RE, get CD3 testing. Then an HSG for you and a sperm analysis for DH. After that you'll be able to pinpoint what you are dealing with and the best strategy for you.

Good luck

Re: Question about PCOS and IUI

I am believed to have slight PCOS- Before I started seeing an RE- my gyn had me on Clomid alone with timed BD and I wasted 8 months this way (not properly monitered etc..) After going to an RE and doing Clomid/IUI I got pg on 3rd shot....My RE said that Clomid has a drying effect on your CM (hence the little guys have a hard time swimming) so IUI bypasses that peticular problem, which I think I had....However a friend of mine go pg 2x on Clomid alone with timed BD so it can definately happen that way also...Good Luck !

Re: Question about PCOS and IUI

My husband's SA was perfectly fine however; when given the option to include IUI along with timed intercourse we jumped on board. It's covered by insurance and the procedure itself is a quick thing so we figured why not do everything we can each cycle to increase our odds. This is the first time since being on the Metformin I am ovulating on my own (I am suppose to start Clomid next month) and I had a nice 20mm follie so I took the trigger shot to ensure it would release and then did the IUI today. It's up to you how you want to proceed but it's a minor procedure that can increase your odds of conceiving so for me it was exactly what I wanted but everyone is different and you'll have to do what is right for you. Good luck!!

Re: Question about PCOS and IUI

Thanks for the info, ladies.

Guess I'll have to get the preliminary testing out of the way and see what I'm in for. If I know it's going to be a more difficult road, I might opt for the IUI to make the trip easier (hopefully).