UPDATED First Post: I'm torn...IUI or IVF

I took out the beginning part because it seemed so long!

UPDATE: I spoke with my RE yesterday and it was very helpful in making my decision. There were able run genetic tests on the sample they obtained from my D&C. The baby had an extra set of X chromosomes so it was 69 XXY instead of 43 XY or 43 XX

Anyway, this likely occurred from either two different things and while he explained them to me in much more detail essentially they are both egg related - either the egg was fertilized by 2 sperm or the egg was diploid instead of haploid. This all continues to point to what he has suspected all along - that I have an issue with egg quality

After talking to him, it really looks like IVF is our best option because it will give us an opportunity to hopefully select the best embryos.

Anyway, thanks again for everyone's advice and now I just have to sit tight and wait for AF to arrive so I can start

Message edited 4/7/2009 9:36:24 AM.

Re: I'm torn...IUI or IVF

sounds like you are ready for IVF. The meds can be expensive though. So get that info first.

5 IUIs would be enough for me.

Whatever you decide, I wish you the best of luck.

Re: I'm torn...IUI or IVF

You have been through so much already. When we started our IF journey we only did three cycles of clomid/IUI and moved right to IVF. Our RE was upfront that IUI would only slightly improve our chances. If you are choosing between IVF and IUI with injectibles, I would likely choose IVF. I greatly increases your chances. Quite honestly from the patient standpoint, the only major difference is the ER (which never bothered me in the least). Your only concern could be the cost of the meds. DH and I have been very fortunate that our insurance covered all our meds, but I understand they are pretty costly. I dont know if it is in your budget, but have you discussed PGD with your RE? One of the major reasons we went that route was so I didnt have to go through the pain of m/c again. Some recomend only doing PGD after two but quite frankly once was enough for me KWIM?

Good luck sweetie with whatever you decide

Re: I'm torn...IUI or IVF

I am not worried about the cost of the meds because we can pay out of pocket for them. I do have my fingers crossed that maybe I will be fortunate enough to get some donated meds if any of the very generous women on the board has any leftovers

Re: I'm torn...IUI or IVF

Kristin, 5 is more than enough. Go on to IVF. I bet your dr will sugges the same thing after 5 iui's.

I know it ended in a m/c, but at least you know you can get pg and your chances with IVF are better than with IUI's.

Re: I'm torn...IUI or IVF

I underwent 6 IUI's - not all of them were injectable. Then we reached a point where we could either do surgery to eliminate endometriosis and try again with IUI's, or move forward with IVF. For us, fortunately, cost was not an issue. I made my decision solely on what I needed physically, mentally and emotionally, and decided to move straight to IVF. I was tired of waiting, tired of the disappointments, tired of the injections and all the meds, and was willing to take that one big step to give us a better chance than anything else we had ever tried.

If cost really isn't an issue, and you've reached your limit, then do what you need to do for yourself, your body, your mind and your soul. I will admit though, making that decision was terrifying because it felt like the end of the road for me, and the last resort and I couldn't wrap my mind around the fact that we had reached our last resort, and god forbid it didn't work - THAT was my only hesitation, but a big one, and a natural fear.

Re: I'm torn...IUI or IVF

Having doubts now doing another IUI after u were sure u wanted to try again shows ur ready for IVF.
Good luck!!!

Re: I'm torn...IUI or IVF

Sounds like you're ready for IVF. You might as well increase your chances if you can, right? IUIs are hit or miss on egg fertilization. At least you know that these eggs are making to the eggs and getting fertilized and being put back.

Good luck in whatever you decide

Re: I'm torn...IUI or IVF

It sounds like you are ready for IVF.

My situation was a bit different. I only got to try ONE IUI before moving onto IVF. We did one Clomid cycle that did nothing and I had severe side effects from it. We moved onto injectibles. After one failed cycle with several leftover residual, blood-filled cysts (I forget the name for them), the doctor would not let me continue with IUI's unless moving backward to Clomid again, which he wasn't favorable for because it made me incredibly dizzy. Therefore, the choice was basically made FOR me- but I was ready for it to happen.

Re: I'm torn...IUI or IVF

ITA with everyone else, it sounds like you are ready for IVF. Particularly if there may be an issue with your eggs (your high FSH) IVF might be the better bet for you. Good luck whatever you decide

Re: I'm torn...IUI or IVF

ITA with everyone! Sounds like you are ready to move on. The only reason I would stay with an IUI would be money issues and sounds like you are covered. And I'm sure some people have left over meds. As it is I know I have a box of menopur if you need that.

Re: I'm torn...IUI or IVF

I agree with everyone. Sounds like you are ready for IVF.

Re: I'm torn...IUI or IVF

I moved onto IVF after one natural IUI cycle and one Clomid IUI cycle because I have full IVF coverage. I didn't want to waste anymore time.

Re: I'm torn...IUI or IVF

No advice, just wanted to wish you luck, no matter which road you choose.

Re: I'm torn...IUI or IVF

I would definitely move on to IVF. Possibly take off a couple of months and then move forward with IVF.

Re: I'm torn...IUI or IVF

Thanks for everyone's responses. I really appreciate everyone's thoughts.

I still am waiting for my RE to call me back so we can discuss it, but I am pretty sure that IVF is the next step for us.

Thanks again and I will keep everyone posted

Re: I'm torn...IUI or IVF

Your situation sounds exactly like mine was. I did 3 clomid IUI cycles and 2 injectible IUI cycles. I also had a m/c after one of the injectible cycles. Once I reached that point I was ready for IVF. I could not subject my body or emotions to any more abuse and needed to up my odds of getting PG. Long story short, I got PG on my first IVF cycle and I am now 37 weeks. I say go for IVF and best of luck!

ETA: We were also unexplained IF

Message edited 4/6/2009 8:54:31 PM.

Re: I'm torn...IUI or IVF

ITA with everyone too. We didn't do IUI because the chance of success with IUI for us was almost zilch. We went straight to IVF and got a BFP our first round

Generally...IVF has a higher success rate than IUI and if you already have done 5 IUIs and money is not an issue as far as doing IVF I would move on.

Re: UPDATED First Post: I'm torn...IUI or IVF

Oh good! I'm glad you are going the IF route. You're right. You'll have more embryos to work with instead of the crap shoot, KWIM? You can transfer the best, freeze the rest.

Good luck!!!! I can't wait until you start your cycle!!!!

Hurry up AF!!!

Re: UPDATED First Post: I'm torn...IUI or IVF

glad you got some clarity. Glad you have a plan.

Re: UPDATED First Post: I'm torn...IUI or IVF

Good for you Kristen.....I also think the IVF route will help you tremendously. I'm sorry its not really the news you wanted to hear but at the same time this new plan is a step closer to your bfp. Sending you much love

Re: UPDATED First Post: I'm torn...IUI or IVF

Good Luck Kris! I think IVF is the best option... I am glad that you and your DH are comfortable taking this step! Think of it as bringing you 1 step closer to your BFP!!!

Re: UPDATED First Post: I'm torn...IUI or IVF

Sounds like you've made the best decision!

Re: UPDATED First Post: I'm torn...IUI or IVF

FMed you but I'm so happy that you have a plan you are comfortable with. I really think this is a good option given your particular issues.

Good luck!!!!

Re: UPDATED First Post: I'm torn...IUI or IVF

I am so glad you got some answers to you M/C. Sounds like you made the decision to move onto IVF and I wish you the best of luck!


Shawnna