please describe the IUI process

I don't ovulate on my own......probably b/c of my stress level.So far I have completed 5 cycles of Clomid with HCG trigger shots twice. No more Clomid for me so what's next? I will be meeting with my ob soon but want to know what to expect. Do they usually check the tubes before sending you to a RE for IUI/IVF? My husband will be tested next just in case it's a second factor. Do they always do IUI prior to IVF?

Re: please describe the IUI process

To help me understand, you have done 5 cycles of Clomid &Trigger with your OB? Have you not seen an RE yet? IMO, before starting treatment with Clomid, your doctor should have sent you for a HSG to have your tubes checked for blockages.

ETA: I think if you are not doing anymore Clomid, then the next step would most likely be injectibles with IUI.

Message edited 12/2/2007 9:08:12 PM.

Re: please describe the IUI process

what do you mean "probably realated to stress?" Didn't your doctor give you any tests? Run any bloodwork? I suggest seeing a RE to get to the bottom of any IF issues either you or DH have

Re: please describe the IUI process

yes, IUI always comes before IVF....

You should see an RE fror a full battery of tests before doing any procedures to try to come up with a plan.

An HSG tests if your tubes are open and IMO is 100% neccesary before undergoing any fertility treatments.

I would also read some past posts on here ( just use the search for " iui" for example and you will get a ton!) or get a good book on the subject because the whoel preocess can be daunting and I felt much betetr when I understood all the dr's said to me.

Good luck to you!

Re: please describe the IUI process

I had the bloodwork done to r/o thyroid, pituitary tumor, etc. and of course the progesterone level to show that I wasn't ovulating. Also had a prog level while on Clomid that showed I ovulated then only had US to monitor the follicles.

Re: please describe the IUI process

Here's my opinion on this...your GYN is not doing a full job on this.
Has he done an internal sono to see if you have PCOS? Has he looked for the "pearls" in your ovaries? Has an HSG been done to make sure your tubes aren't blocked? Has a SA been done on your husband to make sure there aren't any problems there?
These are all things a good RE will do before moving to anything.

I highly recommend you find yourself a good RE and see him/her. IUI in a best case scenario increases your chances 10-20% only. Not that that is a bad thing, in most cases two or three IUI's can do the trick as long as everything else is okay. But, if your tubes are blocked an IUI is a complete waste of time since the eggs can't get into the fallopian tubes....(I did eight IUI's with one RE before going to another and finding my tubes were blocked).

I'm sorry this is so long, just want you to see the whole picture.

Re: please describe the IUI process

I agree with the other posters. You should definitely go to an RE and have all the tests done. There could be other things going on. You don't know if you have MF issues, on top of you not ovulating. Lots of girls on this board (Hi Lu-Ann!) got pregnant when they weren't ovulating and did a Clomid/IUI. What bugs me is if you were going to your regular OB and s/he put you on Clomid now you can't do Clomid IUIs. You will have to do injectable IUIs if that doctor had you on Clomid for an extended period of time. Honestly, the doctor should have done many tests before putting you on Clomid.

I wish you the best of luck!

Re: please describe the IUI process

ive had internal sonos - no pcos, but not an hsg and my DH hasn't been tested....i know iknow - it's the first thing they should do. it will be our next move. it has been 5 clomid cycles and so it is likely that injectables would be done with iui. anyway, calling my doc this week to have a "talk" and get referred to a RE. thanks for all your replies ladies....your the best.

Re: please describe the IUI process

I too agree with the other posters....I unfortunately "wasted" 8 months with my OB , who had me on Clomid without any other testing , with us trying naturally...After finally making the move to an RE, I got pg on my 3rd round of Clomid/IUI with my son.....What I was never told by my OB is that Clomid has a "drying" effect and I would probably have never gotten pg on my own without the IUI- the poor little guys were swimming in an empty river..!LOL...There is such a difference in the professionalism of an RE and you will only see it once you switch, if thats what you decide...We are now tring for #2 and are seeing my RE again- Good luck to you !!!!!!

Re: please describe the IUI process

You should definitely consider going to an RE. The problem is that many ob/gyns hand out clomid as if it's candy. Checking DH for a semen analysis is the best first step to rule that out. Then an HSG to find out if your tubes are blocked. From there, they can outline a plan for you. IMO, I think an RE is the best dr. to see because it's what they specialize in. Much of the work is out of the scope of an ob/gyn's knowledge. Good luck to you, hope it works out.