Brand new here

efry

hi!
my partner and i are just gearing up to start the process (first fertility clinic consultation next week). we are (obviously) really excited and, so far, not too anxious... until today.

i've been reading some anxiety-producing statistics: iui has only a 6% success rate overall and frozen sperm is less effective than fresh. i'd really like to hear from those of you who have been through the process. feel free to respond to as few or as many of my questions as you'd like.

1. what are good sources (books, articles, websites) of research-based, medically sound information on iui? also, on increasing fertility?

2. is there any compelling reason to consider drugs before trying to conceive without them (i'm 36, but have no reason to suspect infertility)?

3. does anyone have experience getting treatment covered by insurance without having to demonstrate prior unsuccessful attempts? we have aetna.

4. what are recommendations during the 2ww? i'm expecting to participate in a triathlon in july, but am hoping to be inseminated before then. should i forget about the tri?

5. any recommendations on predicting ovulation? i'm currently tracking bbt and cervical mucus. does anyone recommend purchasing a predictor?

6. i'd also love to hear your success stories as well as your stories of hanging in there when things are tough, esp. women over 35, but really from all of you.

thanks so much!
e

kjett143

Hi E-

Welcome! I am new as well, but I have been doing a ton of reading over the past six months. My partner and I just did our first IUI and are in the 2WW.

There is a facebook group, CCB Friends, that you may find helpful.

Many people have recommended the book Taking Charge of Your Fertility. I have been reading the What to Expect books and feel the What to Expect Before You are Expecting has been helpful. Have you read about mucinex and baby aspirin. Supposedly, both are to help with fertility.

Have you selected a donor yet?

I am 31 and my doc suggested clomid, even though there does not seem to be any problems with my fertility. Yes, the odds are a bit depressing...My doc said about 10% chance with clomid.

My insurance through Kaiser (I am in CO) covers 50%, but it is still an expensive process. And the swimmers aren't cheap either. I paid to have the xray done to look at my tubes for blockage and the ultra sound done to look at my ovaries. I figured since the sperm was so expensive, it was worth the extra money for the diagnostic tests.

As far as the tri...I would just make sure you aren't training too hard and messing with your cycle. Everything I have read says you can continue to exercise. I probably wouldnt suggest you try to win the gold medal though...take it easy if you do it!

We used the off brand LH OPK and found it to work fine (although we dont have any successes to speak of yet :-) ). Many people recommend spending the money for the predictor kits, which are in the 200's. My doc said most women on clomid ovulate on day 15, which I believe was true for me.

Have you tried searching topics on the bulletin board? You may find answers for most of your questions in past posts.

Good luck!

Kari

mlork

Dear E,

To answer a few of your questions from my experiences:

My RE recommended starting with Chlomid even though I did not have any known fertility issues either. I was 36 also when I began the process. My RE did all of the diagnostic tests to make sure the tubes were open, the ovaries were producing folicles, etc...

I tried IUI the first three times with varying levels of chlomid and also used the HCG trigger shot to take any guesswork out of the process. These tries were not successful so the fourth try was with chlomid, the FSH shot and the HCG trigger shot and that try was successful for me. We now have a healthy, happy 7 month old son. We are trying again within the next month and the doctor recommended that we start with the process that was successful last time.

In terms of insurance, mine covered pretty much everything other than the sperm. This time, my insurance has my provider as oout of network, but they still cover the costs like any other out of network provider. They do limit the number of tries they cover (I believe it is 8).

If you want any more information, please let me know. And good luck with the process.

M

efry

Kari and M,

Thank you so much for responding and sharing your experiences with me!

Over the next 3 weeks, I'm scheduled for a hystersalpinogram, hysterosonogram and endometrial biopsy, so I think we'll end up with a pretty good idea of how everything is working.

After reading your posts, though, I wonder if Clomid might be a good idea anyway. Our budget is pretty tight and I don't want to waste time or money on less effective treatments.

Best of luck to you both! I'd love to hear about your future adventures in baby making.

:) ef

smittinbaby

hi, good luck & I hope you have a short road to pregnancy! I have only gotten positive serge results with the First Responce tests & start testing early when I get the 'egg white' mucus, day 7 this last month & good thing too because I received a + on day 8! (however it also depends on your cycle length mine is short 22-23 days)
We tried no drugs the first 2 IUIs but tried Clomid for the 3rd IUI in Feb. It really messed with my body & this month (May) has been my 1st normal cycle since our clomid try So go with your gut when it comes to the drugs. I just turned 37 at the begining of this month, so we are pretty close in age. My Dr. told me the conception rates were higher than what you posted, I will have to research some more, those numbers you gave are scary. I was told I could not run or jog when pregnant, that I would have to settle for brisk walking... So I would ask your Dr. on that one. Baby blessings to all!