IVF vs IUI - how to decide???

zoolainezoolaine Posts: 5
in Single Mothers by Choice
I am having my first consult tomorrow morning and am so excited! I just turned 38 last month and realize that "the right man" isn't coming any time soon and if I want children I better make my own plans.

I have no known fertility issues but there have been fertility issues in my family, including my mother.

I am thinking of doing the IVF so I can also save some eggs for a future pregnancy as I would really like to have a child now and another in 2-3 yrs. I also want to get full genetic testing as I am totally the worrier type and think I would be a nervous wreck the whole pregnancy. I also think the chromosomal testing would help the success rate of the ivf. My cousin, who is like a sister, thinks I should just go the cheaper route and do IUI, then after think about saving eggs for a future pregnancy.

How did you guys that are "older" decide between the two routes?

Comments

  • 8668jennyc8668jennyc Posts: 18
    zoolaine - I know what you mean about making your own plans and not waiting for the "right man"...my thoughts exactly but I think I waited a few years too many.

    I am just starting the process as well. I am 39, soon to be 40 in a month and a half. My doctor recommended to try two cycles of IUI and then move to IVF. I'm almost sure the IVF won't be covered by insurance so it was a big decision to think about that route immediately. The doctor said that sometimes the insurance covers it after "6 months of infertility" which could mean 6 IUI tries...or not, depending upon their ruling. He mentioned that some women try a few more IUI's because it is cheaper but because of my age recommended after 2. I still haven't decided if I would only try twice before IVF but will cross that hurdle (hopefully, IF!) I need to. I'm thinking possibly three to four cycles because my eggs look good. The "age" of your eggs other if there are other medical issues, or none, may help you decide whether to go right to IVF.

    I had an appointment two weeks ago with all of the tests and just paid for the first IUI. My first consultation was timed perfectly (random) and I was able to get blood tests and all other tests the next day. I will be using the Ovidrel shot before the procedure...depending upon when my cycle starts in the next week I'm looking at insemination at the end of the month. Becuase of my age, I'm not planning on a second one even though I would love 2 babies. It seems so overwhelming to me as a single woman to think about two little ones.

    Good luck with your decision!
  • BanditBandit Posts: 348
    Jennyc So you are aware, do not every say you waited to long. I just turned 43 and started IUI's in Jan. I got pregnant right away no issues no nothing. I also used no medication, all I used was a LH surge and then went in for insemination. I did back to back IUI's in February and I am now almost 8 months pregnant. It was really one month, as the first IUI I missed the window. So good luck keep positive thoughts. After you have your IUI, keep busy and relax.

    Good luck to all of you.
  • 8668jennyc8668jennyc Posts: 18
    Anissa thank you for your positive encourgagement and for sharing your story - that is great news about your pregnancy! I haven't made a decision yet as to whether to put aside additional vials in the hopes of trying to conceive a second time at 41 or later. Your story gives me hope that it is possible. I know there are tons of single women out there that manage - and do it very succcessfully - with more than one child.
  • BanditBandit Posts: 348
    Jenny - I bought 6 vials when I did this. I had no clue how long it would take. I have 3 still in storage, 2 at CA Cryobank and 1 at the doc office. I have not decided if I want more than one child or what. If I do it again I will have to start shortly after this one is born. But CA has deals if you buy more than so many. They stored them for me for a year for free etc. I may or may not do this again. We shall see.

    Good luck and keep us up to date.
  • zoolainezoolaine Posts: 5
    I decided to go the iui route - at least for a few tries. I had my first iui on Saturday and now just waiting to see what happens.
  • Harmony6Harmony6 Posts: 5
    Im going IVF - just because I am 38... please keep me posted... I am scheduled for a couple of weeks...
Sign In or Register to comment.