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SarahAK

Things to know about IUI..

I've also posted this with a different heading in the taking a break from TTC section.

So ladies, after two failed IUI's, my husband and I have decided to move to IVF (as I already have low ovarian reserve we want to make the most of what we have). I would like to share what I've learned about IUI (might help others), and would request you all to help me out with IVF, what I should know as a patient.

1- Know your body. I know I needed at least 150IU of Menogon or Gonal F to have optimum follicular growth. Keep track of what works for you don't always leave it to the RE (of course you only find out after trying for at least 2 cycles, but stay vigilant).

2- TIMING IS CRUCIAL! IUI-1 should be within 24hrs of the trigger, IUI-2 within 36hrs. If you or your RE mess up the timing you reduce your chances considerably.

3- E2 (Estradiol) levels matter. E2 levels indicate if you have mature eggs inside follicles. With lower starting doses of Menogone and Gonal F I gave bad E2 levels, with higher starting dose I gave better results. Don't wait to get your E2 done on the day of the trigger just to know it's too low. Keep track on your own.

4- Egg quality. Ask your RE to prescribe some pills to improve the quality of your eggs, such as Glasterone. the better the egg quality the better the chances of fertilization. Your egg when released lasts for 12 - 24 hours, and fertilization happens within that time period so by 2dpiui fertilization has already occurred.

5- Menogon is MUCH more cheaper than Gonal F, do ask your RE about it if you're paying for your IUI and all medications yourself. For me Menogon worked better that Gonal F and saved me a fortune as well (In PKR, Gonal F 75IU costs Rs 2260 and Menogon 75IU costs Rs700.....!!).

I hope this is at least somewhat helpful. I came to know of it all after 2 failed cycles of IUI, but by then we had already decided to go for IVF the next time around.

What do I need to know about IVF as a patient? How can I make sure from my side that everything is right? What hormonal levels, what tests should I know about? What is MY role? Any information will be immensely helpful and will be extremely appreciated.

Me: Hypopituitarism, slightly atrophied ovaries. DH: no issues Naturally tried: 2008 Clomid + OPKs: 2009 - 2010 FSH + timed intercourse: Sep 2011 IUI#1: October 2011 IUI#2: November 2011 IVF#1: FEbruary 2012