My doctor wanted to try the least invasive first and so I did 3 rounds of Clomid with IUI. Then, we moved on. I would talk to your RE about this if you want to skip the Clomid. I think much of it depends on your hormone levels and other factors. I wish you the best.

I did 3 rounds of IUI. The first w/ clomid, the second 2 w/ injectible stims (Gonal F). The third one was successful 4.5 years ago. Your protocol depends on what your insurance may cover. If your second IUI doesn't work, definitely try doing a round or two w/ stims to procude more follicles, thus producing more eggs. The injectibles are not that big of deal. I think people are squimish about needles and having to give themselves a shot. I know I was, but I got over it relatively quick. Best of luck.

I went from clomid/tamoxophene without IUI to follistim w/ IUI. In terms of hormones, side effects, it is a breeze (and I hate needles). My insurance covers some of the meds and the ultrasounds (not the sperm washing or insemination).

The meds are about $135
The sperm washing/IUI $550

Good luck w/whatever you choose : )

Cost (no insurance coverage) & time(after 3 yrs of trying, 40 is getting much closer) were my 2 biggest factors for how quickly we moved along to other protocols.
So, Clomid cost me about $50 a month, we did 7 rounds. For several of those cyccles the doc ordered u/s & other tests, adding additional $$$.
My doc wanted me to move on to IUI faster, because of my age, but I really thought that since we fit the 'unexplained IF' & I was ovulating well that it should work. Then we did one IUI with injectibles, big difference in cost of meds, $1200! Total cost about $2000.
We then decided to jump in with both feet & do IVF, DH thinking is we could spend the $12,000 in one shot & hopfully get the BPF or spend sveral months to do it.
Gosh till I wrote it here, I didn't relize that with each procedure it was like the meds cost as much as the whole previous process...

I guess it is something that you have to put a lot of thought to so you can decide what is right for you & your situation.

GOOD LUCK!

Hi! My RE suggested I purchase my meds through IVFmeds.com. They are an overseas company, but have their price list posted online. I have ordered through them and have had great service. Also, you can call your local pharmacy and ask for specific pricing. Good luck!

I did 2 rounds of IUI w/ Clomid - both BFN. My RE gave me a tip on Clomid...Walmart or Target carries it for $10!!! That was a huge difference in what I was previously paying ($40). Just did my 3rd IUI w/ Clomid and injectables (Bravelle). Used Clomid CD3-7 and Bravelle CD8-11. The meds were $280 + shipping (I have no fertility insurance). DH gave me the shots and they were not bad at all! Best of luck to you!

My FSH was a little elevated so my RE started me oninjectables - Follistim. My sister in law had similar fertility issues and suggested to skip the clomid due to the mood changes. The way I see it is, what is the fastest route to baby? I didn't have any negtive side affects to the follistim - the trigger shot was a little rough as far as side effects, but it did produce good follicles. I think your RE will want to do the minimum so as not to overstim your ovaries, so it is up to you iff you want to accelerate that. I would ask what is the quickest, healthiest route to pregnancy because while it might be more expensive at first, it all adds up.

The important question here, I think, is -- Is the clomid working, Are you getting multiple folliclies? Are they maturing?Is the trigger shot making them release?

I have Unexplained infertility.... I was getting one beautifuly mature follicle every month with my hubbys good swimmers ... Using OPK's I still couldn't get BFP... Using Clomid I got 3 follicles but they didn't mature.. they never got past a 14....... AND they made my uterus thin out then super thicken... So not to make this about me.....but is the clomid working for you? If so stick with it you don't want OHSS......

As far as cost this is my first month on injectibles (i have super great insurance) my RE ordered 3 months worth of injectibles so i only have to pay one copay -- I got $6,000.00 worth of meds for $109.00..... If i'd have to pay the $6,000.i'd have been SOL... Hope this helps...

Thanks everyone for your answers. This is actually a really old post that got bumped up the other day. I moved past the Femara a few months ago and am now on my second cycle of Follistim. I was lucky that my insurance covers it and it costs me $70.