Infertility Support Group

In vitro fertilization is one of the most common and utilized ways of treating conception problems. This support group is dedicated to those beginning their journey with IVF and needing support. Join the community and share your experiences, advice, and story with people going through similar challenges starting a family.

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MomHopes 08/05/2008

I am currently in my 2ww and so that I dont get my hopes way too high Im thinking about options if this ends with a BFN. Of course Im praying for a BFP but if this isnt our month (again) Im not sure how I want to proceed. In May I had an early miscarriage (aka chemical pregnancy). When I went in for my 3rd IUI I asked my doctor about options if this doesnt work and he said that normally after any pregnancy they try 3 more times with the same meds (Femara and Ovidrel for me). First of all, I was shocked he even admitted I was pregnant because when it happened he just blew it off and kept calling it a chemical. Then in the same breath he says or you could switch to injectables they are much more effective. I thought to myselfif they are much more effective why are we wasting precious time with this other stuff?! His reasoning is that they are more expensive. Well, IUIs cost us about $350 (including meds) each month and I know thats nothing compared to more complex treatments, but it adds up!! Id rather pay more for injectables and have it work sooner! Sorry if this is rambling.Im basically looking for advice for anyone whose used injectables and IUIs. Would you recommend trying again with the Femara or swiching to something stronger?

Thanks Ladies!!

deleted_user 08/05/2008

My RE started us on Follistim injectables. He didn't even want to mess with Clomid. He said that our best chances were with the injectables and I was able to get pg on my first IUI with Follistim. Good Luck!

deleted_user 08/05/2008

I will keep my fingers crossed for a BFP for you but if not...I would recommend you being as aggressive as you can afford and your doctor will allow. We spend over a year doing IUI's with clomid and had terrible results-most months I did not even get to the IUI because of issues with follicles. You are right that an IUI is way cheaper but it does add up the more you do and you also have to realize the emotional and time invested toll it takes. Our clinic was a four and a half hour round trip and going every three days for US each month for over a year plus everything else really added up. We then moved on to IVF, which I wish we had done in the first place looking back! We spent way more money but had less appointments and had success! Sounds like the IUI route did work for you so I would not say jump to IVF right away if you do not need to but if you want to step it up a bit I would not hesitate to ask. Best of luck to you!

deleted_user 08/05/2008

My doctor started me out with clomid and then we went to injectables. Her reasoning was the least invasive approach should be tried first. Lots of things factor into the decisions though. I am wishing you good luck so that it will not come to this point.

deleted_user 08/05/2008

First, I wanted to wish you luck and hope that you don't even need to move to the next step.

I don't have any experience with IUI or injectables, but what I do know is that you should be in control of your treatment. Of course you should always trust that your doctor is working for you (if not it's time to get a new doc.) Perhaps you could talk out the benefits of becoming more aggressive in treatment with your doctor and DP.

deleted_user 08/05/2008

I would suggest making an appt. to talk to your DR again. When I initially went to the RE, he explained all my options and their success rates. He then made a reccomendation, but said ultimately it was up to me.

I am currently doing follitim w/IUI and it is a breeze. The shots (and I am a baby) are almost painless and I have had minimal side effects. Good luck : )

deleted_user 08/05/2008

I did 4 failed IUIs. My next step is injectables, I felt the same way. We are doing a laparscopy in a couple of weeks and then moving on to injectables. I think it is just protocol.

deleted_user 08/05/2008

I'm in my 2ww too.. trying not to get my hopes up but praying for a BFP! My RE also started me on clomid and when I heard about others going right to injectibles, I felt like I wasted my time. What did I know about infertility, they don't teach you this stuff in school. I'm a go-all-in type of person but it's a personal decision. Good luck.

MomHopes 08/05/2008

Thank you so much ladies for your advice. I was leaning towards taking the next step and using injectables. Now you've conviced me! I really hope I will get a BFP in a week but if I don't I'm going to request that we be more aggressive. And it really helps to know the shots weren't bad cuz I'm a baby too! :)
By the way - around how much does follistim cost, I'm doubting our insurance will cover it.

deleted_user 08/05/2008

Just a question as I am not sure about all of this. But Femara and follistim are both being used to get the same outcome?? They are being taken to stimulate follicles so if you are having a good response to femara and getting follicles and ovulating then what difference would it make with the follistim??

babydream 08/05/2008

follistim is the injectable and will give you more and bigger/better eggs without the side effects. CLomid made me crazy. I just finished Follistim and am in the 2ww....ask the RE or better the nurses for samples. I got the whole cycle free and know others who have as well!

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