IUI at 38?

[Anonymous]

I’m thinking of trying IUI’s because I am not sure I want to do IVF (again). Is that nuts/waste of time for someone age 38 and unexplained infertility? At what point would you stop IUI and do IVF?

[Anonymous]

You already did IVF, but would need to start over with a new retrieval cycle? How long ago was that and how did you respond to IVF?

[Anonymous]

OP here. I am considering IUI because I do not have enough frozen embryos for my desired family size and I realize at age 38 I am running out of time. I would like a chance at two kids. My last IVF cycle maybe produced slightly fewer number of eggs than anticipated from my blood work, but the number that made it to 5 day blasts and from those that were PGT normal was textbook for my age.

[Anonymous]

It is worth three tries. If its gonna get you pregnant it will probably happen in one of the three tries. A pregnancy conceived via IUI is lower risk than IVF. With IVF babies they want them out by 39 weeks which can end up in a C section.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It is worth three tries. If its gonna get you pregnant it will probably happen in one of the three tries. A pregnancy conceived via IUI is lower risk than IVF. With IVF babies they want them out by 39 weeks which can end up in a C section.

The last sentence isn't necessarily true. I was allowed to go to 41 weeks with one of my IVF babies.

[Anonymous]

I had a successful IUI at 38! Worked on the second round.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I had a successful IUI at 38! Worked on the second round.

Sorry I should add that it was male factor which probably makes a big difference. I’m sorry I missed the unexplained part in your post!

Anyway, IUIs are way less complicated than IVF so there’s almost no reason to try them unless you are very set on adding a child, then probably best to do IVF again and not waste time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It is worth three tries. If its gonna get you pregnant it will probably happen in one of the three tries. A pregnancy conceived via IUI is lower risk than IVF. With IVF babies they want them out by 39 weeks which can end up in a C section.

The last sentence isn't necessarily true. I was allowed to go to 41 weeks with one of my IVF babies.

They can't force you to do anything but it is standard to get the baby out at 39 weeks because the placenta degrades. I wish somebody had told me, I may have avoided 2 C sections by using a sperm donor. I had a prior natural conception/vaginal birth then two Cs with my IVF babies due to failed induction with the first and thin C section scar with the second.

[Anonymous]

A c-section is not the end of the world. A heathy baby is what you want.

[Anonymous]

I just did medicated IUI at 38, with unexplained infertility and one blocked fallopian tube. I got pregnant on first try. I have never done IVF however.

I was strongly encouraged to go straight to IVF, but I declined. I already have 2 children( both via IUI), so I was certain that I would not proceed to IVF if IUI did nor work out.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Yes, it’s a waste of time and more importantly energy.

[Anonymous]

It is not just the chances of getting pregnant with IUI but also the chances of a genetically “normal” embryo at your age. Risk for miscarriage increases, which can eat up more time…putting you back at square one months from now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A c-section is not the end of the world. A heathy baby is what you want.

First of all, that was an incredibly rude thing to say to somebody who suffered a C section complication.

C sections are a big deal, especially in combo with IVF (placenta accreta). The downsides of them need to be mentioned BEFORE you are pregnant so can decide if you want to explore other options or even walk away.

[Anonymous]

No. IUIs are is a young person‘s game. If you have documented infertility to the point where you’ve had IVF in the past and embryos in the bank, I think spending the time, emotional toll, and financial involvement in doing IUIs is a fool‘s errand.

I would do an IVF cycle and bank embryos with an immediate following FET if you have or want to have tested embryos, or a fresh transfer if you do not. Then I would go through your reserve of embryos as/if needed.

It sucks to think about, but remember that tested, perfect looking and rated embryos do not all result in take home babies. Having, say, three frozen embryos does not mean you will necessarily be lucky to have three babies. If you want a larger family or the opportunity to try for a larger family, do IVF now to get a bigger reserve of embryos.

TLDR; your fastest, most direct route to a live birth is statistically going to be IVF and transfers. If you have a relaxed approach and are OK spending six months doing IUIs with odds not in your favor, try IUIs.

[Anonymous]

I did IUI at 38 for unexplained infertility and got lucky on the first try. But it was our first assisted anything. I’m guessing there’s a reason you’ve already done IVF rather than IUI. We were prepared to do IVF if IUI didn’t work after several rounds.