Tell me if I'm crazy

[Anonymous]

40 y/o, 4y/o DD, TTC for 26 months, nothing happening, not even a single chemical, diagnosis: unexplained secondary infertility. Tests came back normal to good-for-my age for me, DH has low sperm count (6 million when they expected 20 million, so not great but not zero). One attempt at IUI with Clomid, no worries about my reaction to the drug, but no joy either. Plans for IVF but it is taking forever to get started due to a combination of problems with scheduling at SG, them ordering the wrong tests and then killing another month because I got the tests they ordered and not the ones they meant to order, travel conflicts on my end, and now them wanting me to lose 10 lbs before starting a cycle. Fine, sure, okay. Still planning on IVF. My question is:

Due to the delay with getting IVF off the ground, all of my IVF meds expire next month (before the end of that potential cycle), and I'll have to pay for new ones when my IVF cycle actually starts. Would you take Gonal F + menopur, unmonitored, for a timed intercourse cycle under these facts? Basically I can take it or trash it; there's no other option. I feel like between 2+ years of no conception and low sperm count, there's very little risk of getting pregnant with a TLC-style litter of kids, but I know the risk is not zero. Twins would be startling but a much better outcome than no more babies.

What say you, intelligent ladies of the infertility support board?

[Anonymous]

I would take the meds. SG is known for crazy scheduling issues but I would push them hard.

I'm the crazy vitamin D poster so make sure you get some naturally. And, it sounds like you have a lot on your plate already. Try not to stress.

[Anonymous]

You are crazy. Do not do an unmedicated cycle.

[Anonymous]

Celery got my husbands sperm count up I kid you not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Celery got my husbands sperm count up I kid you not.

::sprints to Safeway::

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would take the meds. SG is known for crazy scheduling issues but I would push them hard.

I'm the crazy vitamin D poster so make sure you get some naturally. And, it sounds like you have a lot on your plate already. Try not to stress.

Thanks I'm nervous but leaning toward trying.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You are crazy. Do not do an unmedicated cycle.

Because of HOM risk or OHSS risk? The OHSS scares me more, but I know it's not a big chance.

[Anonymous]

I'd be nervous about this (I have twins from a monitored IUI, so there's my bias). I think you should make a bunch of noise to SG if you've bought expensive meds that are now about to expire due to their errors and delays. They need to either support you in this cycle or cover your replacement drugs if things push out and these meds expire.

[Anonymous]

When is your IVF scheduled? Those meds can alter your cycle and so by taking them unmedicated you may end up pushing your IVF back further.
My first IVF was unsuccessful. I had to wait for my next round (due to finances) and it took 4 months for my cycles to be regular again.
Personally, if the med were expired by only 1 or 2 months and they've been properly stored, then I would use them for the IVF cycle.

[Anonymous]

Those meds take a few years to expire. A slight delay isn’t going to get you into this situation. Have you ever used these meds, don’t try them unmonitored? They’ll be fine a few months past their expiration date though.

[Anonymous]

I would do it. I had a different but not totally dissimilar situation and I did it — got pregnant with a singleton so obviously there’s my bias. I will say I would sit down with your husband and have a frank conversation about what you guys will do if it unluckily results in higher order multiples. We agreed I would never try to carry more than the babies and if our ob recommended reduction we would take them seriously.

[Anonymous]

No. Don’t do it. At this point, paying for new meds is the least of your problems. You want the more sure thing of new meds plus IVF. Don’t go rogue and potentially mess this chance up in one of several different ways. Stay the course. But I’m VERY sorry about the delays. That’s maddening.

[Anonymous]

Iui or ti with under 10 mil generally doesn't work. That being said if you never took the drugs I probably wouldn't take them unmonitored. The medicine also are probably good for some time after expiration.

[Anonymous]

I’d call the pharmacy you got the meds from and ask if the drugs are good past their expiration dates first. Then I’d hustle shady grove. All before attempting this unmonitored.

[Anonymous]

If they want you to lose weight, make them prescribe metformin. https://www.californiaivf.com/metformin/