I am new here...

[Anonymous]

Hi

Fist time comming to this website. We've been trying to get pregnant for 3 years now..on and off.... Almost one year of clomid and metaphormin (sp?). Anyways, I am ready for the next step and start looking into fertility clinics and such.

Any advice? I live in North VA.

Also, what does IUI stands for?

[Anonymous]

Welcome! I like this site because people here are going thru the same thing as you and aren't bashing each other or boastful about the money they have or schools they send their kids too.

IUI is intra uterine insemination. You can do this with or without fertility drugs. I'm 40 and we have secondary infertility. My son was born after 8 months of trying (and being told it wouldn't happen) when I was 37. Now I've been struggling for 1 1/2 years (wow, can't believe it's been that long). We finally saw a specialist in December- Dominion Fertility in Arlington. I go to Dr DiMattina, but everyone there is really terrific. We decided to try IVF first given our age, and that we could max out our FSA money right away to pay for it. Insurance in VA stinks! That didn't work so we waited two months and tried IUI, which also didn't work. Not sure what we will do next.

Some people tell everyone and some none. We decided not to tell anyone, as I would get that question every single conversation from just about everyone. It is painful enough each month for you and your significant other, which is why we decided to keep quiet. Not sure if in a few months or years I will tell some friends/family what we did.

Best of luck!

[Anonymous]

I recommend you talk to a reproductive endocrinologist at Shady Grove. They have offices in Annandale, Fairfax, and Leesburng.

[Anonymous]

I ran from Shady Grove because of the way they treat you. Too much of a mill. Too many rules. I found a solo practitioner who was very easy going and nice. It made all the difference. You are going through a lot, it is better to be with a human doctor rather than a mill.

[Anonymous]

There are lots of places in No. Va. I have extensive experience with infertility treatment (with success) and recommend Dr. Dimattina and Dr. Gordon at Dominion Fertility in Arlington. But there are lots of other places too. It is scary taking that step, but really these experts have a whole host of knowledge and treatments beyond anything your OB might have been helping you with. So while it's scary to walk in the first time, try to be positive. It'll be another step closer to getting your baby.

[Anonymous]

We went to Dr. Widra at Shady Grove in DC. Loved our nurse (Jennifer Wood), and really liked Dr. Widra. Also liked the other docs and the fact that they were committed 24 hours a day 365 days a year to helping us get pregnant. Went through 6 cycles of clomid with reg OB b4 going to Dr. Widra. Did 4 cycles of clomid with IUI - had an early miscarriage with one. Finally decided to do IVF - after four rounds (3 fresh, 1 frozen) and am now 33 weeks pregnant expecting DD very soon. Glad we went there, VERY glad we did shared risk. The whole process was no fun at all (shots, sonos, extraction, etc.) but it has been worth it. Fertility issues suck and it is a rough path - having a good support system to help you emotionally and a good relationship with your S.O. it essential. Good luck to you!!!

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks all for the replies

Not wanting to get into private matters, but what is the average cost involving IUI and IVF?

Thanks)

[Anonymous]

You might want to try ivfconnections.com for more information on fertility treatments. It is a discussion forum much like this one dedicated to fertility issues. I found it very helpful, informative and supportive when I was deciding what route to take.