First IUI - Clomid + Follistim - Any success stories? Feel like protocol won't work - Frustrated!

[Anonymous]

I'm starting my first IUI next month. I'm 32 with "unexplained IF" however I have a slightly elevated FSH level (9) and a low AMH level so in my opinion, I won't be the best responder to stimulation. My RE wants to try the first round with only 50mg of Clomid and 2 vials of Follistim 75IU. I feel like these are such low doses and won't work for me/I'll have no response. I've also heard horror stories about Clomid and wonder why Dr is putting me on Clomid when I ovulate regularly. (?) Anyone have any success on such low doses? I've asked to switch to just injectables for my first round but RE wants to see how I respond to Clomid + injectable first. I know we have to start somewhere but thought Dr would be a little more aggressive. Feeling very frustrated already!

[Anonymous]

Which RE are you working with?

I *think* this is the same protocol they are going to recommend for me next month at Shady Grove for my first IUI. I have heard SG is kind of "cookie cutter" in its approach, but I haven't started treatment yet so I don't have much personal experience to base it on.

I also ovulate on my own (my FSH is a little lower than yours but I am older) so was wondering why I would need clomid, but I think clomid + Follistim is the "superovulation" protocol to get you to produce multiple eggs and increase your chances of pregnancy via IUI.

I hope someone else with more knowledge can shed some light on this!

[Anonymous]

I think PP is correct regarding the reason you take Clomid + injectibles, i.e., superovulation I am 32 with no known fertility issues and have done two IUI cycles at SGF, both with Clomid (5 days, 50mg) plus 150 IUs of Bravelle. The goal in an IUI cycle is to produce multiple mature eggs but not too many eggs. Your response to the drugs can vary from month to month, so I think they like to start out with a relatively conservative protocol and see how you respond. For example, the first month I had an awful reaction to Clomid (night sweats, headaches, dizziness, nausea) and the second month I had no symptoms at all. In my first cycle I produced three mature eggs and on my next cycle I produced six and the cycle was cancelled. You definitely have to be pretty assertive about your treatment, but unless you have reason to believe your RE doesn't know what he or she is doing, I would trust that they have your best interest in mind and that they know what they are doing.

[Anonymous]

OP here...you gals are great! Thanks so much for your replies.. Yes, I too am at SGF with Greenhouse. And yes, it definitely is very cookie cutter! I can't stand that, makes me wonder how SG is so successful. Their lab? Their large practice - more successes reported? I don't dislike them yet but already feel like I'm not being treated as an individual.

Poster 12:10...what is your next step? Are you going to do another IUI?

[Anonymous]

12:10 - No, I decided to move on to IVF and are waiting for the results from our first attempt. We were not great candidates for IUI due to male factor issues but wanted to try at least a couple of cycles first so that we could ease into all of this (esp. the shots). SGF's statistics are really good - I haven't compared all of the clinics, but I am sure they are at or near the top for this region. In my experience, the doctors, nurses, labs, etc. all are top notch. They want to keep up those stats, so rest assured they're doing everything they can to get you pregnant. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

11:18 here.

I am working with Dr. Browne at SG Fair Oaks & have seen Greenhouse once - he did my day 3 u/s. Have only had the initial consult w/ Browne, but at that time, she thought she'd likely recommend the superovulation protocol (pending test results, of course, but they're normal so far).

We don't go back to see her until the end of the month, so I'll see if she sticks with that recommendation or makes changes. I have NO idea what to expect as far as how I will respond to clomid. I really don't want to be cancelled b/c of too many eggs - but I also don't want six babies!

[Anonymous]

Hello,
I am also a SG and also doing superovulation IUI and also feeling like they aren't treating me as an individual. I am also unexplained and 31. I just had my first BFN on IUI #1. I feel frustrated and hopeless but feel like Shady Grove is where I should start.

[Anonymous]

OP here...thanks all so much for your responses. 15:48, I feel the exact same way as you do, but if not SG, then I too don't know where else to go. I just switched to SG from Dominion (after doing 2 failed NCIVFs). SG is in our insurance network so we have some IUI coverage so I thought why not give it 3 tries before switching to IVF and shelling out $20k+.
What was your IUI medication protocol?

[Anonymous]

I was at SG too with Dr. Widra. I got the same protocol and I had the same doubts as you have now (why clomid? is this the correct dose, etc), and guess what? I got pregnant that very first cycle !!! Have to trust SG !!!

[Anonymous]

OP here...poster 17:01, you have just made my day! So happy that this protocol worked for you and hope I have the same experience! Thank you so much for your post!

[Anonymous]

Hi,
I too got PG my first IUI at SG with that protocol. I had unexplained infertility and 8.5 FSH, which is actually normal, but SG calls it borderline.

Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Yes, thanks 17:01 and 19:15!!

I've been feeling sorta depressed about my chances too, and that is really encouraging to hear!

[Anonymous]

OP here...I feel the same way as PP. Thanks so much for your encouraging stories! Hope we can all share the same "luck."

[Anonymous]

I also got pregnant the first time on that protocol with Dr. Widra - and was regular as clock work so was annoyed that I was on the protocol - shows what I know. good luck!!

[Anonymous]

I am not at SG, but taking clomid right now and gearing up for my first IUI. I already had two failed IVF cycles, now just doing IUI b/c our insurance covers it. Will post back here with results, negative or positive. Hang in there.