How many blood tests do you really need for an IUI cycle?

[Anonymous]

For those who have done IUI, how many blood tests does your clinic do for an IUI cycle?

I recently had my first one and I did bloodwork on day 3 of my period, bloodwork a few days later to time my trigger shot (it was a medicated cycle), bloodwork one week after the IUI to measure progesterone levels, and then bloodwork a week after that to test pregnancy (BFN).

Can some of this be cut down? I have “bad veins” and 3 of the times I was supposed to get bloodwork the nurses couldn’t even take blood. I am left with giant bruises all over my arms. Between that, the time needed to travel frequently for the tests, the extra exposure during this pandemic, and my anxiety around needles (brought on by all this difficulty!) I’m sure there must be a better way. Pregnancy tests for sure can be done with urine, and I heard some clinics automatically give progesterone supplements without the need to test — so that would cut the number by 2 per cycle. Obviously I will speak to my doctor but I want to also hear other experiences so I can come to the conversation informed.

Curious to hear other people’s experiences as I try to navigate this. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

SGF gives progesterone without blood testing.

[Anonymous]

No advice OP as I’ve never done IUI, but I am also super scared of blood draws and IVF was pure torture. Just commiserating to tell you that it sucks but is totally worth it in the end. And don’t be scared to tell the clinic that you’re a hard draw and need an experienced phlebotomist each time. They should hopefully note that in your file. I always had one of two people do my draws who were very good, gentle, and fast. Drink lots of water about 30 minutes before and lie down during. Good luck!!

[Anonymous]

Skip the IUI, OP. Just go straight to IVF plan. It will save you a ton of time, $$, and heartache.

[Anonymous]

I just had a successful IUI on my second full cycle—we abandoned the first one. The first one I had way more blood work and sonograms—it felt like every three days. By my last one I think I did day 3, then maybe two more before trigger and one after. They are using the changes in your numbers along with sonograms to decide when you have follicles ready to ovulate. I think the fewer you do the less precise they will be with when to trigger and do an IUI.

I didn’t have trouble with the blood draws, but the weekly late arrival to work was giving me huge amounts of anxiety. I didn’t want my work to know I was trying to get pregnant. My office was good about knowing I needed the first appointment and I made sure to arrive early to be the first one there. It’s still very stressful and tiring!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Skip the IUI, OP. Just go straight to IVF plan. It will save you a ton of time, $$, and heartache.

I’m the PP with a successful IUI. My insurance covered IUI but not IVF. We spend about $500 out of pocket each cycle so about $1,000. How much is IVF out of pocket with and without insurance? For us we didn’t have a choice, but we are very glad we gave IUI a chance!

[Anonymous]

I got pregnant on my first IUI and don’t remember it being a ridiculous amount of blood draws, partly because the amount of blood draws I had while pregnant was insane (they were checking me early on for progesterone every few days and then later for a few things which I’m very grateful for). So I’d say your best bet is to get used to it and prepare for it for - hopefully! - the long-haul.

[Anonymous]

I always needed a lot because I was slow to still but was young and had the potential to overstimulate, so they had to minister closely at low doses.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I got pregnant on my first IUI and don’t remember it being a ridiculous amount of blood draws, partly because the amount of blood draws I had while pregnant was insane (they were checking me early on for progesterone every few days and then later for a few things which I’m very grateful for). So I’d say your best bet is to get used to it and prepare for it for - hopefully! - the long-haul.

I also would note I likely would’ve lost the baby had it not been for blood draws that showed low progesterone. My body was not responding at all to the suppositories so I switched to the shots - more needles! But saved my baby. Once you see those two lines you will not blink an eye at the things you let your body go through and all the shots and needles will have been well worth it! Good luck!

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks for all the good advice. I will probably switch clinics to one with nurses who are better at drawing blood because that is a huge part of the problem.

To respond to the comment above, my insurance covers IUI but not IVF, so it is worth trying at least a few times. One issue though is we’re using donor sperm and that stuff is expensive! (~$1000 a vial, not counting the expensive shipping, storage, thawing, and prepping!). I will have to price it out and compare.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks for all the good advice. I will probably switch clinics to one with nurses who are better at drawing blood because that is a huge part of the problem.

To respond to the comment above, my insurance covers IUI but not IVF, so it is worth trying at least a few times. One issue though is we’re using donor sperm and that stuff is expensive! (~$1000 a vial, not counting the expensive shipping, storage, thawing, and prepping!). I will have to price it out and compare.

For the price of a cycle I would definitely just put up with all the blood draws. It just increases the likelihood of success in my non medical opinion.

If it’s helpful info, Columbia Fertility only has one tech to draw blood M-F during early lab hours, it’s a different person Saturday. I’m not a hard draw, but I thought she was really good!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks for all the good advice. I will probably switch clinics to one with nurses who are better at drawing blood because that is a huge part of the problem.

To respond to the comment above, my insurance covers IUI but not IVF, so it is worth trying at least a few times. One issue though is we’re using donor sperm and that stuff is expensive! (~$1000 a vial, not counting the expensive shipping, storage, thawing, and prepping!). I will have to price it out and compare.

For the price of a cycle I would definitely just put up with all the blood draws. It just increases the likelihood of success in my non medical opinion.

If it’s helpful info, Columbia Fertility only has one tech to draw blood M-F during early lab hours, it’s a different person Saturday. I’m not a hard draw, but I thought she was really good!

Seconding this, the phlebotomist at CFA is top notch. She is honestly my favorite person who works there.

[Anonymous]

Semi-off topic - but yes, the phlebotomist at CFA is amazing!!! I have talked with her on finding different veins (particularly a lot of the iui blood tests don't need a ton of blood, so a couple smaller veins are fine). In general, she's just one of the coolest people and she makes the trip worth it.

[Anonymous]

I had the opposite experience ^^ I left with giant bruises every time. Never had that happen anywhere else. Weird. I’m jealous you guys had good experiences.