would you do a 4th clomid IUI or take a one-month break?

[Anonymous]

I'm just at the end of my 3rd failed clomid + FSH IUI cycle.

At the moment, my options are: try one more time on the same protocol, or TTC naturally for a month.

We are planning to move on to IVF, but not ready to start that this week.

As background, I am 39, have been TTC for a year, had successful pgs in the past, no apparent issues other than "old eggs" (so IUI doesn't help much, but the idea has been to produce 3-4 follicles to give us more targets).

I'm leaning toward giving myself a rest from the stress & drugs, but I also feel if this is my last chance to avoid doing IVF, I want to give it my best shot. RE isn't encouraging me to do another IUI cycle but will do one more if I want to. So it's really up to me.

Any advice?

[Anonymous]

I'd take a break. You want the Clomid out of your system before you start your ivf. Plus, I think the mental recharge will be helpful. I think you still have decent odds to conceive, even on a natural cycle.

[Anonymous]

take a break, your body needs time off from stimulating drugs. If you know you are going to do IVF, it would be good to give your body a break prior to going into IVF.

[Anonymous]

Take a break - I learned the hard way that taking clomid for more than 3 months can affect your chances of getting pregnant since it affects your lining.

[Anonymous]

Agree about getting the Clomid out of your system - for some women, it can really affect the ability of the embryo to implant.

[Anonymous]

Skip it.

Do you have insurance for IVF. The only real reason to "avoid" IVF is if you have to pay for it. Otherwise, just do it. The odds of success are soooo much higher and it is not like it is that big a deal. Compared to actually being pregnant, IVF is not really a major physical stress or "invasive"

[Anonymous]

I did Clomid for 4 cycles and it didn't work and it made me feel CRAZY so I was really scared of the injectables. If you are doing SG's super ovulation protocol I strongly suggest moving on to IVF if they will let you. I moved to IVF and I didn't have the bad side effects many people complain about and I got pregnant the second try, but m/c at 9 wks, not sure what to do next.