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How does IUI work?

Kellyp37Kellyp37 Junior Member Junior Member
edited 2020 29 in In-Office IUI
I’m in the process of making my first appointment within a fertility clinic. How does this even work? Do they do blood tests and ultrasounds to see if I can even have a baby? I’m just curious as to what happened after the initial appointment. Also are any of you on prescription medicine while conceiving? I’ve been on anxiety medication for years and don’t want to go off of it. Thank you!

Comments

  • SherylSheryl Senior Member Senior Member
    You're going to experience a lot of appointments leading up to your actually insemination. IUI is intrauterine insemination and is cheaper of the two artificial insemination procedures, and I mean much cheaper. This might be a better option for someone who isn't considered to have major fertility issues, and are of certain ages, as opposed to IVF, which comes with a much higher price tag. Although IUI isn't as precise as IVF, where an egg is fertilized with sperm in a lab whereby a embryo is placed back into a woman's uterus. I'm sure you've heard people say they're going to get pregnant via "turkey basting"? I guess that's the unscientific way of explaining IUI. IUI involves placing sperm in the uterus via catheter. The process itself doesn't fertilize the egg but gets the sperm closer to the target, or egg, for fertilization naturally. The IUI takes minutes and is painless for many.

    If you are working with a fertility clinic, they're probably going to insist on testing to see if you're a candidate for getting pregnant, via blood draw, ultrasound and hysterosalpingogram. The last two to check your reproductive organs. You even have an option to have your blood tested to see if you're a carrier of certain diseases that you could pass on to your offspring. I wanted to know if I could pass someone to my offspring, so I did the carrier test.

    My appointments/testing were 2 1/2 months before I finally started the IUI cycle. Prior to it and still to this day, I take prenatal and other supplements to encourage a more positive result. Doctor recommended. Once you are on your IUI cycle, depending on what your doctor requires, you may have meds the week of your menstruation, to encourage egg development, and you may have to administer a trigger shot days before the IUI procedure to cause the egg(s) to release from an ovary. These are all methods to give you better odds. Some women do it unmedicated and are also successful. Every body is different.

    Also, they're are no guarantees with any of it. Some women might try both (IUI and IVF). You definitely experience a rollercoaster of emotions. Do your best to stay positive through it all.

    Hope this is helpful! Good luck to the adventure ahead.

    Sheryl
  • waited40waited40 Member Member
    sheannca wrote: »
    You're going to experience a lot of appointments leading up to your actually insemination. IUI is intrauterine insemination and is cheaper of the two artificial insemination procedures, and I mean much cheaper. This might be a better option for someone who isn't considered to have major fertility issues, and are of certain ages, as opposed to IVF, which comes with a much higher price tag. Although IUI isn't as precise as IVF, where an egg is fertilized with sperm in a lab whereby a embryo is placed back into a woman's uterus. I'm sure you've heard people say they're going to get pregnant via "turkey basting"? I guess that's the unscientific way of explaining IUI. IUI involves placing sperm in the uterus via catheter. The process doesn't fertilize the egg but gets the sperm closer to the target, or egg, for fertilization naturally. The IUI takes minutes and is painless for many.

    If you are working with a fertility clinic, they're probably going to insist on testing to see if you're a candidate for getting pregnant, via blood draw, ultrasound and hysterosalpingogram. The last two to check your reproductive organs. You even have any option to have your blood to see if you're a carrier of certain diseases that you could pass on to your offspring. I did it all because I wanted to know if I could pass someone to my offspring. But the carrier test is optional.

    All my appointments started 2 1/2 months before I finally started the IUI cycle. Prior to it and still to this day, I took prenatal and other supplements to encourage a more positive result. Doctor recommended. Once you are on your IUI cycle, depending on what your doctor requires, you may have meds the week of your menstruation, to encourage egg development, and you may have to administer a trigger shot days before the IUI procedure to cause the egg(s) to release from an ovary. These are all methods to give you better odds. Someone people do it unmedicated and are also successful. Every body is different.

    Also, they're are no guarantees with any of it. Some women might try both (IUI and IVF). You definitely experience a rollercoaster of emotions. Do your best to stay positive through it all.

    How this is helpful! Good luck to the adventure ahead.

    Sheryl


    Hi Sheryl! May I inquire as to which supplements you are on? My doc didnt tell me to do any but I hear people take some vitamins! Thanks!
  • SherylSheryl Senior Member Senior Member
    Sure. It's called NeoQ10 by Theralogix. This specific one was recommended by my Endocrinologist.

    Its a Coenzyme Q10 Supplement. You buy it online at Theralogix. My doctor recommend that I start taking it 30-60 days before my IUI and can be taken while pregnant. Basically, the concept behind this supplement is that on a cellular level, it speeds up egg production, which, slows down with age. My doctor recommended this for me because I'm 39. You don't need a prescription for it.

    Beyond this I take an over the counter prenatal vitamin, which my doctor also recommended.
  • Kellyp37Kellyp37 Junior Member Junior Member
    Thank you so much for all of the information!!! I’m 37 and going to do Juli next summer is the plan!
  • waited40waited40 Member Member
    sheannca wrote: »
    Sure. It's called NeoQ10 by Theralogix. This specific one was recommended by my Endocrinologist.

    Its a Coenzyme Q10 Supplement. You buy it online at Theralogix. My doctor recommend that I start taking it 30-60 days before my IUI and can be taken while pregnant. Basically, the concept behind this supplement is that on a cellular level, it speeds up egg production, which, slows down with age. My doctor recommended this for me because I'm 39. You don't need a prescription for it.

    Beyond this I take an over the counter prenatal vitamin, which my doctor also recommended.


    Ok, I think I might take that already...I take COQ10 --- but not NeoQ10? Is that the same thing or different? Its the only supplement I take because a friend of mine suggested it... 'Which prenatal vitamin do you take ? I thought those are for only people who are expecting? Thanks!
  • SherylSheryl Senior Member Senior Member
    I don't have any experience with COQ10 but you could some research on both and compare. My doctor was very specific with my supplement, down to where I purchase it from. I think they're supposed to be organic or something.

    I'm just taking a cheap prenatal from Walmart. They're not just for when your pregnant, but also if you're trying to become pregnant. They have a lot of health benefits, but the folic acid in them is what's important for pregnancy, which a regular supplement won't match. I've done research that indicates you should start taking if you want to become pregnant, my doctor said the the same.
  • JT.caJT.ca Junior Member Junior Member
    Hi Kelly, first ask your family doctor for recommendations to fertility clinics NEAR your home. This is one thing to consider because at some point closer to your IUI schedule, you will need to go to the clinic almost everyday. Your family doctor will also recommend that you start taking folic acid if you are considering to get pregnant.

    On your initial visit, your doctor will explain to you how the process work and will ask if you have a partner or will be using donor sperm. This help them determine how to proceed with your case. In my case, he recommended Ovulation Induction (OI) which is medicated procedure. Meaning they will give you medicine to help your eggs develop and grow. If you are using donor sperm, you may be asked to meet with a psychologist/social worker to obtain a psychological report for your file. It's not a scary part. It's just talking to your therapist about your hopes/plans/family background. After that you will be ask/may start looking for your preferred donor so you can get specimens as they are available. You can take your time on this because it could get time consuming reviewing profiles.

    After your initial visit to the clinic, they will schedule your for ultrasound and sonogram. This is to check the condition of your uterus, fallopian tubes (if they are open) and your ovaries (if you have follicles developing). They'll assess you from there.

    All women are different, so depending on your ultrasound and sono results, you will be advised how to proceed. Assuming all is great and you are ready for your IUI, you will start the frequent trips to the clinic starting day3 of your cycle. Meds are also going to start and they'll monitor your follicles till they are ready to trigger. My clinic waited for a 20mm one to do my trigger which is on day12 since my period is regular. 2 days later, the IUI will take place. It's just like having a papsmear just with the addition of inserting the catether with the sperm up to your uterus. It took few minutes to take place. Some will experience cramps. I did but inwas told it's normal.

    So hopefully that helps you get some insights what to expect. I hope all goes well with your procedure!
  • Kellyp37Kellyp37 Junior Member Junior Member
    Thank you for the information!!! My period literally only lasts 1-3 days and that’s it. I’m very curious to know if I can get pregnant. I’ve never been pregnant and I’m 37
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