IUI instead of IVF when poor response to stimulation

[DaphG]

Hello lovely people. I’m sorry for this long message but I wondered if anyone has an experience of IUI after IVF.

I’m 43, no underlying factors, no MFI etc. we have done 5 cycles (high dose stims) producing 8-12 eggs each cycle, good fertilization and 1-4 embryos each cycle. Unfortunately all our embryos so far have been aneuploid so have never transferred.

I started my 6th cycle last week but this time only two follicles have grown (this is first cycle at new clinic where I had ‘priming’ with oestrogen and growth hormone before stimulation and I’m on much lower dose stimulation) I was told at my scan today we should consider IUI instead of IVF given there are only two follicles, it would be cheaper/less invasive. I don’t think the odds of a good outcome are better with one or the other although my Dr said there was some data that IUI after IVF might offer something in older women. Part of me wants to give the IUI ago but there is the (high) risk of miscarriage if we even got so far as a pregnancy and this would delay any next steps as well as the obvious trauma. I don’t think there is a right answer but confused and wondered what others thought. Thanks so much. X

[Freeway24]

Hi. It's such a tough decision and I can really relate to this. I am nearly 42. My IVF cycle was cancelled as I only had 1 decent size follicle after a week 1/2 of the highest dose of gonal f they could give. I was so gutted that I asked if I could convert to IUI as I didn't want to waste the cycle/cost of drugs etc. I didn't fall pregnant this cycle but my husband hadn't fully abstained as he was following our IVF plan! I've had 3 IUIs. 2 resulting in miscarriages but they think the cause is my poor egg quality. (Age plus 5 gynae ops) I am on my next round of IUI now. We've decided to move to donor eggs if no success with this one. I think you have to go with your gut. For me I was just so desperate not to waste the cycle but you have to do what's right for your health/body. I wish you the best of luck whatever you decide to do. I still cling onto the fact I've only ever got pregnant with IUI despite it resulting in losses. Xx ❤️

[DaphG in reply to Freeway24]

Thank you for replying and sharing your story. I’m sorry it’s been to tough for you too. It feels like such an evidence free world where even the experts can’t advise. Sending lots of love and luck and wishing you the absolute best with this IUI. Xxx

[Freeway24 in reply to DaphG]

Thank you so much! 💓 good luck to you too. Xx

[Endofitall]

I am so sorry it’s not been straightforward and now you’re faced with this decision

After 3 failed cycles with poor response to stims (1-3 eggs each time though we did have 100% conversion to blasts mostly) between 34-36 years of age we were advised to try IUI. It really threw my head as I felt it was a backwards step. My AMH is poor secondary to endo. Have you read any of Robert Winston’s Q&As on Genesis Research Trust website? They are interesting and he very much advocates that IVF isn’t beneficial when you’re not making many eggs in IVF. And high dose stims doing no favours to egg quality/ploidy.

I’ve since had endo surgery and not sure on next steps just yet.

[DaphG in reply to Endofitall]

Thanks for replying. It’s so helpful to connect with others going through this. I know what you mean by it feeling like a step back. I wasn’t aware of the q&a but will certainly check out. Really hope your surgery went well and makes a difference for you. Lots of love. X

[Endofitall in reply to DaphG]

Thank you. You too. It does make one feel less alone in it all. It’s such a lonely journey and filled with so many difficult decisions and unknowns and uncertainty. Having everyone in here share experience and understanding is so helpful isn’t it x

[Cica22]

This post resonated with me too. I was also advised to try IUI as I only had 2 follicles after my first stims, then no response on my second. I was 40 at the time, I’m now 41. We tried 2 IUI cycles which sadly resulted in BFNs. I was so hopeful it may work, the first IUI I’m sure I had implantation bleeding 😳 We’ve now moved to donor eggs as the period of time we were trying with OE made me feel so negative about my body and the emotions were too much. It was a difficult decision but I’m glad we’ve moved on to DE. Wishing you all the best, it’s such a difficult journey 💕xx