DIUI/IVF/ICSI which one?

[oneday]

Hi,

I'm new to this site although I am overwelmed at how informative and supportive it is. I'm 33 and have known that I would have problems conceiving since I was 20, I have PCOS and my husband has a genetic disorder! No contraceptive for the last 13 years and still waiting

Myself and my husband have agreed that DI/IUI or IVF or ICSI is our best chance!! It is clear that all these treatments have physical and mental side effects, yet our main concern is do we have to have IUI first or can we opt for IVF or ICSI straight away?

I have numerous articles and facts on all three, yet we are still unsure on what to do ?

Oneday 33
DH 43

[sml]

Dear Oneday,

Welcome to the site -- it is an amazing resource and there are lots and lots experienced women here who will be able to answer questions, give you support, make you laugh, etc.!

My question for you would be have you found a clinic/doctor that you are comfortable with and that you feel has the resources, knowledge, experience to help you make the most informed decision? And if you are still looking, I would ask a range of RE's their views on what would be the best protocal for your condition.

For example, I have unexplained infertility (DH's sperm are fine, everything on my end seems okay aside from some fibroids which they don't think are in the way of achieving pregnancy). I was told that IUI for us would probably be a waste of time and to go straight to IVF. I've known others on this site who have gotten pregnant through a combination of IUI and Clomid, etc. Particularly because you know the reasons behind fertility issues, you really want to find someone who can tailor your treatment specifically to your issue.

Good luck to you!

sml

[oneday]

Hi sml,

Many Thanks for your words of wisdom, as I am new to this site can you tell me what 'RE' means? We have only seen one consultant (who was positive and pleasent) and I have yet to complete my HSG and FSH/LH blood test - in three weeks time!.

I to have fibroids, and have been told that this would not affect my chances of a successful preganacy.

How many clinics did you visit before you felt comfortable?

In three weeks we will be further forward on a tailor made plan.

Speak soon
Onday

[charlie77]

hi oneday charlie77 dh (darling hubby) here richard
just wanted to welcome you to the site
and to let you know that this place is fantastic and every1 on will be so supportive for you and ya dh should he feel the need to come on (as i did)
this will probably be your best place for help and support all girls on here are full of wisdom and care and they will help you throughg we found it a huge help and are never off here lol even when charlie was in hosp with ohss she still came on here to let all the girls know her news
good luck on your journey
and dont worry you will get used to all the abbrevations
take care richard
et= embryo transfer
ec= egg collection
dh dp= darling hubby/partner
af= period
tmt= treatment
these are a few ive picked up

[jan33]

Hi Oneday!

Welcome to the boards!

Your profile notes you are from Surrey...are you in North America or in the UK?

Your story sounds alot like mine...I'm 33, DH is 39. Married for 13 (almost) years as well, and have known since year 2 that we'd not be successful at having babies on our own. Like you, no birth control since I was 20 and still waiting

We have unexplained infertility on DH's side...low/no sperm. He has 3 brothers who all have beautiful children...so it's just one of those cruel turns in life! Everything is fine with me, so essentially with some good swimmers, it should be like falling off a horse!

Like you, we considered all the options, but chose to do DIUI as it was a more affordable option to start. We have tried 4 times with no luck, and are planning to start our 5th in about a week

I agree that you need to speak to your RE (reproductive endocrinologist) as everyone is different and they may want you to go straight to IVF...it's difficult to say. Have you tried reading through the options on the left on this site? There is lots of great info there.

I don't profess to be any expert on any of this...IUI is relatively easy procedurally...nothing like IVF, which is much more invasive. The ladies on these boards who have been through IVF are much more educated on hormones, etc.

And you are absolutely right...it is very exhausting mentally, emotionally, physically. The mental/emotional part has been the hardest for me...just when I think I have it all under control, I lose it! When DH and I first were married, we had stars in our eyes! Once we found out he had no sperm, we were both devastated. So, we buried ourselves in education and work and gradually stopped talking about it...everyone stopped asking when we'd have children, and we stopped thinking about it. Then we started having nieces and nephews galore & the biological clock started ticking. So, it was time to decide--kids or no kids? And so here we are...and we can't imagine anything we've ever wanted more. Funny how you think you've accepted something...then when the chance comes up again, you're right back to where you were 13 years ago...hoping and praying!

And so I found these boards...they are a godsend to me. A place to get away, keep up with others and just talk about your thoughts, fears and insecurities...and also to share your joys.

I mostly hang out on the "30-40 Thread" with a few others who are in various stages and treatments. Feel free to come join us over there...we just got another new member yesterday!

Take care and again, please come on over.

Jan

[oneday]

Hi Charlie77 (dh Richard) and Jan33,

Thank you for that warm welcome . I'm based in Surrey England although I could be based on the moon, I still think we would share the same emotions!

To Jan; How much your life is mirrors mine is so surreal!!! I feel guilty knowing its just not me!!

To Richard; Thanks for the abbreviation tips and I wish you and Charlie77 all the luck for now and always.

Oneday

[sml]

Oneday,

I've been off-line for a little while so sorry for not having responded too your queries but I'm so glad you've gotten some great feedback from people on the board already! Yes, RE is reproductive endrocinologist, though I think the abbreviation may be more common on the U.S. boards. (I'm originally from New York and also look at the ifv.connections boards which you may also find quite helpful).

As for choosing a clinic, I did my first cycle with the Lister Hospital in London because it had been recommended to me by my GP. It's a great hospital, the staff is kind and friendly, and the doctors are really qualified and capable. Like most clinics, it does sometimes feel like a factory, but so far so good. Since my first cycle of IVF did not have success, I've just been researching other clinics just to learn what different protocals might be like, etc. -- particularly back in NYC where it seems some of the treatments are a bit more agressive. That said, I will give it another go at my current clinic, but will be armed with loads of new questions for my next consultation with the doctor.

This is such a complicated process and each woman's situation is so different that I have found it most helpful to try to educate myself as best I can about the different treatment options, clincs, etc. I'm still very new at all this! But I find that it helps, especially when there are times you feel like you have such little control over what is going on with your body.

Best of luck to you -- and I want to echo Jan, do come over to 30-40 thread to chat some more.

sml