IUI Advice - is my consultant right?

[Pollydoodle]

Hello all
My DH and I have been TTC #1 for just over 12 months now. I have had day 3, day 21, AMH, ultrasound and HSG tests all of which have come back fine, so no issues with me that we know of as yet. My Dh has had 3 SA's done, with varying results, count ranging from 26 to 105 million, motility from 35 to 67% and morphology from 7 to 15%. I don't think our consultant feels these are too problematic though.
Anyway at our last appointment, I asked him about IUI and he said that he thought this would be a waste of money for us - basically I think, he said that if its not happening naturally then IUI won't improve our chances. However, I've read a lot of success stories on this forum so I can't help thinking that it might be worth a go - and wondered what others have been advised? Its kind of difficult to challenge an experienced consultant on his views, but we are paying for it after all so I am wondering if I should just put my foot down (if it might give us a chance)! By the way, I have just turned 36 and DH is 34.
Thanks in advance
Px

 

[mrssunshine78]

hi
our consultant has recommended IUI for us, they can't find anything wrong with either of us, he said there's aabout a 15-20% chance
hth

xx

 

[BizyBee]

It's worth a shot. It is so much cheaper and less invasive than IVF, so hopefully it will work.

 

[Chesca]

Hi P,

I am having IVF due to DP's poor SA results at our first consultation. Sperm count was 0.5 million and only 50% motile. On EC day sperm count shot up to 80 million and 60% motile. I'm waiting for FET now but have been advised that sperm count it good enough to have IUI if we have to have a fresh cycle. Consultant said sometimes the sperm just need a little help getting through our natural defence system (his words, not mine! lol!)
Hope that helps,

xx

 

[ReikiBaby]

Hi Pollydoodle -
It is DEFINITELY worth trying for an IUI. I would be firm and ask for one. My dh's SA yielded much lower numbers than yours, and our RE said 8 million or higher is ideal, so we went for it. IUI #1 was BFN, but I'm hopeful for IUI#2.

IUI is so much cheaper and less invasive too. I say go for it if you can and good luck!!

 

[HopeSprings]

My RE was the same way (low morphology 4%). I told him we are doing IUI. So, picking up my clomid prescription in a bit! You are in charge of your medical interventions, do what feels right for you.

 

[CareBear]

I would say that as your OH's SC tests have improved and morphology has been at 15% IUI is worth a go, as Chesca said it helps bypass a womans defense systems. If you're in the UK check out on the channel 4 website a programme called the Great Sperm Race as this explains everything sperm has to get through really well - its a surprise anyone gets pregnant watching this! As you're paying and think IUI is worth a go push for it, its your body and you're treatment after all and it is a lot less invasive than IVF. Good luck x

 

[Pollydoodle]

Hi everyone
thanks for your responses, just thought I would update following my appointment with the consultant. Well, he was still pretty adament that IUI will not help us - he said we basically have unexplained infertility and that in these types of cases, studies have shown that IUI is no better than sex. I asked if we could still pay for this if we wanted to, but he seemed to think it would be unethical to give that kind of treatment if it is unlikely to be effective. He seemed to think the only option for us is IVF (although we would probably keep trying naturally for a few months before going down that road).
I am still finding this hard to understand and so am contemplating seeking a second opinion from another hospital. Maybe I am wrong but I would really like to have the chance to exhaust all available options before thinking about IVF.
Cheers
Px