Questions about IUI in the UK or USA

[Becci_Boo86]

Hi ladies, well first of all i wanted to tell you my story.

I'm 25 and hubby is 23. we have been trying for 3 years with 3 losses in this time.

I have PCOS and a heart shaped uterus nothing major they said with my uterus.

It took us 2 years to get any meds. I'm now on Metformin have been since Septemeber 2011.

I'm wanting to know how IUI works?

What age do you need to be? ( both of us)

how long does it take to get the ball rolling?

Do you have to pay in the UK if your under a FS?

thanks Becci x

 

[Lawgirl]

Hi Becci

I haven't had (or considered) IUI, but a lot of this will depend on the rules of your PCT. For example my PCT offers IVF only, with rules on attempts, age and weight. The PCTs usually publish these rules on their website, so the first step should be to to determine which is your PCT and then go hunting on their website.

(NB the above assumes you want NHS funding).

 

[LouTTC1]

Hi.

As the above poster said I think it will vary from where you are in the UK although I'm not sure if the rules for getting IUI are different for IVF.

I am 30 and my husband is 35. We have been TTC since September 2010 and are currently in the TWW from our first IUI through the NHS.

We haven't had to pay for anything except for prescriptions. I've had to pay for the tablets for my HSG during our period of being tested. The other bits I've had are clomid (given enough for if we need all 3 goes at IUI), the injection to bring on ovulation (only given one) and I've been given progesterone. Each time it has been whatever the rate is (think it is £7.40 per item at the moment as I pay for my prescriptions).

 

[blueeyedgirl1]

From what I've been told by my PCT (North Bristol), I pay for my own medication as you do in any other case (standard £7.40 charge per prescription) but IUI/IVF/ICSI is "free".

My PCT covers 3x IUI and 1x IVF or ICSI (not both).

 

[hopingforit]

I'm in the USA and just had an IUI.

I don't know how it is elsewhere but they did it one day after I got my surge on an OPK. They had my DH masturbate at home then turn it into the Dr office in the morning. They washed it to get the best sperm then 3 hours later, I went to the Dr and they put it in me. He used a small long tube and screwed a syringe onto it. Then he sucked up the sperm and inserted the tube in through my cervix into my uterus. After he was done, he took it out and propped my butt up for about 15 minutes. It was completely painless for me.

Because they take the best sperm and they don't have to travel the whole way through your cervix and uterus, it is easier for them to reach the egg.

I don't think there is an age limit. As long as you have been TTC for a least a year, I'm pretty sure they will do it. They might tell you it isn't worth it and to move straight to IVF if your FSH is really high or your DH has a horrible sperm count.

For me, I had all my fertility tests and my Dr was on vacation. He got back on Monday the 19th and I got a call that morning saying that my DH had some sperm issues and they wanted to do IUI. I got my surge that morning and I was in the office for it the next day. For me, it was really quick.

Hopefully that helps as I'm not in the UK but you did ask for USA too.

Good luck!

 

[tansey]

I get 3 free goes at IUI where I live. I just pay NHS prescription charge for the meds. Also if you over stim and it has to be canx it doesn't count as a go, so you can try again.