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Summer Chatt III
This is a discussion on Summer Chatt III within the TTC - Gay/Lesbian forums, part of the Trying to Conceive - People Like You category; Here is a link to the old thread if you need to catch up.
http://talk.sheknows.com/newreply.ph......
Location: We currently reside in the great state of Texas
Posts: 343
Re: Summer Chatt III
We actually are doing the IUI through my regular OB/GYN. I dont have fertility problems (that I know of yet) so I dont know if it is regular protocol to us a RE but I dont think we are. I really dont know the logistics of all of this....
right now, the nurse told us to use an OPK and call as soon as we get a color change and then the next day they will do the IUI... does this sound normal? L is worried that we will do the IUI too early and miss the egg...
Ya'll are some of the sweetest ladies... Thank you for the support...
Sheena - I am using an RE because my ob doesn't do IUI. However, that is exactly the procedure we started with (because I don't have any know fertility issues either). I was supposed to use the opk, call, go in the next day. I just couldn't get the opk to work for me so now I go in on day 13, they give me a trigger shot and I go in the next day (or the next 2 really because we do 2 a cycle.) So, I think what you are doing is normal.
It is my understanding that when the opk changes color, you will ovulate in 12-36 hours. (Theoretically right in the window of the IUI). I think that it's better to go early than late because the sperm have a longer life span (although with frozen sperm it's shorter - don't know how much shorter) than the egg which only hangs around for like 24 hours. (All of this is what I think I remember reading someplace so hopefully, I didn't get my info screwed up.)
Many of the women here have far more experience with IUI than I do, but if you are looking for a first timer's perspective, by all means - ask away.
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Suellen (me) - 30
A. (partner) -28 with a much better job, horrible medical history and no biological clock!
Yes, I think Suellen is right on. I did 5 IUI's unmedicated. My OB also doesn't do IUIs, but the local spermbank brings in a nurse to do them so we went that route - OPKs and IUIs. For the last 3 cycles (attempts 5-7) I've been seeing an RE. I also temped (see Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Terri someone or other) to better identify my O date. I'm sure neither of you will have the trouble I've had. I still don't have any diagnosed fertility problems.
I only did one insemination for the first 3, did 2 for the 4th and 1 for the 5th - and now we do 2 every time. It makes me feel like I'm much more likely to catch the egg.
Oh, and my RE recommends using first morning urine for OPKs - some doctors recommend against it. I think I also heard that you will O in 24-36 hours, a little different from what Suellen heard.
Cheyenne also didn't have any diagnosed issues and she started out with an RE - got pg on unmedicated IUI #3. I kinda wish I'd gone that route.
__________________
Jessica (32)
DP Kelly (33)
together 9 years.
___________________________
I think that decision is entirely up to you. We decided to go with 2 because originally we were supposed to start in May and then I had to get a rubella vaccine. My job isn't very flexible in terms of letting me out for appointments and stuff like that, so we really would like this to happen sometime in the three cycles I will have over the summer. Having lost the May cycle, we just thought it might give us a better shot of hitting sometime in these three months.
It's totally a personal thing. If you aren't in a big hurry (I know we all want babies NOW) or you don't want to spend the extra money each cycle - then I would go with one. If you are concerned about catching the egg (which I was too) maybe two would be better? It just made me feel better.
I guess that's not really an answer - maybe you should just ask your doctor why that was his/her recommendation.
__________________
Suellen (me) - 30
A. (partner) -28 with a much better job, horrible medical history and no biological clock!
Suellen, I hope you are able to get your timing right. I was hoping to time my conception for a summer birth. Clearly things didn't work out that way (I'm due in Feb). It was really hard for me to get a neg during my last "good" (good meaning good timing) cycle.
Sheen, My RE only ever does one IUI, but I know that different REs follow different procedures. He had us test for the LH surge in the evening using an OPK and then we went in 36 hours later for the IUI. I don't think the research really shows that 2 IUIs increase your chances of success (at least not much). When I was first starting, I looked on a medical search engine at the research on one vs. 2 IUIs and based on this research I don't think it's worth the extra $ spent on sperm.
Carrie, How are you doing today?
__________________
Alita, Host of Gay/Lesbian Pregnancy Board
IVF w/ ICSI #1
Retrieval 4/17
23 eggs, 16 mature, 13 fertilized, 4
Transfer cancelled due to OHSS
A - cool that you're the new host of the pg board!
I've heard exactly what you said - that according to medical statistics, doing two IUIs doesn't increase your likelyhood of success very much. I also did 1 IUI per cycle for a long time because it didn't seem like it was worth the extra sperm $.
At this point, however, I'm pulling out all the big guns. I'd rather spend sperm money than go on and on for years with this process. I just don't want timing to be a deterrent anymore. Clearly I have other barriers - I just don't know what they are.
Sheen - my first cy with my RE, I decided to just do one (though she recommends 2) because it didn't feel like good timing. My cervix wasn't open, I had to run back to a work meeting right after the IUI...it just didn't feel "right" and decided not to waste my money on a 2nd vial and IUI. This last cycle, it did feel right, and we did two.
I'm lucky though. Our sperm bank is here in town and we pick it up instead of having it shipped so I can really come by on a moment's notice.
WannaBMom74 - welcome back
__________________
Jessica (32)
DP Kelly (33)
together 9 years.
___________________________
Jen- Walt's a golden doodle. His mom was a golden retriever- his dad a poodle. Great thing is he doesn't shed! Yay! He's much bigger than they thought he would be- they quoted us 40-60 lbs. and he's 70! He was a result of failed IUI with injectables #5!
Sheena- We started with an RE right away because my OB/GYN referred us to one when I first started talking about it. We actually started out by doing home inseminations under RE's suggestion with donor sperm- 2 insems per cycle. When we started IUIs, we did them all with injectables and a trigger shot to help time the ovulation.
Suellen- If you advance to using a trigger shot in subsequent cycles, then there is no need for 2 IUIs. You ovulate around 36 or so hours after the trigger shot.
Jess- I completely understand about wanting to be pregnant NOW!
As for me, today was a busy day. We went out to visit an IF friend who just got a son through adoption. It's an incredible story. She had a failed FET in March (with donor embryos) and started the domestic adoption process. By early May, she was approved to be "shown" to couples (home study/portfolio done, etc.). Two weeks later a couple picked her, and her son was born May 26. I only wish we had this kind of option with adoption! Anyway, he's adorable! I'm hoping the baby vibes rubbed off on my embryos.
Less symptoms today. All day I was kind of disappointed about this even though I know it's still too early for many symptoms. My bb's still hurt (especially nipples). I didn't notice the backache/cramping until we just got home. I went to the bathroom and the cramping got pretty bad after. It's calmed down since I've been sitting here. I'm so scared to death about POAS on Thursday. Part of me really wants to, but part of me knows I won't. Like Jess, I just want to make sure I'm "pregnant" for as long as possible!
__________________ Carrie/Care75 (32)
DP- Suz (35)
Together 7 years!
TTC #1 since 04/05
9 home inseminations (5 with clomid)- BFN
6 injectable/IUI cycles- BFN
IVF November 2006- ET cancelled due to extensive fragmentation and poor development. Diagnosed with poor egg quality (poor cytoplasm)
Well back from the RE...seems I have a case of PCOS when he first told me I was sooo upset, why had my DR not found that? I wasted 6 months without ovulating. it seems when you have this most women always get a positive on the OPK. he was really great said this was not a problem he could give me meds and there isn't any other reason I shouldn't get pregnant. I go to the hospital today for an HSG to make sure my tubes are clear, then a glucose test & other blood work on 7/2. they were very "gay friendly" our nurse said her & her partner have a 2 year old, he treated DP wit a lot of respect and the nurse gave us some info on a local gay parenting group. So now at least I have an answer to why it wasn't working, you can't get pregnant if you don't ovulate.DP & I keep saying everything happens for a reason, I really like this DR, so maybe next month will be it!
Baby dust to everyone.
Shannon-28 ( will carry)
DP-Stephany-30
6 IUI's with clomid
6/19 appt. with RE= PCOS
tests & treatment ahead!
Beautiful love-6 years...almost 7 soon
That's great S. Not that you have PCOS, but that you're being well cared for now. How frustrating that your Dr. never diagnosed you with it! I'm glad to hear that the RE is being so positive with you. When's your HSG?
This is the longest two week wait ever. I can't believe it's only Wednesday.
K and I were talking last night. Friday seems like eons away, but the date we leave for Cabo seems right around the corner. What's up with that?
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Jessica (32)
DP Kelly (33)
together 9 years.
___________________________
Shannon- Oh I'm so sorry that you haven't been ovulating. That's totally frustrating. However, your new RE sounds very thorough so I'm glad you took this step. I hope the HSG goes well. PCOS is very treatable so I think that this will be great.
Jess- I agree. Friday does seem like eons away! I hope both of us get our !
__________________ Carrie/Care75 (32)
DP- Suz (35)
Together 7 years!
TTC #1 since 04/05
9 home inseminations (5 with clomid)- BFN
6 injectable/IUI cycles- BFN
IVF November 2006- ET cancelled due to extensive fragmentation and poor development. Diagnosed with poor egg quality (poor cytoplasm)
Shannon, I'm glad you have an answer to all those negative HPTs. I think it's always nice to get a diagnosis. I'm still waiting to hear what mine is! Once you have a diagnosis you know what direction to go in.
Jess and Carrie, Friday is just around the corner even if it doesn't feel like it. I can't wait to hear your news! I really hope you both get your BFPs.
Totally unrelated: I made popcorn at work today and burnt it so badly it practically caught on fire. Now I smell like burnt popcorn hours later!
__________________
Alita, Host of Gay/Lesbian Pregnancy Board
IVF w/ ICSI #1
Retrieval 4/17
23 eggs, 16 mature, 13 fertilized, 4
Transfer cancelled due to OHSS
A-your story about the popcorn made me laugh! DP almost burt the house down the other day when she accidentally pushed 20min for her hot pocket instead of 2 ( in her defense it was 4am) but the house still reeks!
Care & Jes- 2ww is the worst, hope it brings you I think all the BFP are a good sign and will rub off on us all soon!
Well I had my HSG yesterday afternoon, and it was one of the most horrible experiences of my life! I was thinking they were just going to look at my tubes, not force them open with a shot of dye! it was really painful ( I can't believe they don't give you anything!) I think I actually screamed out loud when he did the right side. but It was worth it because he said it looks like I'm clear. and I quote " If there are any cobwebs in there this will get them out" yeah the Dr actually said this to me. I go for blood work & diabetes test on 7/2 and then hopefully back to IUI's
I think I figured out this picture thing....I'm the one in the black
Shannon-28 (will carry)
DP-Stephany-30
6 IUI's w/Clomid :BFN
Saw RE= PCOS
Beautiful love -6 years
baby dust to everyone!
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Shannon-29 (will carry)
DP-Stephany-31
TTC for 19 months
14 IUI's with Clomid,Tamaxophin , Injectables & HCG
12th IUI with Tamaxophin, Injectables,HCG & Accupuncture
Miscarried at 51/2 weeks
On to IVF-shared cycle-waiting to be matched with egg recipient
Shannon, So sorry to hear that you had a painful HSG. I know it varies a lot for different women. For me it caused severe cramps, but not the kind of pain you describe. Maybe it did "clear out the cobwebs." It's so fun to see everyone's pictures!
So the PIO has left my hips really painful over the past few days, more than it had in the past. I'm not sure if it's just bc my hip meat has been tenderized or if doing injections and then sitting in the car for 4 hours (on two days) made things more sore. They do say to move around after the injections. Geez, this hurts, though.
Carrie and Jess, Are either of you testing today? Inquiring minds want to know!
__________________
Alita, Host of Gay/Lesbian Pregnancy Board
IVF w/ ICSI #1
Retrieval 4/17
23 eggs, 16 mature, 13 fertilized, 4
Transfer cancelled due to OHSS
Summer Chatt III
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How frustrating that your Dr. never diagnosed you with it! I'm glad to hear that the RE is being so positive with you. When's your HSG? 
