IUI- medicated or unmedicated?

[baileybaby]

I decided a few years ago that I wanted to be a mother despite the fact that I am single. I have recently turned 38. I have had one unmedicated IUI (in May).It was unsuccessful. I will be doing another IUI later this month. My fertility clinic recommends 3-6 unmedicated tries before going on medication. From the research that I have been doing it seems that most women my age go right on clomid. For many personal, financial and work related reasons I want to make that I do everything possible to make each attempt successful. I ovulate pretty regularly so that is not my concern. But I have read that clomid can be beneficial even for women who ovulate. My question is should I be pushing my clinic for a presciption for clomid.

[baileybaby]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I am still undecided. I think I will call the clinic and talk to them about it. Thanks again!!

[Super_sally888]

Hi,

They can do low dose of clomid - 50 mg to stimulate more.  BUt I got max of 6 follicles (even on 50 mg), which is ok as they were split between 2 sides and only 1 side was open.

Still waiting to see if this worked.

[BeeHappy76]

I also ovulate normally and my RE had me start clomid to improve ovulation because I miscarried my first 3 pregnancies that were conceived without meds. The idea was that clomid would help improve the follicle quality and hormone levels, to increase chances of next pg being successful. BUT clomid thinned my lining, a common side effect. After 6 mos without success, I will be changing to a different drug. As seattleview mentioned, some drugs have side effects that can reduce your chances of getting pg, clomid especially. Sometimes it takes several months to adjust the dosage properly and to try different things to find the drug or combination of drugs that works best for you. Sometimes you have to take rest cycles in between because the meds caused a cyst on your ovaries, that slows everything down more. I think that's why they say if there's no reason to think you need meds, your chances might be better trying natural first. You could request that they monitor your follicle production and lining on next cycle, that could give you a better idea if the meds might be needed. Good luck!

[seattleview]

My RE prescribes Femara instead of Clomid because it has fewer negative side effects, but, YES I would definitely push your RE to do medicated cycles. I don't think my RE even offers UNmedicated cycles...at least they didn't to me and I also ovulate just fine. Maybe for younger people? I was 34 when I had my IUI. I actually had IVF in May and my doctor did everything possible to make it successful and it was. Since I haven't been to any other RE and this was my only IVF, I have actually been very surprised to learn on here how many people go through IUI and IVF without all possible help. If I'm going to do something so unnatural in the first place, then my belief is to pull out all the stops! Again, maybe it's different for the younger gals, but for those of us 35+ I think it's essential to do everything possible since time is not on our side and none of this is very pleasant to go through so why not give yourself the best possible chance? Best of luck to you!

[nshapland]

They prob want you to try unmedicated b/c medication raises the risk of multiples. But you could ask for a low dose to reduce that risk.
I think the timing is the important thing. I have my RE check before the iui to make sure they haven't missed teh ovualation, then I go a second day and have them check to see if I've ovulated (it's good if you have on that 2nd day, it means the timing was right) and even if I have ovulated I still go ahead w/ the 2nd iui b/c if the egg was recently released it may still be fertilizable).
Good luck!