follistim injections & IUI

Hello.  Just a question to throw out there -- I started my first round of injectables (follistim)  on Friday 6/6.  Tuesday I went for my first ultrasound and bloodwork, then again on Thursday and I have to go Saturday 6/14.  If anyone has done the follistim injections before -- how many days were you on the medicine before they did the IUI? How long did it take for your follicles to mature?

[meggs523]

I've done three cycles of the Follistim.  I start the injections on day four of my cycle.  The first two cycles I didn't respond very well to the meds, so I ended up on the injections for 14-16 days, with increasing doses.  The third cycle, my RE started me off at a higher dose and I was on the injections for 10 days.  I think it all depends on how you respond to the injections.  I've heard though that the average time is 8-14 days before the IUI takes places.  Good luck!

[kramik107]

Thanks. That is what I thought.  My last us and bloodwork was yesterday and 2 follicles measured 12 cm.  I go back tomorrow so I am hoping that they are almost ready. My re has not increased the dosage -- she said I am responding nicely so I guess I will have to see what happens.  Have you had any luck with getting pregnant on this yet?  

[BabyBlue07]

I was on Follistim on CD3, 5, 7, and 9 while I was on clomid 150mg on CD3 - 7.  Around CD 12 I went in for sonogram to see if there are follicles.  If the follicles mature and ready to rupture, I have another injection call Novarel to help the follicles rupture then 36-48 hours later I scheduled for IUI.  

Last cycle I have IUI and have 3 mature follicles size 29 and no success.  I am trying naturally now.  No more medicine for me...

good luck

[meggs523]

I'm glad to hear that you're responding well to the injections!  I myself have not had any luck with getting pregnant.  The first two cyles worked just like they were supposed to, but just didn't get pregnant.  The last cycle was cancelled because I had too many follicles.  (39 if you can believe that!) I go in for one last cycle in a week and we're praying this is the one because we can't go on due to financial reasons.  (insurance doesn't cover anything)  

[kramik107]

Yes I started my injections on cd 3 and have done them since.  tomorrow is cd 11.

Meggs -- When I had my u/s yesterday I asked the dr how many follicles I had and she said potentially 15 (9 on the right and 6 on the left)  They don't anticipate that all 15 will mature so far there are 2 that are of a good size one on each side.  I too hope that this cycle works for me because I can't financiallly afford anymore either -- my insurance does not cover anything either so I have to fork it all out on my own too.  It is very expensive.

[ALT76]

You never know how they are gonna affect you.  I'd been on mine for 8 days and had very little growth, but since I was going away for the weekend and wouldn't be back for 3 days (and I have PCOS so they didn't want to hyperstimulate me), I stayed on the lowest dose over the weekend.  On Friday I had nothing, and Monday I had TWELVE mature follicles!  So, ya never know...

[kramik107]

Yes I know -- I wasn't even gonna do anything this cycle because I am going away next week.  But they were positive that I would be in for the IUI before 6/20 so we will see what happens.

[krock1]

Has anyone had any negative side effects to the meds?  I have been having major stomach issues on the follistem