IUI Success rate

Posted by Kiwi chick (39 days ago)

We are starting our first round of IUI with Dr Ho next month. What has been the success rate for people out there? Has anyone done it without using the drugs - I have heard that this can be done but not sure if the success rate is that great.

Thanks

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Blatant (39 days ago)

we did it 3 times last year. 1st time with no drugs, 2nd time with tablets, 3rd time with injectables (similar to they give prior to IVF) and we have a baby due in 4 weeks. I had low sperm count, wife had 1 egg & the Dr said we were probably wasting our time.

Never give up, and if age is starting to become a factor please do not delay.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Petie (39 days ago)

We used Dr Ho for IUI 4 times before we had success. First time with clomid and the rest with Gonal F.
The success rate for IUI is normally about 23% so without drugs would be even less. Dr Ho never actually talked to us about going drug-free.
Good luck, it is a tough time but worth it when you reach your goal.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Havefaith (39 days ago)

I have tried IUI (with Gonal F) three times without success and IUI (without meds) with success - (unfortunately, ended in m/c). Statistically, the success rate of IUI without meds is low - compared with IUI with meds - but then again I have had success without meds as opposed to with.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Kiwi chick (38 days ago)

Thanks everyone for your feedback. We have been trying for nearly 2 years and one early miscarriage and have both checked out ok, I am ovulating fine and husbands sperm count is normal so its unexplained! Will have a talk to Dr Ho and see if he thinks the meds are needed in my case - would rather do it drug free but then don't want to have less of a chance.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by disco babe (38 days ago)

I think it all depends on your age. At the age of 39, we had 5 attempts at IUI with Dr. Ho and now have a healthy little girl. After that, we've had another 6 attempts and one failed IVF. We're about to start our second cycle of IVF. I'm nearly 41 now.
Good luck!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by babybemine (38 days ago)

If you're late 30s, you may want to go with injectibles (gonal f). I read it helps to release the good eggs. It is not painful and quite simple. The only risk is that you could end up with twins which you may be fine with you anyway. I did one IUI without meds (did not work) and did one with gonalf which worked. Both with Dr Ho. Good luck.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Kiwi chick (37 days ago)

I am 34, so I know I have a few years up my sleeve. Is the gonalf the same as clomid?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Highlander (37 days ago)

May I know where is Dr Ho's clinic is? May I know his full name?

(I am based in Singapore)

Posted by Kiwi chick (37 days ago)

His clinic is in Hong Kong Central - full name is Dr Philip Ho. I believe that he is one of the best here in HK.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by disco babe (37 days ago)

He's good, but extremely busy.... waiting times are very long!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Petie (37 days ago)

Gonal F is the drug injected, it uses a similar syringe to the ones diabetics use. Easy to use and not very painful. Clomid is in tablet form and I don't think it is as strong. Not sure of the other differences!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by ozcalgal (34 days ago)

I'm in my early 30s and we used Gonal-F (injectibles) with an IUI done with Dr Ho and it worked 1st time! After having the IUI done I rested for 2-3 days, stayed at home, no exercise lots of tv watching and book reading and for the 2 week wait, I took it really easy. I'm sure this helps. My friend who is a nurse told me to do this as it worked for her too, when she didn't do it the IUI was unsuccessful,. which could just be a coincidence but I think taking it really easy gives your body a good fighting chance to get pregnant and let implantation happen. Goo.dluck and you're in good hands with Dr Ho

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Kiwi chick (33 days ago)

Hiya

Thanks for that - hopefully this we will do the IUI on a Friday and then i can take it easy over the weekend! This is probably half the problem for not being preggers yet...don't take it easy enough and have too much on my plate!!!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by ozcalgal (33 days ago)

Goodluck!!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by blessed (32 days ago)

Hi,

Just want to add my bit with my successful attempt with Dr Ho and we have a lovely 3mth old now. He knows exactly what he's doing and I found my waiting times weren't that bad. He's busy but that's because he's popular.

Goodluck!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Kiwi chick (13 days ago)

Well on day 2 of injections!!! Did the first one with the nurse and this one today by myself and have to say it was fine! Just the thought of sticking a needle into yourself that was a bit freaky!

So the road begins!!!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Starbucks2 (12 days ago)

Good luck kiwi chick

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by MayC (12 days ago)

Good luck, Kiwi chick. I did my IUI on the 29th of April and I have 8 days to go before I test.

I asked my gynae about the success rate for IUI. She said 20%. I'm a little discouraged. I thought that normal intercourse is about 20-25% anyway? I have endo so I don't know if that's going to lower my chance of success with IUI. I'm so pessimistic, I really should stop. It's just that we've been trying for ages so I'm trying not to get my hopes up only to be disappointed.

I had a notice from the hospital on the day of my IUI. It said to rest for 1-2 days after (bedrest is not recommended, just no heavy-lifting, cycling, rigorous exercises etc). It said to avoid raw foods, papayas and bananas. I liked the first point - "dont worry, be happy".

You were brave with sticking needles in yourself. I couldn't do it so I had to travel to the hospital for them. Gonal F didn't hurt as much as Pergonal. The IUI was painless too. It was a bit like a papsmear (sorry to sound so gross)!

Good luck!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Kiwi chick (7 days ago)

Hi MayC

How are you going? I had the IUI today so now the dreaded 2 week wait!!!

And you are right the IUI is painless! But now my tummy is bloated like a balloon and is quite tender.

Fingers crossed for you!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by MayC (4 days ago)

Hi Kiwi chick. Thank you so much for asking.

Good luck with your IUI. I felt bloated too for 2 weeks.

Unfortunately for me, my period came. I was disappointed but at least it had the decency to come 3 days earlier so I didn't have to spend on a pregnancy test kit or spend another 3 agonising days worrying about something that's not going to happen.

I saw my doctor today and she initially suggested giving IUI another try but changed her mind when she did my ultrasound. Apparently my cyst is getting bigger and she found another one. Removing these cysts and cleaning my system will increase my chances of falling pregnant by 50%. So here I go again with yet another treatment but I'm not discouraged... too early. Someone once said to me that there are lots of treatments out there so there are many ways to fall pregnant. She was right because she is now pregnant.

Good luck, Kiwi Chick. I was told by my gynae that even a normal couple with no problems can take up to three go's to fall pregnant. I'm sending lots of baby dust to you.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Kiwi chick (4 days ago)

Hi MayC
What a bugger! But now you know when you get rid of those cysts then it is all positive! And as I keep telling myself time after time - it will be so worth it!

It is so hard not to get your hopes up - I mean - perfect sperm, perfect eggs, hopefully in the perfect spot at the perfect time - really there shouldnt be a reason for not getting up the duff!

Take care MayC and go and get those cysts removed! Are they able to do that this month?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by MayC (4 days ago)

Well, I was told that due to stimulation for the IUI I did 2 weeks ago, some follicles are still showing up in my system. Apparently it takes a month for these follicles to disappear so I think my doctor wants me to wait.

I've just confimed with my insurance agent that they can cover the costs of my surgery so that's one thing less to worry about.

So when do you get to test, Kiwi chick? I drove myself nuts during my 2ww. I kept having all these silly dreams including one where I actually dreamt that I was using my friend's sperms!

Good luck ;-)

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Kiwi chick (3 days ago)

What a relief re the insurance. I had a laparoscopy in February and thankfully the insurance paid for that. Everything here is over the top expensive!

9 days to go! I am not the most patient person and just hate this 2ww!

Will let you know!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by disco babe (3 days ago)

That's great that your insurance wil pay for that.
Which insurance company are you with?

Do you know if there's an insurance company that will pay for IVF?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Kiwi chick (3 days ago)

Not that I know of. We were with Allianz however we were completely ripped off by them and cancelled our policy and they use to cover investigations into infertility but now EXCLUDE asia. We have done some research into IVF in Bangkok - its around 36k compared to 60k here however you have to be there for 18 days.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by disco babe (3 days ago)

Hi Kiwi Chick,
That's interesting.
My second failed IVF attempt here was just on $80 000.
It's very expensive!
I'm with Allianz at the moment. They were great with maternity coverage with our firsy baby, but will not cover IVF.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by MayC (2 days ago)

Dear Kiwi Chick and Disdco Babe,

I am using Prudential for my insurance. I do know that AIA covers my surgery too.

I spoke to my insurance agent about whether or not IVF can be covered and why not, if my lap is covered. He says that endometriosis (my condition) is a woman's disease, irregardless of whether or not a person is trying to fall pregnant. A lot of patients go for the surgery due to acute pain caused by endometriosis and none are actually considering pregnancy. There is a danger that the cysts will rupture if they grow and nothing's being done.

I am really terrified that I won't get pregnant even after surgery... and what if I don't? I'm more nervous about not falling pregnant than I am about the surgery.

My insurance agent said that if you're a resident in HK and you have to undergo fertility treatment, try to get a referral from your private dr so that you can line up for treatment at the public hospital. The cost in a public hospital for IVF is about HK$35-45k per cycle..

I've just bought a really nice key from the Central Libray. The key has a very special message, an excerpt from the bible, Mark 11:24:
"For this reason I say to you,
Whatever you make a request for in prayer,
have faith that it has been given to you,
and you will have it."

(I am based in Hong Kong)