Navigating Your Fertility Journey: What to Expect with IUI and IVF

After a year of “trying” I finally made an appointment with a fertility doctor. Which in itself felt like a major step. It was admitting to myself and my husband that things weren’t going to be as easy as we had initially hoped. 

After a mandatory stop with the billing lady (more on that in another blog), we finally sat down with the doctor. She informed us that we had only a 10-15% chance of getting pregnant without IVF. We were understandably freaked out. We couldn’t afford IVF and I wasn’t ready to try something so aggressive until we explored our other options. 

We decided not to move forward with that doctor because I just didn’t feel right (and that’s ok). If you have options, I always encourage you to explore them. We decided to take a few months to track and make some lifestyle changes and pray that it would be enough. I really wish I knew now what I knew back then, because there is so much more I could have been doing. When we decided not to move forward with IVF, the clinic gave us no guidance and informed us to simply call back when we were ready to move forward. 

Unfortunately, we weren’t successful and we found ourselves right back in a fertility clinic. Again, that’s ok, we both felt more comfortable and ready. Plus the second job I picked up gave us some money to afford treatments. When you feel your clock ticking, every month can feel like it’s your last chance. Depending on your situation, I encourage you to go at a pace that you’re comfortable with. If you’re feeling rushed or pressured into something, take a break and re-evaluate. 

My experience at the second clinic was completely different. I felt listened to and respected, instead of like just another number. My new doctor also agreed to go at whatever pace I felt comfortable with going. He suspected I had endometriosis. He performed a laparoscopy and excision which confirmed my diagnosis of severe endo. After recovering from my surgery we moved forward with IUI.  Despite making adjustments after each round, hoping it would make enough of a difference, after 5 rounds I still wasn’t pregnant. 

It was time to look into IVF. 

What I didn’t realize but wish I had known then, was just how much more involved IVF was and how long the entire process took. I think at the time I was so focused on the cost that I didn’t really let myself look into it until it was our only option. Also I trusted my doctor completely and knew that he had my best interests at heart. I followed his guidance and leaned into my faith. 

I realize that many women are in my shoes. You’ve been trying to get pregnant on your own and you’re starting to explore your options. So I figured I would break down the comparison so you can make a more informed decision about what is right for you and your future family. 

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

IUI is often one of the first steps in fertility treatment. This procedure is less invasive and can be a good option if you have unexplained infertility, mild endometriosis, or issues with your partner's sperm count or motility. During IUI, sperm is washed and concentrated, then placed directly into your uterus around the time of ovulation. This process increases the number of sperm that reach the fallopian tubes and boosts the chance of fertilization.

What to Expect:

• Preparation: You might be given medication to stimulate ovulation. Your fertility specialist will monitor your cycle closely with ultrasounds and blood tests.
• The Procedure: The actual insemination is quick and usually painless, often described as feeling similar to a Pap smear. It typically takes place in a clinic and doesn’t require anesthesia.
• Aftercare: You can return to your regular activities immediately, but it's a good idea to take it easy for the rest of the day.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

IVF is a more advanced and complex procedure. It’s often recommended if you have blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, severe male factor infertility, or haven’t had success with other treatments. During IVF, eggs are retrieved from your ovaries and fertilized with sperm in a lab. The resulting embryos are then transferred to your uterus.

What to Expect:

• Stimulation Phase: You’ll take hormone injections for about 8-14 days to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple eggs. Regular monitoring with blood tests and ultrasounds is crucial during this phase.
• Egg Retrieval: This minor surgical procedure is done under sedation. A specialist will use an ultrasound-guided needle to collect eggs from your ovaries.
• Fertilization and Embryo Development: In the lab, your eggs are fertilized with sperm. The fertilized eggs develop into embryos over the next 3-5 days.
• Embryo Transfer: A selected embryo (or embryos) is transferred into your uterus. This procedure is quick and usually painless, similar to IUI.
• Aftercare: Following the transfer, you might need to rest for a short period. You may take progesterone supplements to support your uterine lining.

Even just making an appointment at a fertility clinic can feel like a huge step. You’re admitting to yourself and your partner that there may be an issue. Both IUI and IVF may take several rounds and require patience and resilience. At the end of the day, the right choice is the one you choose. I know that may sound a bit strange but you can’t be hard on yourself for not knowing what you should and shouldn’t do. All you’re trying to do is become a mom and know in your heart that you are making the next right choice that is taking you a step closer to making that dream a reality.