Moving from DIUI to ICI - using fresh sperm...(long, grab a snack!!)

[Marci]

We took a few months off so I could get my BP and my thyroid under control, so our aim is July (it was June - but doc is taking a much needed vaction in June!). I know that since we're using fresh, we can theoretically do them at home, but I don't want to do something wrong and waste 1 little guy - he may be the ONE!!!

I've read a few things on these boards about some tricks to try, but never paid much attention as I wasn't doing it that way. In the past 16 yrs (yep, 16 yrs of ttc, off and on!) we've done IVF/ICSI, failed adoptions, and some IUI's. A special friend of my dh's is "thinking" about it now, I don't want to rush him, we have plenty of time - he sounded positive about it tho. He's got kids already. He's exactly who I'd choose from a bank - blonde, blue eyes, good looking, very intelligent - and we get the entire contents of his "gift", not just 1/4 of it (the banks split each ejaculate into 4's before processing - so the count is not only down from them splitting it, but also the thawing process).

He will be getting a total physical with all the tests du'jour - and if it doesn't work in 3 months, he'll repeat them. I use the clearblue monitor and when we did IUI, I came in the day after my surge (only one a month - couldn't afford 2). So here's some of my ?'s:

1. Now that it's ICI, is there a difference in the time I'm inseminated? In my mind, I'd like to be inseminated the day OF the surge and the day after, since fresh sperm last so much longer (48-72 hrs). What have those who have succeeded done? I know my doc will tell me, but I also wanted to know from the experts .

2. Robittussin: I know there was no use taking it with IUI since the sperm bypassed the cervical mucous - but now, should I be taking it? When in my cycle do I start, exactly WHICH ONE (I think it's just the DM but not 100% sure). How much?

3. Baby aspirin (81mg). Does it help and when do I start taking it?

4. In the past with my IUI's my doc put me on Estradiol starting on the 1st day of Clomid. I've heard good and bad things about it. Has anyone been told by their docs to use it?

5. Progesterone: Do many of you use it? Do you start before or after the ICI? I've heard that the injections work better - and I want the BEST - can't afford to do it wrong.

6. I'm going to be using that cervical cup - anyone have experience with it? That's another reason why I want my nurse practioner to do it - I have no idea how to put it in. I'd have sperm all over the walls, the ceiling, in between my toes......Sounds like the best way to keep it in there.

7. Did you lie in bed for a few days (Even tho I know my IVF wasn't to be, I blame myself for not staying in bed a couple of days and I don't want to feel that I didn't do everything possible.)? I stay at home so it's now a problem with missing work.

Yes, I know that all of these ?'s will be answered by my doc, but I don't see him for another 2 weeks and I'M dying to get all of my ducks in a row. I'm really excited, even my dh has noticed a difference in my mood- feels like this will this is it. I understand it may take a while, but I feel really good about it.

I like fresh food over frozen food - why wouldn't eggs and uterus feel the same way

Who here is doing ICI - I'd like to know what you did to up your chances and how things went! I've been on FT for over 5 yrs now - 1st Infertility boards, then adoption, the IUI boards, now here! Next stop - PREGNANCY BOARDS! I'll be 38 next month and we've been ttc over 16 yrs:I THINK IT'S ABOUT MY TURN!

Blessings!

Marci
marcifarris@hotmail.com

[Momtotwins]

Marcie,
I don't have any advice on the subject I've always had to do IVF, but wanted to wish you the very best of luck. I'll keep you in my prayers.



Bonnie

[mmi]

Wishing you good luck. Can only help on 2 questions...

baby aspirin, start 1st day of cycle, at bedtime(not sure why).... helps with blood flow to uterus

progesterone.... my RE did put me on it, only after i m/c though(my progesterone levels were normal, but also miscarried a 'normal baby girl", so worth a try) I took suppositoriest about 2-3 days after my IUI... twice a day until 12 weeks of pregnancy.

goodluck

[BC-MAV]

WOW!!! I think I've gotten an education from YOU! T

The baby asprin helps prevent inflammation around the time of ovulation and helps prevent inflamation and clotting around the embryo so at the low dose it's good. I know it says don't take during pregnancy on the bottle but RE's routinely give it to people that have m/c and lots of people take it throughout pregnancy if they have m/c frequently or have immune issues. And also people take it to help thin their blood and lower the cholesterol. Lots of benefits to the low dose aspirin. You might want to get enteric coated so it doesn't upset the stomache.

Progesterone is usually for after the transfer so I assume it would be for after the IUI to keep up the lining. I think RE's really vary on what's best... PIO, sublingual, oral, or suppositories. I would go with user friendly suppositories that "go to the source" (ie. your uterus) But that's JMO!

I have heard the Robitussin thins the mucous so that's good too for the swimmers. I think the main ingredient is Guafenesin and they do make Guafenesin in pill form OTC called Guafinisin or Guafinex. Check the dosage because the pill might be higher dose than a teaspoon of the syrup. The syrup is nasty so I would try to get those pills OTC.

One more thing... even though this is a friend I hope you have some sort of contract to protect you both. GOOD LUCK!!!

[Laenae]

I don't have any experience with the subject matter, but wanted to wish you luck. It is great that you will be going with a known donor that you like.