IUI Success rate

Posted by Kiwi chick (142 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)

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Posted by Blatant (142 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 (142 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 (142 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 (141 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 (141 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 (141 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 (140 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 (140 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 (140 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 (140 days ago)

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

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Petie (140 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 (137 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 (136 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 (136 days ago)

Goodluck!!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by blessed (135 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 (116 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 (115 days ago)

Good luck kiwi chick

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by MayC (115 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 (110 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 (107 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 (107 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 (107 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 (106 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 (106 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 (106 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 (106 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 (105 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)

Posted by Kiwi chick (95 days ago)

After an agonising 2ww - I couldnt resist and wait one more day for the blood test on Saturday, so gave in and did a HPT on Friday and it was a BIG fat POSITIVE!!! Did blood test yesterday and nurse said count was 240 which is very stable and to do a scan in 2 weeks! Still in shock and just sooooo happy but know its a long road and soooooo early but feel very positive!!!! Feeling blimin hungry all the time and just tired but had a weird experience last Sunday when i started feeling sick and basically vomited the whole day long - even in the car - YUK! not a pleasant experience. Thought it must be food poisoning but must have be those hormones kicking in! So now only 8 months to go! YAY! MayC ... I know that it will just happen for you once you have that op and I had it a couple of months ago up at Matilda and it was fine - not alot of pain afterwards - just bloating and a sore tummy for a few days but the if you are going up to matilda the care is fantastic. Make sure you stay overnight - the food is pretty good too!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by MayC (95 days ago)

Kiwi Chick, congratulations! I am so happy to hear that you got your positive. Well done. Here's wishing you a happy and smooth pregnancy (AND birth).

I came home from the hospital today. I stayed for 4 days 3 nights. I was on an operation package. I was told that I have borderline Stage 4 endometriosis (stage 1 is mild and stage 4 is severe). I have to go on birth control pills for 3 months due to the severity of my condition and then I'm told to try naturally on my own. They removed 2 cysts on my right ovary (6cm) and a surprise one on my left ovary. I agree, I wasn't in a lot of pain, except i was in surgery for 2 hours so it took quite long for the anaesthesia to wear off. I couldn't eat nor drink anything for 24 hours. I kept throwing up. Other than that, it was a smooth operation. I'm glad I did it because it means I will be period free for the next few months. I hope I get lucky, Kiwi Chick, it's been a long time. Thanks for your well wishes and congratulations once again. Please send lots of baby dust down our way, okay? ;-)

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Kiwi chick (95 days ago)

Baby dust heading your way big time! I so believe that now that you have had this op that you will fall pregnant very quickly. A couple of my friends who have had severe endo had the same op done became preggers the month after the op. I also think that this 3 months will be a good break emotionally for you too. Take care and will be thinking of you!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by disco babe (94 days ago)

Congratulations Kiwi Chick!
That's wonderful news...... please remember to take it easy over the next few months.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Keepontrying (94 days ago)

Kiwi chick,

Congratulations! Wishing you all the best these next several months. Get lots of rest.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Kiwi chick (88 days ago)

Thanks guys! Feeling great but massive boobs! MayC, how are you feeling now after your op?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by lizkim1 (30 days ago)

Hi all,

Can someone please advise what sort of costs we are looking at for IUI here in HK?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Kiwi chick (29 days ago)

Hi there

We went through Dr Ho. Basically it ended up costing us $12000HKD which includes scans, injections, sperm washing etc, procedure and blood tests and well worth every penny!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by cherryw (29 days ago)

My doctor's opinion is that we have to make sure what is the underlying reason that we are not able to concieve. IUI may not be helpful at all especially if there is sperm problem. In terms of costs, IUI is only 1/4 of that of IVF. However, if we take into account the time factor (if we are old), IVF may be a more straight forward and effective method whose success rate is about 35% while IUI is less than 20%.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by lexigirl (27 days ago)

Hi gals,
I am new to this thread but have been reading your updates whilst I mustered up the courage to begin the daunting fertility path.

We already have a beautiful little girl who is 2 but we have been TTC for over a year now for #2 and I finally decided that we need a little extra help. I started seeing Dr Ho a few weeks ago who I think is just fantastic. He has made me feel so much more relaxed about the whole IUI procedure.

I start my injections tomorrow so a little nervous on how it will go.

Anyway, love to hear everyone's updates as it helps to know what others are experiencing!

Lots of baby dust to you all and a huge congratulations Kiwi chick!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Havefaith (26 days ago)

Lizkim1,

Dr. Ho has a IUI package for HK$6,800 - which includes scans, sperm wash and the IUI procedure. On top of that you would pay for Gonal F and blood tests. Depending on how much Gonal F you need it can range from a total of about $11,000 to HK$20,000. Although the success rate for IUI is lower than IVF, IUI is less stressful.

HF

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Kiwi chick (26 days ago)

Thanks Lexigirl! Good luck with the process - loads of baby dust to you! Also make sure that the day of and day after the procedure you do as little as possible - I lay on the couch for two days watching dvd's and also did no exercise for the two weeks after to give it the best chance I could. 8 days after the procedure, I woke up with a high temperature and was feeling soooo sick and vomited for the whole day and woke up the next day fine. I talked to the nurse at Dr Ho's about this and she said that it was too early for anything to happen but now I believe that the baby had implanted and there was a massive rush of hormones and that was my body's reaction to it. That next week I got the wave of tiredness - couldnt keep my eyes open past 8.30pm and then I did a home pregnancy test on the Friday (couldnt wait until the Saturday to be tested at Dr Ho's and it was a big fat YES! Keep us updated with your progress!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by ozcalgal (26 days ago)

A BIG congrats Kiwi Chick that is awesome news! Please make sure you get lots of rest and drink lots of water to keep yourself hydrated in this hot weather. Wishing you a smooth 8 months...I have 3 months to go now and cannot wait!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by lexigirl (26 days ago)

Thanks so much for all the words of wisdom Kiwi chick - I will definitely be putting my feet up and catching up on some desperate housewives! Had the first injection today and not too bad really. Not sure how I will go doing it myself but then again, a very small price for the gift (hopefully) at the end! If it's not too personal - can you remember what dosage of gonal f you were on and how many follicles were released when you fell pregnant?

(I am based in Hong Kong)