I am confused by when my cycle actually starts in terms of timing & IUI. I was waiting to see if I was pregnant having just done my 2nd attempt at IUI. I had 2 days of spotting/very light bleeding so I wasn’t sure if it was my period or not. Yyou hear about women becoming pregnant but still have light bleeding when their cycle would normally happen, so tI thought that may have been the case for me. I took a pregnancy test that came out negative. I called the fertility clinic to let them know that I think I was having my period but not sure since I was spotting. They said to wait till the full 2 weeks were up, which was just 1 day later, until I come in for a blood test to test for pregnancy, that is if I didn’t start my full bleeding period. Unfortunately my period came on, full bleeding that night after I called them. So I called the fertility clinic to let them know I had my period last night but they counted the first full day of bleeding as day 1, began my third attempt on day 3 by starting my Gonal-F injections. Unfortunately this third attempt at IUI was cancelled due to my follicles being too small the largest was #6. The nurse said that I may not be absorbing the Gonal-F which they had doubled the dosage on to 225.
I just want to make sure that on my next try that I know when my cycle really starts – is it the first light day or the first full bleeding day?
If I was not absorbing the Gonal-F – will this likely happen again during my next try? Is there anything I can do to help my body absorb the Gonal-F better? I had been injecting into my tummy area, should I try injecting into my inner-thigh (alternative injection site that they mentioned) instead this next time?
I decided that this time coming up will be my last time trying IUI & I will move to IVF if the IUI doesn’t work, which I certainly hope it does work. I am 42, single & healthy & no known fertility problems and would like to use my own egg for the IVF. My doctor said my chances using my eggs for IVF were the same chances as doing the IUI – 10%. That using a donor egg will increase the changes of my getting pregnant to 50%.  Are these accurate statistics for my age?
This process has been such an emotional rollercoaster & I just want to make sure I am doing all the right things to help conceive a beautiful baby. I’m an optimist - some way, some how I will be a mom - please help me get there.
Also good luck my fellow forum pals - I wish you all success.

The question of “which day is cycle day 1” (the first day of spotting or the first full day of bleeding) comes up frequently.  Either may actually be correct.  In general, we typically call cycle day 1 the first full day of bleeding.  However, anytime that you are unsure, you should check with your physician (as you did).  Also, if you have a history of diminished ovarian reserve, high FSH levels, or short cycles in general, it may be better to come in earlier rather than later.

In terms of absorbing (or not absorbing) the Gonal F: this may be improved with an increased dose of medication.  However, it may be an indication that your body is not responding to the medication in general, which sometimes occurs with advancing age and diminishing ovarian reserve (in terms of fertility success).  I am wondering if you also took Gonal F during your first 2 cycles, and how you responded.  You can try injecting into a different area.  I would also recommend reviewing your injection technique with the staff at your physician’s office, to ensure correct technique.

I think it is reasonable to proceed with IVF if the IUI doesn’t work, but it is always difficult to accurately make this recommendation without reviewing your complete history and seeing your response to the medications in the past.
The percentages for success that your doctor has provided seem right on target for your age.

As you mentioned, this process can be an “emotional rollercoaster”.  Try to remain optimistic, and don’t forget to take care of your emotional health during this difficult process as well.  You may want to consider therapy, yoga, acupuncture, and / or support groups.

Thank you for responding to my questions.

It’s great having the timing of the cycle cleared up, my normal cycle is around 27-28 days and always have one each month. Actually I will have to find out my FSH levels - I’m sure the fertility clinic told me but I don’t recall.

The first try - it seemed as though I had alot of activity & there were 4 follicles at the right size. I was doing Gonal-F 150 units, The second time was the same amount of Gonal-F except I started out with Chlomid for about 5 days before the injections. I had less follicles on the second try from what I saw on my ultrasound & there were just 2 follicles large enough.

It’s reassuring to hear that my clinic is right on with what the rest of the world knows in terms of the statistics.

I am in therapy which really has helped me talk through the anticipation & disappointments and recently did a fertility massage - which was so worth it, really helped to relax me. I highly recommend it.

I’ll be back to let you knowif the third go around was a home run. Or if I will have to give IVF a try.
These forums are really wonderful - the advise & support is such a gift. Thanks again.

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