When should I consider moving on from doing IUIs to trying IVF?
Patient: Dr. Malpani, when should I consider moving on from doing IUIs to trying IVF?
Dr. Malpani: That's a great question. When it comes to deciding between continuing with IUIs or moving to IVF, there are a few things to consider.
Patient: What should I be thinking about?
Dr. Malpani: Well, many patients wonder if they should keep trying with IUI, especially since it’s simpler and less expensive than IVF. They often think, “If I can get pregnant with IUI, why spend more on IVF?”
Patient: That’s exactly my thought. Why should I spend more on IVF if IUI might work?
Dr. Malpani: It's a common dilemma. The problem is that sometimes patients will go through multiple cycles of IUI with different gynecologists without success. They get frustrated and switch doctors, only to be advised to try IUI again, with claims that the previous attempts weren’t done correctly.
Patient: So, switching doctors might not change my chances?
Dr. Malpani: Precisely. Often, a new doctor might suggest that the earlier IUIs weren’t done properly, but that’s usually not the case. There comes a point where repeating IUI cycles leads to diminishing returns.
Patient: How many IUI cycles should I try before considering IVF?
Dr. Malpani: Typically, if you've done three to four cycles of IUI without success, it's reasonable to start considering IVF. The issue is that many gynecologists aren’t trained or equipped to do IVF and might keep suggesting IUI to avoid losing patients to specialized IVF clinics.
Patient: That makes sense. So, sticking with IUI might not be the best approach after a certain point?
Dr. Malpani: Exactly. If you’ve reached the point of diminishing returns with IUI, it’s time to move on to IVF. Don’t keep repeating the same treatment cycle after cycle just because you’ve changed doctors. At that stage, IVF might offer you a better chance of success.
Patient: Thank you, Dr. Malpani.