What is a reasonable number of IUIs? Also, DIY ICIs?

[tumblewieds]

We plan to use frozen donor sperm (husband had a vas five years ago) to get pg. I'm perfectly healthy, with no issues, 32 years old. I've conceived easily 5 times before and have three children. In discussing this, hubby and I want to agree on how many times we will try. Is six a reasonable number?

Also, what about just buying sperm and doing ICI's ourself at home? Is that even worth the time or trouble?

I'm learning so much here. Thanks to you all for the wonderful info!

[sselora]

Sounds like you may actually have a chance of having an IUI work! So you may not need all that many. My doctor told me that if you don't get pg after 3 IUIs that it's very unlikely to happen unless there is a change in meds, etc. We did 6 without luck and moved on, but the avg number seems to be b/w 3 & 6. Good luck!! I don't know what ICI's are Sorry!

[quantumleap]

We're putting our limit at 6. Keep in mind that frozen donor sperm has about the same ods of conception as regular old sex - it is a lucky few who conceive on their first try. After our 6 cycles (which are taking FOREVER due to our pcp's vacation schedule. grrr!), we just plan to re-evaluate. We may jump right to IVF, or embryo adoption, or even just a different donor. We ended up choosing a very popular donor (we didn't know that when we chose him), but, he doesn't have any confirmed pregnancies, something we also only found out after buying from him. He has great counts, but part of me wonders if our two failed cycles are not just a combo of him and I (or just him!) as opposed to simply being my body that can't get it together. I guess we'll see.
Also, I do agree that setting a limit to these things is good, but I also believe that, should you draw a line in the sand now and reach it later, there should be some wiggle room. As in, if you get to your agreed upon "end" and feel no peace about that being the end, I do think you should keep going.

I hope it all works out for you in a cycle or two and you don't have to worry about these things.

Katia

[tumblewieds]

Thanks to you both!

I appreciate your responses. I wish that there was an easier way to do this! I've always had midwives and I would love to find a midwife who would just work with me and do the inseminations LOL!

[sselora]

My acupuncturist actually told me that she works with a nurse practitioner who does IUIs. They kind of work together to give you the best chances. So it may not be all that crazy of an idea.