QuestionHi...my husband (36) and I (33) have been trying to get pregnant for more than a year. None of us have had a baby before. We are now seeing a fertility expert who suggested IUI will not help us because my husband's count is low (9 million the first analysis and 7 million the second). Is that correct?
My HSG was fine, as well as the hormonal profile. I ovulate (according the the OPKs) regularly each month.
I was put on chlomid 50mg/day for days 3-7 of the cycle and should be ovulating next week, should we try IUI or is there no point?
With thanks,
Jane.
AnswerHello Jane,
If you have already started with the Clomid cycle, then I would go ahead with the IUI. In reality, your RE is correct. It is not just that the sperm numbers are way too low (20 million is the minimum requirement), but when there is a sperm problem, there is usually a functional problem as well. That is, we see a decreased fertilization rate at IVF with sperm problems. IUI can get the majority of the good sperm where it needs to be, but it will not overcome this functional problem. ICSI (injecting the sperm into the egg) is required for that. If you were my patient I would recommend IVF with ICSI as the treatment of choice.
Sincerely,
Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com
Monterey, California, U.S.A.
