IUI 2ww: Early Follicular Surge & Ovulation - What to Expect

Question
Dear Doctor,
I am on my 2ww after an IUI on Nov 24. I developed 4-5 follicles on 150mg Clomiphene, of which the dominant one was 24mm roughly 36 hours before my IUI! According to my own monitoring, (Ovacue fertility monitor) I suspect I surged earlier that expected and ovulated naturally the day before my IUI. However, I went ahead the was given the hCG injection 36 hours before the IUI because my doctor insisted that even if the dominant follicle raptured early, the remaining ones (about 15mm at the time) would continue growing to size due to the drugs' protocole. I cannot help but feel that the IUI was done in vain. Am I right in thinking so?
This was my 3rd IUI in a space of 2 years. If indeed unsuccessful, do they qualify as my 3 attempts before moving on to IVF, or do they need to be done on consecutive cycles for that purpose?
I thank you in advance.

Answer
Hello,

Depending on your insurance the the state you live in, this may or may not count as your 3rd IUI cycle.  Check with your insurance.  Even if you ovulated before the IUI, the egg lives for about 24 hours so it may still fertilize.  IUI has a fairly low success rate compared to IVF so don't get discouraged if it doesn't work.  Good luck.