Well, after much deliberating, we've actually decided to go with a round of IUI instead of IVF.  Everything I've read points to IVF (and that I should never look back!), but I just can't bring myself to going there yet.  I think it came down to the money, and just wanting to try something less invasive to begin with.  I really don't have high hopes for this round, but well see how the meds play out... I believe they will help a lot, it's just getting the left ovary to supply the eggs and getting those those pesky little swimmers to do their job efficiently.

Even though I'm looking at this realistically and thinking the odds are stacked against us, I at least have my DH's super-support in all of this... I can't believe how wonderful he has been... he is so optimistic, and is constantly making me feel better.  Through all of our ups and downs with the past year of ttc (and unanswered questions, frustrations and disappointments) at least I feel like we are starting a new chapter in this process, and although it might not be this particular chapter that we get a sticky bean, at least we are pressing forward and doing something different!

Oh, and I just wanted to ask... If anyone has had any IUI's or IVF's in the past, how did you know which day you were going to ovulate so that you could give yourself the HCG shot beforehand (i.e. did the doctor do opk's, give you an US, etc)???

Crossing my fingers for you bean! I haven't done IUI or IVF, but I did do the HCG shot. I had an ultrasound on CD14 for follicle sizing. Since I had a good sized follice, they had me do the HCG shot the next morning and then planned DTD that day and the next. I'm pretty sure your doctor will let you know when. With the shot, they said you will/should O within 36-40 hours.

That's awesome! I'm so glad you're going on a route the you and DH are most comfortable with! Come on lefty!!! Get your behind in gear and be the one to release the eggies! :). I can't wait to hear how it all goes! :)

Bean - Congrats of figuring out what works best for you and your DH.  I don't have any advice to give you regarding your questions, but I am hoping for the best for you.  Please keep us updated!

I think IUI is a good route if you're not ready for IVF.  We're doing IUI's until they tell us we can't do anymore because of the same reasons.  We really can't afford IVF right now, but my insurance pays most of the iui's.  I only pay for the doctor's visit's copay and the medication, which is around $30-50.00 depending on how the follicles are growing. I've only had one IUI so far and am in the tww.

On how do you know when you ovulate...same as what VheartsM said, they had me go in for ultrasounds every other day (and I'm an hour and 1/2 away!) to monitor how big the follicles get.  When your follicles are close to being mature (18-20mm) then they have you take the hcg trigger shot and you should ovulate around 36 hours.  Then, they schedule the iui near 36 hours.  My first medicated cycle I ovulated on my own between two ultrasounds.  :-(  So, this cycle they had me come in every day after the follicles got to a certain size so they could monitor it better.

The iui itself was similar to a pap smear and it only took 10 min.

Good luck!!!

kmack -- Thanks for the info... It's nice to hear that you are going through the same thing (although of course I wish you didn't have to go through it at all...) it just comforting to know you've been through it and your knowledge is very helpful.  Thank you, thank you!  I hope your 2ww isn't too grueling and you will get your BFP!!!!!!!  FX!!

So, I just went in today for my first US this cycle, and I have no cysts!  I just picked up my Clomid Rx... 50mg for 5 days.  Then I will do the FSH (I believe it is that hormone, but I have to double check again) injection for 3 days, then go in for another US and based on what that looks like, then hopefully proceed with the trigger shot.

I'm just a bit confused now looking at the dates, because I will get my 2nd US (after the Clomid and 3 injections) on Friday April 1st...  that is only CD 11... Isn't that early or is that just to start monitoring the follicles, and then wait til they are mature?  I only ask b/c I have an appointment to get my wisdom teeth extracted on March 31st, and now I think that would be too much during all of this.  When I made the appointments I didn't think they would be overlapping this much, but with my insurance ending and my cycle being a week longer than usual last cycle, things are turning out to look this way... FF says that my predicted O-date is April 9th (although I do realize that meds may make that change).  Do you think I should cancel the teeth and pray for the best with them for the next year (I will still have dental insurance through my company, but it's not great, and I'd be nervous about something happening just in case I happen to get pregnant).  Do you think that this cycle will be compromised if I get my teeth taken out????

Nevermind, I've decided to play it safe with the IUI and put the wisdom teeth on the back burner for a year... why mess with my chances?!

That is wonderful news! I'm glad you guys decided on what was best for YOU. How exciting that you are now trying something a little different and all the possibilities that might come with that. Go DH for being so supportive and GO LEFT OVARY!!! :)