IUI #3

The start of 2026 saw me kicking off my first cycle for the new year. I’ve got a lot going on at the moment. A new location, new job, and some big family events coming up that are taking up attention and energy. In the midst of all that, though, I felt like if I didn’t give a cycle a chance this month I’d feel conflicted about delaying it because of other life events, so here I am, cycle #4.

This cycle was pretty close to the others but the first that the catheter actually reached my uterus (woohoo), making it the first real IUI by technical standards. The trigger was done in a shorter timeframe to the procedure, I think just to ensure ovulation rather than time the trigger and IUI exactly.

Unfortunately, this cycle was a negative result also, meaning it’s back to the drawing board for a plan assessment. What I’ve decided at this point is to go with my gut and do another IUI – to achieve two goals. First, to confirm the doctor can have full access again (making only the second IUI by technical standards), which would give me more confidence to go to IVF as a second step. Secondly, given I don’t count the first IUI, or the second, really, as proper IUIs, I don’t consider I’ve had my three goes I initially wanted to before considering IVF.

This means one more IUI, and then, if that is negative, moving on to IVF in time for my birthday is my current plan. Not the exciting news I’d hoped for, but still one step closer. Of course, I maintain my plan of having a solid ‘stop’ deciding moment, as I know I have a good, full life, whether I have a biological child or not. I’m fortunate to have that perspective, as it tempers the sadness and stress of each attempt, with a pragmatic outlook.

Onwards!