When to move from IUI to IVF?

[still_hoping867]

We have been trying to conceive for almost 4 years now and are battling with male factor infertility.  I just went through my second IUI treatment (with Clomid) but I do not feel a lot of hope at this time.  

How many IUI attempts are typical before moving to IVF?  How invasive is IVF and how much does it improve your chances of conceiving?  

[mhv]

Well, IVF w/ICSI overcomes alot of the male factor, so I say if your kinda in a rush...move forward.  If you still feel like you "have time", do IUI a couple more times... couldn't hurt, might help.

Good Luck! and SSBD!

[Elaine Brown, MD]

The data seem to suggest that if you have not had success after 3 trials of IUI you should probably move on to IVF.
IF you have male factor fertility, IVF might improve you success rate fairly dramatically.  Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) can work quite nicely.  IVF is fairly "invasive".  There is quite a lot involved in a cycle.  If you would like more information, a good site is GoIVF.com.
Good luck!
Dr B